How much feed?

[Flyboy718]

How many pounds of feed will a barred rock hen eat each day...with no free ranging of any kind?

 

[chicmom]

I keep my feeders full all the time, so I never really know exactly how much my barred rock hen eats. Why don't you try measuring out a pound, and see how much she eats of it in one day. Sort of like an experiment.

I always feed free choice. Chickens don't usually overeat and become fat, unless of course, you're feeding them people food that isn't good for them.

 

[Fred's Hens]

Since every bird is different, this is hard to say with specificity. My educated guess would be 2 or 3 cups or 8 oz each. If you find that is too much, you can always cut back a bit. It takes some trial and error. You do not want them hungry, as few birds truly over eat. Can you describe why you are searching for a ration/portion information? Meal planning?

 

[Flyboy718]

Just trying to get an idea of how much my feed bill is going to be each year for 9 barred rocks. Assuming each bird eats 8 oz a day as you indicated as a possibility then that equates to 72 oz or 4.5 lbs per day times 365 days equals 1,642.5 lbs of feed divided by 50 lb equals 33 sacks at $15 a sack equals $495.00 a year in feed. Sound right?