How much feed?

[eksterhuis]

I have individual breeding pens for my heritage breeds, they don't have a run at the moment (this is being built for each breed but will take a while) so at the moment they don't get a lot of exercise. I have heard fat chooks don't mate or are less fertile. How do I get the right balance. If I free feed they seem to eat a lot and waste a lot.

I'm not keen on feeding pellets alone, but will feed pellets in conjunction with other foods, I'm not keen on feeding them any soy based products. Our free range chooks just get wheat (and whatever they can find).

Thanks

 

[eksterhuis]

Anyone? Any help would be appreciated!

 

[notcitygirl]

i also have a question: We are going through a bag of feed a week anyone have any ideas about how to decrease the amount of money we spend on feed? please im going bankrupt!!!!!!!!!-joking....well if i cant find a way to limit feed cost then its goodbey to chickens, turkeys, and ducks.......both this round and next year.

 

[devora]

To the OP, feeding 24/7 creates healthy birds b/c they regulate their intake. They do not overeat. Not sure what you mean about "waste" unless they are billing out.

We give our girls organic layer pellets and let them free range. Treats as well. There is soy in their pellets. What's the objection w/ soy?

 

[Time-Out]

Free-ranging will certainly cut down on feed bills as they can forage a bit. I'd definitely feed 24/7 like Devora says. If they do start getting overweight, find a feed with less protein. This wouldn't happen overnight anyway, so you'd still have plenty of time to build your run.

 

[Cindy in PA]

i also have a question: We are going through a bag of feed a week anyone have any ideas about how to decrease the amount of money we spend on feed? please im going bankrupt!!!!!!!!!-joking....well if i cant find a way to limit feed cost then its goodbey to chickens, turkeys, and ducks.......both this round and next year.

A bag a week may not be much depending on how many birds you have. 25 chickens would go through about that in a week if not free ranging. Cutting the flock is a surefire way to reduce feed costs.

 

[Countrypunk92]

And ducks eat alot anyway, and waste alot.

 

[notcitygirl]

well we do free range but the cost doesn't seem to diminish the cost!!!! The book that i have says that each hen will eat about 2 lbs of food a week and well...

 

[little boy farm]

i always keep the feeder full, they will eat if they are hungry