How much to feed pullets

[Eryniel]

I was wondering if anyone here can help solve a debate between my husband and I. lol

I have 6 week old pullets, and I fill this small quart base feeder 2x daily. He claims I feed them too much, but as the feeder is always empty when I go to refill it, (roughly 6:20am and 6:30pm) I wonder if it's not enough.

I (had) 7 pullets and 1 cockerel.

 

[PirateGirl]

They won't overeat. They eat a LOT when growing. I'd make sure they always have food available.

 

[bluebird]

Fill it at least once a day. Better to have more food than needed, than less

 

[Eryniel]

That is what I thought! Thank you.

 

[bluebird]

That is what I thought! Thank you.

Any time!

 

[4 ever Orpington]

I was wondering if anyone here can help solve a debate between my husband and I. lol

I have 6 week old pullets, and I fill this small quart base feeder 2x daily. He claims I feed them too much, but as the feeder is always empty when I go to refill it, (roughly 6:20am and 6:30pm) I wonder if it's not enough.

I (had) 7 pullets and 1 cockerel.

They’ll only eat what they require.

 

[rebrascora]

I agree with the others. The only important thing to ask is what you are feeding them? A proprietary "grower" will have a balanced nutrient level and should be fed ad lib.... ie as much as they want to eat of it. Other things should not be mixed into it and treats, if any, should be kept to a minimum.
The other thing to mention is that rats and larger birds like crows can also help to empty feeders when you are not looking, so you may want to consider removing the feeder overnight if it is somewhere that rodents could access it. I hang my feeders about a foot off the ground, but this past year rats have been jumping up onto the feeders even through the day and I've had to fasten them away at dusk. Just something else to consider.

PS. Welcome to BYC and the wonderful world of poultry. I hope you enjoy being a member of our great community.

 

[Eryniel]

I'm only feeding them medicated grower food, atm. And 1 meal worm each at night, to "pre-train" them to come to the coop at night. (I only let them out under supervision.)
Fortunately, so far we haven't had a crow or rodent problem, but in a week or so I am planning on switching to a hanging feeder.

And thank you! I am enjoying it here!

 

[Welshies]

I free ranged my young birds on 18% grower from day 1. They grow fairly large.
With growing birds there is no such thing as "too much"- at least, when you keep it healthy. If feeding treats, that's when you keep it in moderation.
Even my adult birds get 24/7 free choice food, but I leave it outside in summer and inside in winter. In winter they don't get too overweight due to -40 temps. They often choose to free range instead, but I've never had overweight issues, ever.

 

[Chickassan]

For that many birds of that age you are most certainly not overfeeding them. Growing birds eat a whole lot, and I'm actually suprised you only have to fill it twice a day. You can tell hubs respectfully he's wrong, or you can do it unrespectfully totally your call.