How much to feed young hens that have just started to lay eggs.

[ChiLady]

About how much feed should you give your laying hens? I have 3 hens that are just now starting to lay for their first time, I also have a rooster that is with them. How much should I be feeding 4 chickens in a days time? I let them free range in our back yard, but I don't know how much they are eating there. I want to be sure and not starve them, I feed them Dumor 16 % Layer poultry feed, but my husband tossed out the bag before I could read what it say about the amount you should feed. Any advise would be greatly welcomed. God bless


Francine

 

[Mr_Jeff]

I think you would be okay letting them feed at will. I have the feeder supplied with feed at all times but I have never seen them gorge themselves. In addition to that I give them a regulated amount of scratch every day as a treat and supplement to the feed I use. There's not a fat chicken in the bunch.

 

[chilling in muscadine]

I always have food and water available 24/7. They will be fine that way. Also they get up before I do and I always want them to have food available. They might get hungry waiting on me to get up.

 

[gritsar]

Quote:
I agree.

 

[danielbrown]

Chickens are like those skinny people who can eat all day and never gain a pound.

 

[PunkinPeep]

Quote:

funny funny

 

[ChiLady]

I didn't know that, maybe our scientist should be studying chickens to see how they can do this miracle. I know I need to know what they have that is helping them. LOL Thanks for all your input I will put down more feed for them then.


Francine

 

[damselfish]

Hi,

I noticed you said you were going to more feed "down" for them. If you're putting it on the ground, there will be a lot of waste as they trample it.

It would be better to put it in a feeder which is kept full at all times. Do a search here and you will find various homemade and purchased feeder ideas.

Hope this helps!