how much to feed

[chicky1016]

So I am reading how, if you feed chickens too much, they can become overweight. I never knew that. I do know they seem to eat all day long. They are not free range but have plenty of room. I'm not sure off hand exactly the name of the feed I get, but it's broken up pellets. I don't think it has corn in it but is for laying hens. I was wondering could I just feed them like twice a day or something? Like maybe throw some handfuls of feed into their pen and have that be enough? I have 12 chickens.

 

[Chicks Galore3]

I free range my hens, and give them all-day access to food. My chickens don't seem to be overweight. For the most part, I think chickens can monitor their feed intake pretty well.The main thing I would worry about is giving too many treats. When I only had 12 hens (So long ago!

) I gave them a cool whip dish full of scraps every night and they were healthy weight.

 

[Ashbow]

You can give them their regular laying feed unlimited all day. Keep their feeder out in their coop; especially if they can't free range all day. Chickens are very good at knowing how much to eat. They eat small amounts multiple times during the day. Treats, on the other hand, need to be monitored. Especially dried meal worms. Greens are always a good choice! They love kale and lettuce.