How much to feed?

[Patchofheaven]

We have 13 - 10 month old ladies and 1 10 month old Roo. We feed our chickens a little over half a large coffee can of 20% Layer Pellets every day. Then they get to "free-range" our 6 acres all day. At least once a day I throw scraps for them to eat also. They always act like they are starving.

My real question is this: Are we feeding them enough?

(I've read before that we should feed about 1/4 lb of pellets per chicken per day. How does that measure out into 1 Cup or say 1/2 Cup measurements.)

Please forgive me in advance, if there is already a post somewhere with this information - I couldn't find it when I searched...

 

[Tuffoldhen]

I keep my feeders full 24/7 for 26 chickens in the henhouse ... along with fresh waterers...

 

[nccountrygirl]

I do the same, always have fresh food and water for them 24/7 and you'll have happy birds that give you lots of eggs.

 

[silkiechicken]

Yep, full feeders 24/7. Calculations on "the right amount of feed" are usually calculated for commercial grade leghorns which are about 3 lbs, and live their lives standing in cages. Your outdoor birds need lots more energy to sustain their most likely larger size and to stay warm while using energy to run around.

Just fill up that feeder and you'll have some happy hens.

 

[Patchofheaven]

We have 4 feeders: me, my husband and our 2 boys. We will most likely purchase a "feeder" in the Spring, but until then we are the daily feeders.

 

[Wildsky]

Quote:

By "feeders" we are refering to the container in the coop holding the food. 99% of us I believe keep them full of food 24/7

 

[Patchofheaven]

I know what a feeder is - we just have not be able to purchase one - like I said before we will most likely purchase one in the Spring. But until then I have 4 feeders (me, my husband and our 2 boys) lol...That's just my little way of being funny

Until I can afford an actual feeder,

I'm still wondering if anyone knows how much feed I should be giving my chickens daily...
Keep in mind, they free range at least 8 hours a day so I guess laying pellets is more of a supplement.

 

[UncleHoot]

Quote:
LOL!

I guess that's kind of like "Feeder Pigs". I used to wonder what they fed them to..

 

[MissPrissy]

Don't spend your money on a fancy feeder. You can make one very easily with a bucket and an old pan and eye bolt.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/LC-waterer.html

afeeder works the same way as this bucket waterer. Do a search and you'll come up with all sorts of good things people here have made.

My chickens have layer feed available 24/7. They also have grit and oyster shells in the hen house as well as a couple feeders on the wall with scratch grains (about 8 of them would rather lay their eggs in them though). They also get a ration of scraps, worms, bugs etc every day. Treats are black oil sunflower seeds. They get homemade yogurt and rice and chopped boiled eggs, too. Not daily but often. Now that it is so cold they do get a ration of cracked corn every evening to help keep them warm.

I think a small ration of feed and free ranging is okay for summer when bugs and seeds and plants are everywhere but in the winter they just need more.

Good luck with your flock.

 

[Wildsky]

Heck I don't have a fancy feeder - I use a rubbery bowl - I just pour feed in and they have at it - the sides are high enough they can't kick it all out.
I WOULD like one that can hold like 40 pounds of feed.... but I dont' HAVE to have one like that - I take a big jug of food out every two or three days and the girls are happy!