How much to feed?

[erex37]

Hi All!, my husband and I were thinking of getting some chickens, but were not sure how to start. We were thinking of getting 1-2 roosters and 3-4 hens, but were not sure how much food do we feed them, and how many times a day. And is chicken scratch their food or just a treat? Any advice would help us make our decision. Thanks!

 

[sumi]

There are many options available when it comes to feeding your flock. Have a look here to give you some ideas:

Housing & Feeding Your Chickens

https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/feed-chart

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=8545

Enjoy your chicken adventure and

 

[devora]

Welcome to BYC!

Of course I'm gonna say, "Yes, get chickens!" Come to a Chicken Forum, that is the advice you'll find.

You don't need a rooster, did you know that? You only need one if you're going to breed. Many folks like them and get them, but they are not necessary if you only want eggs and pets.

Feeding is easy. Buy a chicken feeder, dump a huge amount of feed in it, and leave it in their coop 24/7. That's it,

For the feeder there are different types of feed (grower when they are babies, layer when they start to lay).

Scratch is not their main food. Scratch is a treat.

Chickens are realllllly easy. If you want to get jazzed up go here http://feathersite.com/ and look around.

 

[Appylover]

I feed my laying hens and Point of lay pullets and their rooster 1 coffee can of laying crumble and 1/2 can of cracked corn. I started the cracked corn as a filler to help the crumble go farther. But my birds seem to be happier, and they are starting to lay better. I also added ACV to their water. For treats they get just about anything we can eat plus what ever bugs my son can find for them. My neighbors mow their lawns with bagger mowers and give them the clippings, and once a day they get guinea pig food. On occasion I free range them in the yard when I can supervise.
My babies I feed chick starter and for my baby ducks they get chick starter and niacin in their feed. I start treats at about 3 weeks old when they have been going outside under supervision and have access to fine sand in their diet.
Many people feed differant things. Start with the basics and work from there. Remember if they have no access to grit or calcium it needs to be added free choice. Im told my birds do not need grit because they are on the ground but I still offer it to them.