how often should I feed

[jimz1]

I just went through my first 50# bag of chick starter. It lasted 1 month. My question is should I keep the feeder full or just feed them once a day?
Will they eat just because it's there or do they eat only when they are hungry? I was using one of those red plastic feeders with the covers on it and I found that if I take the cover off, they seem to empty it and keep it cleaner than if the cover was on. I was thinking they would waste more with the cover off but that's not the case. I've been giving them treats in between the feedings but it doesn't seem to slow their hunger any. Is that normal?

 

[Medicine Man]

It's best to give them constant access to feed.

 

[Lazy J Farms Feed & Hay]

Offer the chicks Ad Libitum (feed theire all the time) access to the fed. Most monogastrics (one-stomached animals such as chickens and pigs) have the ability to limit their feed intake based on the amount of energy consumed.

Jim

 

[BellevueOmlet]

They will not overeat. I would recommend giving them a full supply of food. My feeder only needs to be refilled twice/month because it gravity fills until it is empty. Nothing gets wasted and they eat the right amount.

 

[BarefootMom]

I would be doing the happy dance if a 50# bag lasted a month! lol We are now going through 100#s every 5 days or so. But then again we have over 100 chicks (and they are almost 5 weeks old now!)

I only feed at morning and night- For the pullets they have 6 trough style feeders and they need more. I am always on the lookout for a bigger feeder, but I think we are just going to make one.

The meaties have 1 automatic feeder and I fill their troughs in the morning and at night.

If they always had access to the feed I would have to buy a feed mill! lol