How to feed?

[layne517]

Hello!

I've read a lot about "daily rations" for feeding. I'm a new to raising chickens and I thought you just keep their feeders filled and they're allowed to "free feed" all day. Is this correct or should I be measuring out their feed? (I have 14 pullets, various ages). I'd like to try fermented feed but I'm not sure if this is enough for them. Please advise. Thanks!!

 

[ChickenCanoe]

The recommendation is to free feed.
I usually free feed in bulk feeders that last a week.
I also ferment feed and give them what they can eat in a few hours.
I was feeding only fermented feed for about 6 months but currently I can't get the feed I like to ferment.

Here's a good read.
http://www2.ca.uky.edu/agc/pubs/ASC/ASC191/ASC191.pdf

 

[RoyalRooster]

Unlike many other animals, chickens cannot overeat. This is why a self feeder is recommended, so they can eat when they like.

It's important of course that you get a feeder that doesn't allow feed to be spilt all over the ground. If the chickens can do this, they are unlikely to clean up their own mess, but prefer to eat from the feeder. It will then be the rodents or wild birds who will eat the feed from the ground, making the costs of feeding your chickens a lot more expensive.

 

[junebuggena]

The only reason you may need to limit feed is if you are raising Cornish Cross. They will literally eat themselves to death. Egg producers will not overeat, typically.

 

[RoyalRooster]

I did not know that about Cornish Cross - very interesting.