I’ve got 2 food hogs. They eat way to much for 14-15 week old pullets.

[Skyleen13]

I am not quite sure what you mean by a gluten? Chickens eat what they need. This is how I do it, feed and check the bowl. If there is a lot left over, feed less the next day. If the bowl is completely empty, then feed a little more. The amount changes depending on the weather and the season. And as they grow they need more feed.

Sometimes a bird will have problems with their body, but I would not limit the feed to all to treat a few. I would cull those birds. A lot of people I know keep feed in the set up 24/7. I feed mine daily with the theory that discourages rodents. But I have never heard of a bird over eating, unless it is a rapidly growing meat bird.

32 oz is not enough, in my opinion for that number of birds. I don't measure it, but I feed about 1/2 a gallon bucket (+/-) to my dozen birds.

As for oyster shell, they seldom touch it. They certainly won't over eat it.

Mrs K

By gluten in mean she will eat so much food that she can no longer walk because her crop is so full. She’s done this to herself several times when she had access to food all day long unlimited. It would take her 2 days in solitary confinement to completely empty her crop after she over eats. She did this multiple times in a row. Her crop was bigger then my fist. I came on here & asked for advice. Was told to limit her feed availability & try a bra for her crop. Bra did not work. She would still over eat. She’s low girl on the totem pole. She would park herself in front of the feeder & stay there eating until she couldn’t move anymore.
I started giving them more food today.

 

[aart]

The feed they get now is %15 protein. Their chick feed had %12.

12% are you positive? Chick feed is usually at least 18-20%.

By gluten in mean she will eat so much food that she can no longer walk because her crop is so full.

Glutton is how it's spelled.
Gluten is a wheat product.

 

[Mrs. K]

Well that bird would not work for me. I would remove it from my flock. Too much maintanance, I was dumbfounded by the other poster that kept one alive like that for years. Where did you get the birds. Never in 18 years of owning chickens have I had an issue like that.

Every day, something different.

Mrs K

 

[Skyleen13]

12% are you positive? Chick feed is usually at least 18-20%.

Glutton is how it's spelled.
Gluten is a wheat product.

Sorry. Spell check kept changing it. Yes glutton. She eats way to much.

 

[Skyleen13]

Well that bird would not work for me. I would remove it from my flock. Too much maintanance, I was dumbfounded by the other poster that kept one alive like that for years. Where did you get the birds. Never in 18 years of owning chickens have I had an issue like that.

Every day, something different.

Mrs K

Got her from Wilco farm store near my house. I will never get that breed again. It’s hard for me to think about removing her. She’s a super sweet girl & loves to snuggle with my son who’s autistic. From what I read speckled Sussex are supposed to be very Hardy & very healthy breed but everyone in my area who’s gotten them this year has had health issues. All over the spectrum health issues. I originally had 2 of them. One of them I called Lucky because she got super sick at 1 week old I we all thought she was going to die. I managed to bring her back to full health but then a dog got her when she was 7 weeks old. Now I only have the one & my son named her Nessie. She’s his chicken.

 

[Skyleen13]

Sorry. Spell check kept changing it. Yes glutton. She eats way to much.

Your right. I read the wrong label. Chick feed is %20 & the grower feed is %25.

 

[aart]

grower feed is %25.

Really?
Never heard of 'grower' that high.

 

[Shezadandy]

Well that bird would not work for me. I would remove it from my flock. Too much maintanance, I was dumbfounded by the other poster that kept one alive like that for years. Where did you get the birds. Never in 18 years of owning chickens have I had an issue like that.

Every day, something different.

Mrs K

Yep, she's got me wrapped around her beak, very sweet, chatty and personable. Also from my original group of 10 chicks, so she's a special bird. There were stretches where she would do fine with the main flock, and then it would happen again. She's still alive and under managed care. If I can do something simple that keeps a bird in good condition, they get to live out their lives. I didn't use her (or her sibling) in my breeding program because they were never all that productive and frankly too big. But, I enjoy them for who they are and what they add to the flock.

 

[Skyleen13]

Really?
Never heard of 'grower' that high.

It’s high yes. It’s a grower/broiler feed.

 

[aart]

It’s high yes. It’s a grower/broiler feed.

Ohhh, meant for meat birds that are usually slaughtered by 8-10 weeks.