I want to get everyones opinion

[StaatsFarms]

Should i free feed (always have food available) or should I feed a little 2 times a day... I have been told both... free feed so they can eat when they want... feed 2 times a day so they get more attached to you and look forward to seeing you every morning and evening

 

[Lucky Ducky]

I free feed and my bunch loooove me.

You can take them treats out anytime.

 

[ROC4K]

Well it's a matter of choice. As long as they are getting enough to eat it really does'nt matter the distribution method. I have switched to 2 times a day for the summer to encourage foraging for free food. I don't know what your set up is but your chickens are going to let you know when the feeders are empty. They surely know the hands that feed them using either method.

 

[hatchaholic]

Ours free range, and we free feed.

 

[19sarah90]

I always free feed because it's easier, and take them treats to make 'em love me.

 

[TXmom]

Me too...I keep their feeder always full, but they sure know when I come out there with a plate of scraps or cup of scratch

Mine also free-range so they're out and about eating greens and bugs. I can "call them in" with a cup of scratch and they come runnin!

 

[ams3651]

I free feed but treats and scratch come from my hand and a yellow bucket they recognize and come running when they see it.

 

[LaSombra]

I free feed. They've got ana 11 lb feeder and I only have to fill it every few days or so. My flock still loves me, especially since I bring them treats and such.

They know I'm the "momma."

 

[gritsar]

Free feed. They still come running every time they see me because I'm the walking, talking treat bowl.

 

[wanda047]

Well, my 70+ chickens were wasting so much feed that I changed to feeding twice a day. I feed them amply and their feeder is seldom completely empty when I go out to feed the second time late in the evening. Mine are free ranging during the day now and so they seem to be eating less feed, which is nice for the pocketbook. They also get lots of treats during the day, including scratch which they love!

I think whatever works for you should be what you do. Folks who work outside the home may find it easier to leave the feeders full and thus less work and time involved. However... I am self-employed and work from the home. When I need a break from all the work and hustle/ bustle of daily life ... I head to the yard with a bucket of feed or treats. Personally, the more time I spend outdoors with the chickens.. the happier I am. It's good therapy for me and believe me... I need the therapy

So yep... I feed twice a day, plus treats!