I'm I over feeding 4 week old chicks.

[Waldorbigbill]

Every where I read it said just keep their food bowl full at all times. But I have 13 mix 4 week old baby chicks. they are down to 1/4 of a 50 lb bag of food left in about a month. I know a lot gets wasted with them making a mess and all but I keep the food dish up where they cant scratch in it. Does this sound like they are getting to much or is that about right?

 

[lynxs1981]

All chicks do is eat and poop, so expect to go through some food.

 

[JulieNKC]

Unless you have meat chickens they won't over eat. They are just growing, and yes they waste tons of it.

 

[Dingo]

Just be glad they're going through it. I have 2 chicks and they'll be eating the same 25lb bag of starter for the next 3 months at the rate they're going.

 

[columbiacritter]

I have 20 pullets eating on a 50lb bag and it takes them about 3 wks to empty it, but 12 of them are bantams so they eat far less.

 

[kingsfarm]

don't forget - when starter food gets powdery you can add water, mix and stir to make a mush the chicks love it,.....hope this helps and it really does a lot for " not wasting any food '.....G my one month olds love this also...

 

[VioletandBodie]

my 6 have already gone through a bag

 

[OkChickens]

I use the long red feeders sold at Atwoods and Tsc for $2-4 each in my brooder and I have very little waste. The trick is to raise there food as they grow. This keeps them from spilling the feed when they shake there head while eating. I also have my feeders on a 4x4 piece or wood when they are around 5-6 weeks. I keep the water in 2x4s. I have raised over 150 chicks and about 30 or so ducks this way.

I have on average 30-70 day olds in my 4x10 brooder and I have 2 red feeders and 2 (1) gallon waterers. I fill the feed daily and fill the water when it needs it. I also use 2 100 watt light bulbs 1 on each end for heat.

Chicks can eat a lot but you can control the waste. Try using a covered feeder to keep them from "bathing" in it or flinging it everywhere.

Keep them growing and we all love to see pictures.

Nate

 

[Waldorbigbill]

Thanks for all the Information everyone.

 

[hennyannie]

If you can use one of the small hanging feeders, it really helps with waste.