Need help with run floor/bed

[beginnergirl]

Thanks, Nupe. Had never heard of fodder before but glad to learn about it. Sounds like the chickens love it. Is that a supplement to other feed or is that what you feed?

Sorry for the stupid questions. I've never had chickens before.

 

[Nupe]

Some people advertise fodder systems as an alternative to commercial feed so no, not a stupid question. Problem with that is chickens are not vegetarians and need animal protein. If they don't free range or have access to any other source, it could cause health issues.

They have a feeder available in the coop 24/7. I used to offer them a 20% protein pellet from my feedstore but I've recently switch to gamebird feed to up the protein a bit more. They have quite a bit of feather damage from a mean rooster which I remedied and all my EEs are missing their beards. I recently had an unexplained death so I've also been treating for Cocci and worming. I figure every bit helps.

 

[Nupe]

Just wanted to add, I usually don't take the fodder to my chickens until around noon. This gives them a chance to fill their crops once on feed. I think they also hit the feeder before roosting at night. With 19 hens, I buy 1 50lb bag of feed about every 2 weeks (payday). Sometimes I can skip a pay period.