Newbs here! 4 new hens. feed amount and types?

[stir-fry]

Hi all, very cool site! we just got 4 hens and they are 2 yrs old. Here is the questions we are having trouble finding the answers on after 2 days of reading here..

1- whats amount of food per day each should they get?

2- what type of regular daily food (aside from treats) ?

3- how much scratch should they get daily? Im in Washington state and its averaging 40-60 degrees daily and 35-45 at night.

thanks!! we are really stoked about these girls! we already got 2 eggs

 

[Imp]

Quote:

from Renton

1&2-I think most people let adult hens have unlimited layer food, either pellets, crumbles or mash. Available at feed stores usually.
3- I only give a little scratch as a treat. If I'm out in the yard maybe a handfull for my 4 hens.

I also make them a bowl of veggies, fruits,etc daily.

Imp/Russ- What part of Washington?

 

[stir-fry]

Hi Russ! we are in covington area, this link was on a local fishing site, cool stuff! that means i gave wayy to much scratch yesterday oops. just gave them a dish with cooked white rice, banannas and apple chunks, and a tomatoe, they should be in heavin

well that and the 11 yr old have been diggin them hand fulls of night crawlers that get sucked up lightning fast!

whatthe difference in mash / crumbles/layer?

 

[Imp]

Hi neighbor, your very close. There's lots of people from Washington here.

Layer is the food designed nutritionally for hens that are laying.
It comes in 3 textures:
Pellets are well pellets
Crumbles are crumbled pellets
Mash is the wet version(I have never used mash)

Which to use is a personal choice. Most people say that there is less waste with the pellets. Cause the chickens will eat them if spilled.

I don't know about feed stores in Covington. Maybe the closest is Reber Ranch. It's just off Kent/Kangley on 132nd. A few blocks behind the safeway. They sell everything you would need. I buy the Purina Layena pellets (50 lb bags) for about $15. And I don't think I go through 2 bags a year.(I also have 4 hens) I also use it occasionally for my pond.(cheaper than sinking fish food) You probably want to think about supplemental calcium for the shells. Just a couple bucks for a small bag of crushed oyster shell, last a long time as well.

Russ

 

[stir-fry]

ahh the mystery revealed! someone told us there is a place in Tacoma that sells feed very cheap. havent been yet though. We are close to Rebers. Its raining today of course so they are out there romping worms lol

Man i wish there was somewhere local to get chicken / livestock wire cheaper! WA stinks for supplies! 3'x50' chicken wire was $35