Over-feeding/under-feeding

[Clay Mudd]

Quote:
Mine seem to love anything and everything that doesn't come in a bag labeled "CHICKEN FEED"!

 

[Spoiled1_629]

Mine have gotten used to me bringing treats out in the evening. When I don't have any treats they look dissappointed, so I take some of the feed from their feeder, put it in their treat bowl and wet it down and you would think that I brought them the best treat in the world.... goofy birds!

 

[ll]

I am surprised there isn't a "formula" like 1/2 cup per bird per day.

But anyway yeah ~ if you go to a feed store or Lowe's/Home Depot in the wild bird feeding aisle, there are cool corn holders for squirrels that you might be able to use in your set-up. It keeps the food from getting dirty on the ground. Suet holders are also good for loose veggies.

Good luck.

 

[centrarchid]

Volume / mass of intake varies as function of feed quality, bird size, age and production status, temperature, wind and activity levels.

 

[jstamesngr]

THE PICS ARE OF THE COOP IN THE BEGINNING AND THE ALMOST FINISHED DOOR WHICH WAS "PLAN B" DOOR - I FOUND OUT THEY'RE AURUCUANAS (AMERICANAS?) Easter eggers. I'm thrilled - my coop is made of pallets from my neighbor and insulated w/ foam paneling I had left over w/ wire over it inside so they can't peck on it - 1/4" wire mesh over the wire on the floor. Everything is double wired for predator control plus the insulation for the winter. If they get to cold I'll just relocate to one of my storage sheds. Will use a heat lamp for the coop as I live in MT. and will make them a "spa" from hay bales and an old window for winter outings.
Just began giving them scraps (squash & apples) and they're on layer food - I love them so much!!

 

[Beekissed]

I always feed once a day and just enough that they will eat the majority of it at that time with just a little left over for the following morning or evening, depending on the season. I feed in the mornings in the winter and evenings during the summer.

The amount changes with the bird's available forage, excess garden surplus, etc. I just adjust their feeding amounts as they adjust themselves. Since doing this I find that my feed isn't stolen by rodents, the birds really eat well when the meal is given and there is less of the less desirable bits left in the bottom of the feeder.

 

[AZBootsie]

Quote:
You can either wait until they lay an egg and then move them to layer feed, or just switch them around 18 weeks. I like to wait until I see an egg. But if it's time to buy more feed and they are older than 18 weeks I will just buy layer pellets.

Some people switch a little sooner I think.