Too much food??

[Dixiedoodle]

I am a new 'chicken momma" and want to do things correctly! I have pullets and one roo that are 19 weeks old. New to me. They seemed a little skinny to me but over the last week, they have grown and are filling out. They have layena provided 24/7, they are given a combination of birdseed, BOSS, fruits and veggies--small little handfuls during the day. I have a large suet feeder that I have filled with apples and tomatoes. When I close them up at night, I throw a small amount of birdseed with BOSS into the coop--to give them something to scratch thru in the early am! They are in a small coop with attached run that they have access to during the am--usually from 6am--8:50pm. Spacing is on the high side for each bird in the coop and at the required spacing in the run...So, I feel like they need things to scratch around for and peck (other than each other) so, I am trying to provide--enough food/treats for them..

Is this enough? too much? I want to get them some mealworms or place large shovel full of grub/worm soil in....Is that good??? Thanks Dixie

 

[MIKE555444]

As long as the layer feed is there 24/7 ... I don't think you can go wrong. You can't really feed to much. However if they have many other choice they may skip the layer feed and go for treats only which could effect egg production if egg quantity is important to you.

 

[Dixiedoodle]

Thank you! Egg production isn't a problem right now--they haven't started to lay! LOL-- They are gobbling the laying pellets up as well as everything else I put in there. They didn't really care for the pea shells, so I raked them out! Thanks again..Dixie

 

[Judy]

Chickens are going to find earthworms, and are going to get some intestinal worms -- but feeding earthworms increases the quantity as they are carriers. Growing you own mealworms for them eliminates this problem.

 

[Davaroo]

Quote:
They are fine, I'm sure. One might say you are going to excess... even overboard. Certainly your "chicken momma" moniker is apropos.

But as long as they are healthy and doing well, whoever said that a fat chicken is bad thing?!

 

[figsonwheels]

Quote:
How do you grow your own mealworms?

 

[gritsar]

Quote:
David, on this one comment just this one time I am going to respectfully disagree with you. Obesity in chickens can have its drawbacks. Some say it can lead to reproductive issues, namely egg bound. Obesity in any creature can cause the same issues that it does in humans, heart related and such.
Not saying that the OP is overfeeding, just saying.

 

[kathyinmo]

Ensuring that 90 - 95% of their intake is their Layena, they should be healthy and happy! Scratch and other "treats," are nice, but should not be the bulk of their diet (less than 10%).

 

[Davaroo]

Quote:
David, on this one comment just this one time I am going to respectfully disagree with you. Obesity in chickens can have its drawbacks. Some say it can lead to reproductive issues, namely egg bound. Obesity in any creature can cause the same issues that it does in humans, heart related and such.
Not saying that the OP is overfeeding, just saying.

Me either - it was meant as tongue in cheek.

The OP is obviously taking care of her birds. Sleek and well fed vs. underfed and mangy wins every time. That's what I was driving at. No intent to lead anyone astray...