When and how often?

[mldlm]

I have 4 chicks that are 7 weeks old. I need clarification. I feed them in the morning when they come out of the coop to the run. Here are my questions: Do I only feed them once a day? If not, how often? I do give them some dehydrated meal worms about mid-day, also. I guess what I mostly need to know is how often do I feed them and how much. I do feed them the Dumor 20% Chick Starter Grower. Thank you for your help.

 

[Roosterinthecity]

Feed twice a day. Sometimes small meals could be done 3 times a day. If you feed them once, they lose interest and bordom sets in. Eventually you’ll figure out just how much to feed. You want to give them just enough to the point that they’ll finish.
Probably not feed mealworms every day. Those are more of a good protein treat. Try to mix up treats.

 

[21hens-incharge]

Chickens are not meal eaters like dogs but are nibblers. They should have feed available all daylight hours. The won't over eat either.

 

[3KillerBs]

If they're not Cornish X meatbirds keep their feeder full at all times. They need feed to grow to their full potential.

Likewise keep their waterer full of clean, fresh, pure water at all times.

They don't need treats, though they can be useful for training.

 

[3KillerBs]

Feed twice a day. Sometimes small meals could be done 3 times a day. If you feed them once, they lose interest and bordom sets in. Eventually you’ll figure out just how much to feed. You want to give them just enough to the point that they’ll finish.
Probably not feed mealworms every day. Those are more of a good protein treat. Try to mix up treats.

Only Cornish X meat birds should have their feed restricted during their growing days.

 

[Weeg]

I feed by birds once a day. When I feed them, I fill their feeder with soaked feed, and enough that it will last all day long. Then they can eat as much as they please as often as they want which is important for chickens.
If you aren't soaking or fermenting your feed, then theres no reason to restrict it. Fill a feeder and feed free choice.

 

[mldlm]

Wow! Thank you all so much for your helpful replies! I have two leghorns and two black Australorps (I think, not sure about the black ones). I got them at TSC in a mixed bin. See attached pics.

 

[U_Stormcrow]

First, I don't feed my own birds this way - but I don't have a typical backyard flock with typical management practices and typical backyard goals.

For the typical backyard owner, of the typical backyard flock, with typical backyard practices, I recommend free feeding - that is, feed available every waking hour (or all the time, if its more convenient, and it probably is).

When you have a flock over 50, free ranging a handful of acres in a forgiving climate on diverse pasture, as (egg) production birds with a breeding/culling program underway, we can get "into the weeds" about what I do, why I do it, and what additional risks I take by doing so.

and I do free feed my "littles" until the are big enough to join the adult flock (usually around week 8-9)

 

[mldlm]

Thank you for the info.