When to stop using the chick style chicken feeder?

[Mosherd1]

I have my Freedom Ranger chickens ranging but have the chick feeder available to them all day. It is the style with the individual compartments, one for each head. Is this something I continue to use until butcher age or is it something that I stop using eventually and just throw the feed on the ground? They are currently 3 weeks old. Also, do I always use a chicken waterer or do I eventually move to a large bucket? Last question is when do I stop using a heat lamp? Thanks!

 

[Den in Penn]

For the feed get a adult feeder or a pan, throwing it on the ground wastes feed. The fine parts get lost in the dirt. For the water you can use a low bucket or tub. For the heat start a 100 and take 5 degrees off for every week till they are fully feathered at 6 weeks. In the summer the day time highs often go over what they need. So at three weeks often you can turn the heat off during the day. At 6 weeks they won't need added heat.

 

[Mosherd1]

Thanks for the advice. I am still on crumbles and the leftover fine they seem not to touch. Will they eventually consume it or should I just always make sure they have the crumble pieces in there?

 

[Den in Penn]

Take the fines mix with a little more feed and add water. Most chickens love soaked feed.