Which way is better???

[daniel-delarosa]

Would having access to pellets 24/7 or tossing a small coffee can full out every day be better? I had hanging feeder for a while and my girls could just eat when ever. I was at a friends house the other day and I got to see how he feeds. He had a small coffee can and tossed it out and chickens came running from all around to eat. He said it was better to do it like that. So, I figured Id try it. I have been feeding my chickens a can full every day for over a month now. When I toss it out, they go crazy eating it up. Are they starving? I have 13 chickens and they are in a 25x40 run.

 

[jmagill]

I have always operated on the theory that if my animals have access 24 hours a day to food there will be less hoarding and fighting.
The low man on the totem pole will also get to eat.

 

[Dutchess]

You may save on feed a little, but are your chickens getting enough to eat? That's what I would worry about. Also, as jmagill mentioned, the low chicken on the totem pole may not get to eat. That's a lot of chickens to be trying that method, IMHO. Just my opinion

 

[aoxa]

That definitely does not seem like enough for 13 chickens...

I have 20 - they eat around 2 1/2 scoops from a coffee POT a day.

 

[elmo]

Free choice is the way to go if you want the healthiest chickens and the most eggs.

 

[howfunkyisurchicken]

I feed my chickens on the ground, I have a HORRIBLE mouse problem if I don't. I do agree though, one coffee can doesn't seem like enough. I have 20 (LF) chickens, and I use a 2 gallon bucket to measure out their feed. I fill it mostly full, and its usually gone by the end of the day, sometimes I'll see a few pellets here and there. Plus I give table scraps and cracked corn as treats.
Edited to add:I my chickens still act like they're starving everytime they see me, nature of the greedy beast I suppose. Pick them up, if they feel skinny they need more feed. If they feel weighty and are filled out nicely, you're doing just fine.

 

[Fred's Hens]

There is another option. Tossing feed onto the ground is OK, but there is the inevitable waste, it would seem to me. Tossing feed down is more for the enjoyment of the keeper and chicks enjoy eating and scratching, that is for sure, but as the only method? It's not for me. I still prefer to use a long trough so all the birds can approach and eat. Old fashioned? perhaps, but effective.

I feed twice a day. They get their fill, and there is little to no waste and nothing left at night for the rodents. How much to feed? You begin with a formula, such as 1 pound for 4 birds and adjust as needed. You don't want hungry birds if you want top production. You don't need to have feed out 24/7 to achieve that.