Winter Feeding

[bald k9]

Hello,My friend told me that I shouldnt leave feed out for the chickens in the winter because it will draw mice and snakes ,and says I neded to go and trow feed out twice a day in the winter, does this sound right ,or is there a different way you should feed in the winter? I let them have constant food during the summer? any help ? thank you

 

[Sir Birdaholic]

When we left feed out at all times ,we got a real rodent population. Now we feed 2x a day & rodents are gone.

 

[Plain Old Dee]

We leave mash out for our girls 24/7. I haven't noticed any problems with mice - but we have scads of barn cats. It's too cold in the winter for snakes, and they don't eat chicken feed anyway.

 

[panner123]

A chicken wants to eat when it is hungry, not only when it is fed. My chickens have food available 24/7/365 and plenty of fresh water. A mouse that goes after the feed is more protien for any good chicken. They are better mousers than most cats.

 

[elmo]

If you live in a cold climate, chickens need to be able to go to roost at night with full crops so they can generate heat during the night. I would not be restricting food during winter myself.

 

[PandoraTaylor]

I leave feed in the coop 24/7 I also feed scratch grains & corn 2x daily. I would not limit feed in the winter, as they need to increase intake to stay warm.