how do you feed a chicken??

[markb816]

I am new at having chickens and just got my hens last week. I love and enjoy them. they are so entertaining and awesome creatures. With that being said, I let them free range and when I let them out of the coop in the morning, I just throw down some chicken scratch on the ground for them to eat. I have since found out that chicken feed with higher protein would be better for egg laying. So I bought a 50lb bag of purina high protein chicken feed. Now I sprinkle that on the ground for them to eat when I let them out the coop. My question is, is it okay to just throw chicken scratch and chicken feed on the ground by their coop for them to eat or do I need to feed them in a bowl or something? It is easier for them to peck at the ground and get it? or should it be in sometime of container that they have access to? should I put food and water in their coop at night for them as well? right now I just put water. Please help. My 8 hens would be appreciative as well!!

 

[A.T. Hagan]

It's OK. None of us were born knowing this stuff.

Scratch feed (whole or cracked grains of various sorts) you can simply throw on the ground for them which is why it's called 'scratch' feed.

The high protein feed you mention is probably a crumble or pellet form. It would be best to use a feeder for that placed someplace where they can get it all the time, but protected from being rained on. I use mostly tube feeders such as this:

It's easy to fill, easy to clean and I can hang it.

There are many other designs though if you look around your area feed stores and farm supplies.

In the interim you could simply put some in a dish for them. It should be fairly deep and narrow so as to discourage them from getting into it and scratching it out on the ground, but short enough that they can reach the bottom as it empties.

.....Alan.

 

[Neil Grassbaugh]

DO NOT mix the scratch feed and the layer ration. Keep the feed in the feeder and sprinkle a little scratch on the ground or in the litter. Wastage of the feed is sure to occur if the two are mixed and the birds peck thru the mixture.

Scratch is candy. If to much is given the overall nutritional requirements of the birds will not be met.

 

[Penturner]

One important reason to use the feeder for the food (not scratch) is it getting old, moldy and Generally bad for the birds. The scratch is something you just give them a little bit of to sort of give them something to search for. The crumble or high protein food should be their main diet and more control on sanitation is important.

 

[markb816]

Yes, it is like little bitty pellets, the chicken feed I have that is. I think I should buy a chicken feeder like the picture you have. I'm sure they would be pretty cheap. Since my girls are free ranging where do you suggest I put the feeder? leave it in the chicken coop even when they are out of the coop free ranging? I assume they would be smart enough to remember to go back in the coop to grab a bite to eat. I guess?? At night time should I just leave feeder in the coop as well? mice would be a concern if so.

 

[A.T. Hagan]

If you use the feeder such as I pictured above remember that it is adjustable. I set mine to the minimum flow rate so that they cannot easily beak the feed onto the ground.

As to where you should put it that's a problem you'll have to analyze to see what works best for you. I favor feeding in the coop myself but others do not.

.....Alan.

 

[markb816]

what would be the pros and cons of putting it in the coop or outside where they range? If I left it outside would you suggest doing something with it at night?? Again, thanks for all your help!

 

[jjthink]

I would keep the food in the coop so it's protected from weather and bugs and such. As long as the birds can easily get to it at any time, that should work. Fresh water at all times. Oyster shell available 24/7. If you are concerned about critters getting to the food at night you could take it up but you'd need to have it back out again early a.m. when the birdies wake up and are hungry.

If you possibly can, spend spend time on this forum reading up and you will gain a wealth of knowledge (preferable to do before getting chickens but....!) as there are many other interesting and important things that you and your birds will beenfit from.

So glad you found BYC!

JJ

 

[markb816]

YES, I will definitely do that. So what is the deal with oyster shells. I keep hearing about that. Do I Have to have oyster shells? Or would the Purina feed I have be sufficient? I am learning so much from this site. I ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT!!! Everyone is so helpful and willing to help.

 

[Bear Foot Farm]

So what is the deal with oyster shells

The shell is a source of calcium
If you birds are laying eggs with thin shells, they need it.
If you're not having problems with thin shells, it's not necessary​