How Much and How Often Should I Feed My Chickens?

[ChickenChick]

Hi everyone,

I’m new to raising chickens, and I’m not sure how much feed I should be giving them each day. Do I need to measure out specific amounts, or can I just keep their feeder full all the time?

Also, should I adjust their feeding schedule based on the seasons or how much they’re free-ranging? I don’t want to overfeed them, but I also want to make sure they’re getting everything they need to stay healthy and lay eggs.

Thanks

[CompostChampion]

Hi there!
The easiest way to feed chickens is to keep their feeder full and let them eat as much as they need.
They usually won’t overeat.
On average, adult chickens eat about 1/4 pound of feed per day.
So plan your feed supply accordingly.

[HappyHens]

Chickens are pretty good at regulating how much they eat, so you can usually keep their feeder full and let them help themselves throughout the day.

[NestEggNut]

Consider using a hanging feeder to reduce waste and keep the feed clean. Chickens will eat as much as they need, so keeping it full is fine as long as theyre healthy and active.

[TheBroodyOne]

If theyre free-ranging, theyll supplement their diet with bugs and plants. You can reduce their feed slightly, but always ensure they have access to a balanced layer feed.

[GreenThumbed]

Chickens are great at foraging, but they still need a consistent supply of layer feed to meet their nutritional needs, especially for egg production.

[EggsAndThings]

If they're free-ranging, they'll supplement their diet with bugs and plants. You can reduce their feed slightly, but always ensure they have access to a balanced layer feed.

[BeakyBandit]

A good rule of thumb is about 1/4 pound of feed per chicken per day. Adjust based on their activity level and whether they're free-ranging, as they'll eat less if they're foraging.

[Eggnigma]

Measure out their feed to avoid waste and overfeeding. About 1/4 to 1/3 cup per chicken per day is a good starting point, depending on their size and breed.

[EggcellentOne]

In winter, they'll need more feed to stay warm, especially if they're not free-ranging. In summer, they'll eat less if they're foraging. Adjust accordingly!