The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Poultry & Waterfowl => Topic started by: Bramham Wiltshire Horns on July 12, 2016, 08:11:11 pm

Title: Feeding
Post by: Bramham Wiltshire Horns on July 12, 2016, 08:11:11 pm

I feed my egg layers slightly 2 kilo per day between 11 hens and 4 Muscovy ducks usually in the morning

They always follow me around for more feed in the evening

Should i split this feed into 2 feeds while the evenings are light

I don't like feed on a night to avoid attracting rats etc

What do people think

Title: Re: Feeding
Post by: Caroline1 on July 12, 2016, 08:22:14 pm

I feed in 2 batches, in the morning and then again about 4pm. I don't know in weight as I just fill a jug and aim to get so that they eat nearly all but with a little bit left so I know they have had enough. I often give a sprinkling of corn in the evenings and reduce their food a bit.

If there is a lot left, we often put the food bowl in the coop with them to prevent the rats eating it

Title: Re: Feeding
Post by: Dave C on July 12, 2016, 09:17:39 pm

I like to give them something to fill there crop before bed, normally a few handfuls of scratch corn an hour or so before dark.
In the dark nights if I'm no there I will leave some out during the day, then take it out of the coop at dark to prevent rats.

Title: Re: Feeding
Post by: Bramham Wiltshire Horns on July 12, 2016, 09:43:44 pm

Thank you

Title: Re: Feeding
Post by: Daleswoman on July 12, 2016, 09:48:34 pm

I have 22 hens plus a cockerel and they have ad lib layers pellets in a feeder, plus a scoop (approx 1lb weight) of mixed corn to get them in at night. If they are shut in, they get through approx 1 kilo each per week; when they are free ranging I reckon they eat half that amount of pellets.

My ducks - currently 3 adult Campbells and 4 juvenile Muscovies - eat 2 scoops of layers plus half a scoop of corn per day. (1 scoop = approx half a kilo) Some of this is actually eaten by hens who have found out there is extra feed in the duck pen.

I have had wine and have forgotten the question - does this help? :D

Title: Re: Feeding
Post by: dr241000 on July 12, 2016, 10:02:01 pm

I feed my 25 hens in 2 batches. At around 6 am and 5 pm. I also just fill up a scoop which i think is about 1L, (weight?). They do also have a field to free range during the day so they get natural food from this as well but they never seem to go hungry.

Title: Re: Feeding
Post by: Bramham Wiltshire Horns on July 12, 2016, 10:03:59 pm

Hi thank you
That helps

Title: Re: Feeding
Post by: Dave C on July 13, 2016, 09:42:38 am

You can also get automatic feeders which are set on a timer.
Not sure of the cost though.