[Andy1982]

If chickens always have free range access to grass/worms etc. How much do i need to feed the birds per day? Is it still 150g per bird or do they gain any of what they need from the land itself?


Thanks

Andy

[OhLaLa]

Feed according to the guidance as per your bag of feed. If it says 150g, I'd feed 150g.

 

[tazbabe]

i just fill up the trough when it's empty, perhaps every other day?

in the morning i scatter some mixed grains, some days they eat it all, some days hardly any, then come back for it later.

[landroverroy]

The 150gm is only a guide. Give them a load in the morning and what they havent eaten in the evening put somewhere where the rats cant get at it. Or give them a couple of handfuls each in morning and a bit more in evening before you shut them up. You'll soon get to know how much they need , but obviously they'll need more in winter when days are shorter and they have less chance to forage. They'll need to fill up earlier as the nights are longer.

[faith0504]

and dont forget there porridge, they love porridge

[landroverroy]

You've just gotta be Scottish to feed your hens porridge!

[faith0504]

porridge warms there cockles through on the cold winter nights,

[Womble]

Last winter we took to making 'porridge' by adding hot water to layer's mash or pellets - They went mad for it!!

[Castle Farm]

Hello Andy.
My birds are out free-rangeing around the yards and paddocks on the farm here.

They will do great in spring and summer, as fresh grass tips, emerging weeds and bugs and grubs will make up a good part of the diet and protein requirements all they need besides is a mixed grain diet. This grain will deliver around 12% protein the rest is more than added from range.
A lot depends on the breed and if they are in lay or not. In lay a bird that produces 6 eggs a week should need about 16% protein plus calcium in the form of limestone grit/oystershell and of course fresh clean water add lib.

In Autumn and winter when the light levels drop and the free feed starts to go you need to up the protein levels with greens or animal by products plus cod-liver oil to supplement sunshine and vitamin A-D and feed add-lib, removing at night to prevent attracting rats. When I say animal by products I dint mean ground up dead animals that caused BSE you could used milk in moderation or anything that has a high protein level IF you want to feed animal protein, as long as the birds get some even derived from vegetables they will be fine.

I have a bit about feeding through winter on my web page but you may need to search abit.

[Eve]

What beautiful chickens! Especially the light grey one!