Chicken Feeding Tips For Beginners
In order for chickens to produce good eggs, they have to be fed well. The challenge is that when it comes to feeding chickens, there really is no such thing as an exact science. There are certain variables that affect the time, amount and type of feed that should be given.
To make sure that birds get the right nutrition when they need it most, here are chicken feeding tips for beginners:
Offer free access to good quality food.
The quality of food matters because it provides the right balance of nutrients that help the chickens grow and become healthy to produce good-eating meat and eggs. Use the feeding guide recommended by the makers of the food. The amount is usually provided based on the age, activity level and weight. In general, a chicken will usually eat about 120 grams a day, so be sure to provide as much for every hen or rooster present. Note that chickens will eat less if they are allowed to roam more or are fed with scraps. The key is to make sure that they get enough quality food.
Feed the right type of food.
Baby chicks are usually given medicated food to protect them against disease. This type of food is not recommended for laying hens since the medication can be passed on to the eggs. Adult food should be given to adults and not to chicks, who may not get the kind of nutrition they need during their growing stage.
Make sure everyone gets fed.
The more birds there are in the yard, the more competition there will be for everyone concerned when it comes to food. Chickens who have to compete for feed will usually be more aggressive and even consume more than they should. To prevent this from happening, place food in different feeders so everyone gets access when necessary.
Feed at a regular schedule.
Chickens like to feed throughout the day, so keeping a schedule will ensure that they have their fill. Feeding regularly allows chickens to develop eating habits, making it easier to monitor what they eat and how much. A schedule will also help alert you to possible health problems in case a chicken starts eating less or refuses to peck at the food. It will also help identify factors that may contribute to changes in appetite, such as the use of a different type of feed, changes in the weather or even stress.
Provide easy access to water.
Water provides hydration and it also helps soften the feed, making it easier to digest and eliminate. The average adult hen usually consumes as much as 400mL a day - more, particularly in hot weather. On days when temperatures are high, make sure the chickens are provided with fresh, cool water at all times.
Always provide a clean environment.
Clean feeding boxes help prevent the growth of bacteria and viruses and thus help prevent disease. Keep the feeding area away from other animals to avoid contamination. It is also a good idea to avoid giving chickens foods such as avocado, coffee, rhubarb or chocolate because these are toxic to them.
