When is the best time to feed your chickens? Everything you need to know!

Many novice chicken keepers ask themselves the question: "When should I feed my chickens?" The answer is not only simple, but also crucial to the health and well-being of your chickens: chickens need access to food throughout the day. But why is that so important? And how can you ensure that your chickens get the right amount of feed? In this blog we take a deep dive into everything you need to know about feeding your chickens.

Why should chickens have unlimited access to food?

The digestive system of chickens is designed to eat small amounts throughout the day. Here are the top reasons why unlimited access to feed is essential:

• Healthy Digestive System: Chickens have a unique digestive system that requires continuous small amounts of feed to function properly.
• Reduction of stress: If chickens always know that food is available, they will experience less stress and be less likely to binge eat.
• Equal distribution of feed: Chickens that are lower in the pecking order are often only allowed to eat last. If feed is limited, there is a chance that these chickens will not consume enough, which can lead to health problems.
• Optimal egg production: Many chicken breeds require a steady supply of nutrients to produce high-quality eggs. Limited access to food can disrupt this process.

Please note that there are exceptions, such as chickens with a predisposition to binge eating or crop blockage. In such cases it is wise to consider a modified nutritional schedule.

How often do chickens eat in a day?

Although chickens need access to food all day long, this does not mean they eat all day long. The eating pattern of chickens usually looks like this:

• Morning: As soon as chickens wake up, they will often eat immediately because their crop is empty after a night.
• During the day: Chickens eat small amounts throughout the day, especially if they can forage. Free-range chickens take more time to find and eat food, while cooped chickens are more likely to eat from a feeder.
• Just before bedtime: Many chickens eat a last "bedtime snack" before they go to roost. This helps them have enough energy to lay eggs.

It is important to understand that chickens stop eating once their crop is full. They will not eat more than necessary, provided they have access to a balanced diet.

How much feed do chickens need?

On average, chickens eat about 120 grams of feed per day, but this can vary depending on several factors:

• Chicken breed: Larger breeds eat more than smaller breeds.
• Age: Young chickens eat less than adult chickens.
• Season: In winter, chickens eat more to stay warm.
• Condition: Chickens that are breeding or moulting often need extra nutrients.

It is essential to provide a complete diet that contains all the necessary nutrients. If your chickens' diet is not balanced, they will eat more in an attempt to make up for deficiencies. This can lead to long-term health problems.

Tips for feeding chickens

• Use a feeder large enough for all chickens to have access at the same time.
• Check regularly that the food is fresh and free of mold.
• Refill the feeder in the morning so that the chickens can eat immediately when they wake up.
• Provide your chickens with fresh water in addition to their feed, as hydration is essential for their digestion.

Frequently asked questions

• Can I feed my chickens in the evening?
  Yes, but make sure they have enough time to eat before they go to roost.
• Do free-range chickens need less feed?
  Not necessarily. Although they find food for themselves, they still need access to a complete diet to meet their nutritional needs.
• What should I do if my chickens eat too much?
  Limit their access to snacks or treats and offer a balanced diet.

Conclusion

Feeding chickens doesn't have to be complicated, as long as you ensure they have access to high-quality feed throughout the day. By understanding how chickens' diets work, you can contribute to their health, well-being and egg production. Do you also want to optimally furnish your chicken coop? View our chicken coops and chicken coops< /a> for an ideal environment!

• Share on:
• WhatsApp
• Deel
• X
• Pin it
• Messenger
• Email

---