The Poultry Keeper The Independent Forum for Poultry Keepers    FAQ   Search     Register   Log in  advice on feeding          The Poultry Keeper Forum Index -> Feeding and Housing Author Message asniper Joined: 20 Sep 2007 Posts: 43 Posted: Tue Mar 25, 2008 8:25 pm    Post subject: advice on feeding Hi guys how much would you say 5 large fowl, all have been laying since shold be fed every day. they are in there run during the week and free range on the weekend. thanks in advance tom Back to top milkmaid Joined: 19 Apr 2005 Posts: 6805 Location: isle of lewis Posted: Tue Mar 25, 2008 9:38 pm    Post subject: pellets are a compete food ,i just keep the feeder full and feed a couple of onces each in cold weather to help warm Back to top Welsh Duck Joined: 18 Jul 2007 Posts: 1672 Location: Herefordshire/Welsh Border Posted: Tue Mar 25, 2008 9:50 pm    Post subject: I keep feeder full of layers too Back to top Chickweed Joined: 22 Feb 2008 Posts: 66 Location: Baldock, Herts Posted: Wed Mar 26, 2008 11:20 am    Post subject: I keep my feeder full. They free range and still take about 120 grms a day each Back to top Diane Joined: 05 Feb 2006 Posts: 245 Location: Dorset Posted: Wed Mar 26, 2008 4:50 pm    Post subject: I too keep my feeder full and also give them a handful of mixed corn late afternoon during the winter. Back to top pete_inthehills Joined: 20 Jan 2008 Posts: 19 Location: Huntlyish, aberdeenshire Posted: Thu Mar 27, 2008 7:03 pm    Post subject: Do chickens get bored of pellets all day every day? I noticed that mine had reduce the amount they ate although they have been stuck inside their coup due to the snow we've had. I would have assumed they'd eat more when stuck in side away from the snow 'cos they aren't getting the free range food. What else can I give them? Will they eat cabbage or any other cheap greens I can get from the cheap section of the supermarket? pete inthehills Back to top CP Moderator Joined: 13 Apr 2005 Posts: 14299 Location: Hampshire Posted: Thu Mar 27, 2008 7:48 pm    Post subject: Quote: Will they eat cabbage or any other cheap greens I can get from the cheap section of the supermarket? Mine do but some people find theirs are more fussy. All you can do is try them with a variety & see what they like. No avocado though as it's poisonous! Back to top Dopey Joined: 13 Feb 2008 Posts: 275 Location: Heathrow (Outer Mongolia) Posted: Thu Mar 27, 2008 7:51 pm    Post subject: Quote: Do chickens get bored of pellets all day every day? I think they do, i personally don't think they much like them at all, even preferring grass to them, if i mix super corn in with them they will always try and get the corn, but they do eat some of it though, but i think more by accident rather than anything else, they like, bread cat food, and loads of other things too, but when i got mine they didn't know what they liked, because all they ever ate was layers, and as they get used to you feeding them other bits and bobs like scraps, and veg etc, they realise its food, 3 things i have noticed about them, there dumb, and i mean really dumb, they will eat what you give them, even if you rip up grass and feed it to them by hand (they think its a treat, although there surrounded by the stuff) and there eyesight is terrible (that's why i think they go in so easily at night in the house) some things they cant see, even if its in front of them, and they react to movement Back to top Itsybitsy Joined: 11 Feb 2006 Posts: 1316 Location: Leicestershire Posted: Thu Mar 27, 2008 8:04 pm    Post subject: I don't think chickens are dumb or any animal for that matter, sure they don't have a reasoning mind like us, but they're not stupid, only humans fall into that category. All birds roost at night - away from predators, that's why they go in so easily. As for their eyesight, well I think you're wrong about that too, just because they eat grass out of your hand doesn't mean they have poor eyesight and if you're trying to get them to do something - say going through a gap in front of them, well the reason they don't "see" it is because they are too busy watching what you're doing behind them. Itsybitsy Back to top Dopey Joined: 13 Feb 2008 Posts: 275 Location: Heathrow (Outer Mongolia) Posted: Thu Mar 27, 2008 8:23 pm    Post subject: Itsybitsy I cant agree with any of that Back to top vanessa Joined: 24 Sep 2005 Posts: 1163 Location: Correze Posted: Thu Mar 27, 2008 8:49 pm    Post subject: Well, I can only speak as I find ... and I've only got ONE stupid chook, a young coq who runs away at feeding time!! My broody hen decided earlier this week that it was high time her brood of 12 were free-ranging, so gave them a "signal" when MOH went to let them out of the coop into their run! The very next day, she taught them that I brought food, so now when I go into the garden, I get mobbed by 12 little chicks ... and last night, she decided it was time they slept in the main henhouse! You've only got to watch a mother-hen raising chicks to realise they're FAR from stupid ... plus they recognise different people and react differently! Clever things, chooks Back to top james419 Joined: 20 Sep 2005 Posts: 391 Location: Moutier Malcard - France Posted: Fri Mar 28, 2008 6:47 am    Post subject: I sometimes think they play dumb to amuse us! Back to top Chickweed Joined: 22 Feb 2008 Posts: 66 Location: Baldock, Herts Posted: Fri Mar 28, 2008 10:58 am    Post subject: james419 wrote: I sometimes think they play dumb to amuse us! You don't think they are like the mice from Hitchhikers Guide To The Galaxy do you?? Mind you I'm sure one of mine is bored, perhaps she has a brain the size of a planet. Pete Back to top Display posts from previous: All Posts1 Day7 Days2 Weeks1 Month3 Months6 Months1 Year Oldest FirstNewest First         The Poultry Keeper Forum Index -> Feeding and Housing All times are GMT + 1 Hour Page 1 of 1 Powered by phpBB © 2001, 2005 phpBB Group