Over their lives, chickens typically consume four to six ounces of feed daily on average. This number may fluctuate according to breed or season when extra energy may be needed for warmth. Feed consumption also depends on what kind of poultry feed being fed as certain formulas have higher protein contents that support egg production or meat growth in meat chickens.
Poultry feed comes in two varieties, crumbles and pellets. While most layer diets provide both options, pellets tend to provide more consistent nutrition levels and allow the birds to more easily digest them. Your choice in feeding your flock between crumbles or pellets depends on their preferences.
Chickens will forage for food in their environment in addition to being given their regular diet of feed pellets and grain. This foraging provides additional vitamins, minerals and amino acids; however it should only account for 20% of a hen’s total diet; excessive foraging may lead to nutritional imbalances, obesity and bacterial infections.
Foraging food sources such as fresh fruits and vegetables, grains, insects or toxic plants such as tomato plants and raw potatoes may provide ample food sources for chickens to forage for. But chickens who forage for high sugar content foods or foods high in salt content or fat content could become unhealthy over time. Furthermore, certain items, like tomato plants and raw potatoes can even be toxic to them!
Chickens typically consume 1 to 2 ounces of feed daily while in their brooder, which equates to 3/4-1 pound per week for their first eight weeks of life. Laying hens require extra energy in winter as their body temperatures fluctuate more easily.
Feed your chickens small amounts throughout the day in small portions. As chickens are foragers by nature, feeding a big meal all at once may not be ideal. Wild birds and vermin will scavenge any food left unused by your hens, leading to significant feed waste that could reduce egg production. To help avoid this happening, using a feeder with a secure lid is advised for maximum efficiency. Feeders will help minimize spillage and contamination while speeding up their meal consumption. At least twice per day, water and food should be put into each feeder, and one gallon should be given per laying hen each day; especially during hotter weather when water consumption rises considerably; an investment into heated waterers would ensure your flock always have access to clean drinking water.