Are you staring at your feathered friends wondering if they’re hungry again? Trust me, I’ve been there! When I first started keeping chickens, I was constantly second-guessing myself about their feeding schedule. Should I be filling that feeder once a day? Twice? Every hour? (Spoiler: definitely not every hour!)
Let’s crack this egg wide open and get to the tasty yolk of chicken feeding schedules. Whether you’re a complete newbie or have been raising chickens for years this guide will help ensure your flock is well-fed, healthy and laying those delicious eggs we all love.
The Basic Feeding Schedule for Chickens
The short answer is: most chicken keepers feed their adult chickens once or twice a day. But as with most things in life, there’s more to the story!
Chickens naturally eat small portions throughout the day unlike your dog who wolfs down their entire bowl in 30 seconds flat. They’re natural foragers who peck and scratch their way through the day, taking little bites here and there.
Here’s what you need to know about feeding frequency:
- Once a day feeding: Many chicken keepers feed their flock once in the morning, which is perfectly adequate if you have the right setup.
- Twice a day feeding: Others prefer morning and evening feedings, which can work well with your human schedule.
- Free choice feeding: With a properly sized self-filling feeder, you might only need to refill it once a week!
Free Feeding vs. Scheduled Feeding
One of the biggest debates in chicken keeping is whether to free feed or stick to a strict schedule. Let’s break down the options:
Free Feeding (Free Choice)
This is the most common method used by backyard chicken keepers, With free feeding
- You fill up a feeder and let chickens eat whenever they want
- Chickens generally don’t overeat, especially if they free range
- Less daily work for you
- Works great with automatic or semi-automatic feeders
As a chicken keeper for several years now, I’ve found that most chickens are pretty good at regulating their own food intake. My girls know exactly when they’re hungry and when they’ve had enough.
Scheduled Feeding
Some chicken keepers swear by measuring out specific amounts of feed:
- Typically about 1/3 pound of feed per chicken per day
- Can potentially optimize feed efficiency and egg production
- Requires more consistent daily attention
- Allows you to monitor consumption more closely
One interesting approach I found was shared by a chicken keeper who recommended starting with 1/3 pound per chicken, then decreasing by 10% each week until egg production drops, then going back to the previous amount. Pretty scientific approach!
How to Feed Your Chickens
Remember that classic Disney scene where Cinderella tosses corn on the ground for the chickens? Well, turns out Disney didn’t give the best chicken-keeping advice!
While chickens do naturally scratch and peck, spreading feed directly on the ground leads to:
- Wasted feed – much of it gets buried or lost
- Health concerns – feed can get moldy or contaminated with chicken droppings
- Nutritional gaps – corn alone isn’t a complete diet for chickens
Instead, use a proper chicken feeder that:
- Hangs to prevent scratching feed out
- Keeps feed off the ground and away from droppings
- Has enough space so all chickens can eat (remember their pecking order!)
What to Feed Your Chickens
The easiest way to ensure your chickens get complete nutrition is to use a commercially produced feed. These come in different forms:
- Crumbles: Smaller pieces that chickens can pick through
- Pellets: Less messy and easier to store
Different life stages require different feeds:
| Chicken Age | Feed Type | Protein Content | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0-6 weeks | Starter/Chick Feed | 20-24% | Often medicated for health |
| 6-20 weeks | Grower/Pullet Feed | 16-18% | Lower protein as they grow |
| 20+ weeks (laying) | Layer Feed | 16-18% | Higher calcium for eggshells |
I personally use a high-quality organic feed for my girls. It costs a bit more, but the egg quality makes it totally worth it!
Beyond Basic Feed: The Complete Chicken Diet
Your chickens need more than just their regular feed. Here’s what else should be on the menu:
Grit
Chickens don’t have teeth (weird, right?). Instead, they use grit in their gizzard to grind food. If your chickens free range, they’ll probably find enough small rocks and sand on their own. If not, provide some in a separate container.
Calcium Supplements
Laying hens need extra calcium for strong eggshells. You can provide:
- Oyster shells (available at feed stores)
- Cleaned, baked, and crushed eggshells (not cannibalism, I promise!)
Always keep calcium separate from their main feed so they can self-regulate.
Water
This is super important! Make sure your chickens always have access to clean, fresh water. In winter, check for ice each morning or use a heater designed for waterers.
Treats (In Moderation)
My chickens go absolutely bonkers for treats, but too many can lead to “hefty hens.” Good options include:
- Vegetable scraps (my girls love broccoli!)
- Fruits (watermelon is a hit in summer)
- Mealworms (high in protein)
- Scratch grains (like chicken “junk food” – use sparingly)
Seasonal Feeding Adjustments
Your chickens’ nutritional needs change with the seasons:
- Winter: They’ll eat more to generate body heat
- Summer: They’ll eat less, especially if they’re finding lots of bugs and plants
- Molting: They need extra protein to grow new feathers
- High egg production: They need consistent nutrition and calcium
I’ve noticed my flock eats nearly twice as much in January as they do in July when they’re happily hunting bugs all day!
Establishing a Feeding Routine
Chickens are creatures of habit and thrive on routine. Whether you choose to feed once a day or provide free choice, consistency is key.
Some tips for establishing a good feeding routine:
- Feed at approximately the same time each day
- Check waterers when you feed
- Use feeding time to do a quick health check on your flock
- Remove any wet or moldy feed promptly
Common Feeding Mistakes to Avoid
In my years of chicken keeping, I’ve made plenty of mistakes (and seen others make them too):
- Overfeeding treats: Too many treats = reduced egg production and fat chickens
- Inadequate feeder space: Causes bullying and uneven access to food
- Leaving feed out overnight: Can attract rodents and other pests
- Not adjusting for seasonal needs: Chickens need more food in winter!
- Switching feeds too abruptly: This can upset their digestive systems
Special Circumstances
There are times when you might need to adjust your feeding schedule:
Broody Hens
A broody hen (one determined to hatch eggs) may not eat enough. You might need to physically remove her from the nest once or twice a day to ensure she eats and drinks.
Sick Chickens
If you have a sick bird, you might need to separate them and hand-feed to ensure proper nutrition.
Chicks
Baby chicks need constant access to food for the first few weeks – they’re growing machines!
FAQs About Feeding Chickens
Q: Can I feed my chickens once a week with a big automatic feeder?
A: Yes, as long as the feed stays clean and dry and the feeder is properly designed to prevent waste.
Q: Will my chickens overeat if I leave food out all the time?
A: Generally no. Most chickens are good at self-regulating their food intake, especially if they have space to exercise.
Q: Can I feed my chickens kitchen scraps instead of commercial feed?
A: Kitchen scraps should only supplement a complete commercial feed, not replace it. Chickens need specific nutrients that are hard to provide through scraps alone.
Q: Is it OK to feed chickens meat or chicken?
A: This is actually illegal in many places! Feeding animal protein back to the same species can increase disease risk.
Q: How do I know if my chickens are getting enough to eat?
A: Healthy chickens are active, have bright eyes and smooth feathers, and maintain a good weight. A dramatic drop in egg production can signal nutritional issues.
My Personal Feeding Routine
After much trial and error, here’s what works for me and my flock of 12 mixed-breed chickens:
- Morning feeding (7-8 AM): Fill the hanging feeder with layer pellets
- Check and refill waterers
- Afternoon treat (2-3 PM): Small handful of scratch grains or veggie scraps scattered in their run to encourage natural foraging behavior
- Evening check (before sunset): Top up the feeder if needed and do a quick headcount
This routine has given me healthy chickens and consistent egg production throughout the year. Plus, my chickens now know the sound of the back door opening and come running – it’s pretty adorable!
Final Thoughts
Feeding your chickens doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you choose to feed once a day, twice a day, or provide free choice, the most important thing is to ensure they have access to high-quality, appropriate feed for their age and purpose.
Remember that chickens are individuals – some will eat more than others, some will have preferences for certain foods, and their needs will change with the seasons and their life stages.
By paying attention to your flock’s behavior, egg production, and overall health, you’ll quickly develop an intuitive sense of whether your feeding routine is working. And don’t be afraid to adjust as needed – that’s part of the fun (and occasional frustration) of chicken keeping!
Happy feeding, and may your egg baskets always be full!
How Often Should I Feed My Chickens?
Chickens need to go to roost with a full stomach to produce eggs. So how many times a day should you feed them?
There are a number of ways to feed your chickens. A good method is to feed your chickens two to four times a day. Chickens prefer to eat lots of small meals throughout the day instead of one large one. This feeding option is a method for those with backyard chickens or for those who have the time to feed their birds at regular intervals throughout the day.
Another method is giving your chickens access to an unlimited amount of food through feeders. This is best suited for chickens in confined spaces that don’t have access to yards to forage in. Chickens need access to a lot of nutrient-rich food to keep them healthy and give them everything they need to constantly lay eggs.
You can also give your chickens some nutritious, natural snacks now and then to supplement their feed and keep them entertained. Just be sure they don’t fill up on treats and neglect their layer feed!
For the most part, chickens normally only eat what they have room for and won’t eat more than they need to.
Just because chickens won’t overeat doesn’t mean they can’t become obese. Treats like seeds, table scraps, and other non-feed-based foods should only constitute 10% of a chicken’s diet. Chickens tend to go for their treats first instead of eating the feed that contains all the nutrients they need. Too many treats will fatten up your chickens, so try to spoil them in other ways.
How Much to Feed Chickens Each Day
Since every breed and every flock is different, it will take some time and observation to figure out your ideal amount of daily chicken feed. However, there is a simple figure to provide you with a solid starting point: 1/4 of a pound per fully grown chicken per day. This means each chicken will eat approximately 1.5 pounds of feed in a week.
This amount will vary based on the age and size of your birds. The best way to determine your flock’s needs is by checking the feeders after they eat their fill. Just note whether any feed is left and adjust the amount up or down the next day. As a rule, it’s better to provide too much feed than too little, as the wasted product is preferable to undernourished chickens.