Feed and Water

[HFFAdmin]

• Feed is the biggest expense—always provide balanced, commercial feed for the right bird age/type.

• Don’t mix feeds incorrectly—layer feed is for layers, starter/grower for chicks.

• Supplement outdoor birds with grass and insects, but be careful with table scraps (fresh only, and in limited amounts).

• Watch for nutrition problems—what you save in feed, you might lose in performance.

• Pellets/crumbles reduce waste but may cost a bit more than mash.

• Store feed dry, protect from rodents, and keep feeders/waterers clean. (I keep my feed and treats in trash cans with lids).

• Clean, fresh water is essential.

• As birds grow or during hot weather, increase water supply.

• Clean drinkers at least daily.

• Spilled water can ruin litter—be careful!

• Deprivation of water/food, overcrowding, or stress can lead to picking/cannibalism.

I use pelletized feed. I tried crumbles but the birds wasted a lot. Since I have a lot of birds, my coops have 40# and 50# feeders in them. Due to losses by predators, I don't free range my birds, but they all have large covered pens to protect them from aerial predators. I have had some owls kill some birds. I have a grass harvestor where I can harvest grass for the birds or alternatively give them alfalfa. They will pick the little leaves off of the alfalfa stems.

I have auto waterers in the coops that have water going to them. In the other coops I use EZ fill waterers.