Chickens should be fed twice a day, providing a balanced diet of pellets, grains, and fresh vegetables to ensure their health and productivity.
Feeding chickens properly is crucial for their health, egg production, and overall well-being. The frequency and amount of feed depend on age, breed, and environment. This guide covers everything you need to know about chicken feeding schedules.
How Many Times a Day Should You Feed Chickens?
Adult chickens thrive best with continuous access to feed throughout the day. Their digestive systems are designed for multiple small meals rather than one large feeding.
- Free-choice feeding: Keep feeders full all day (best method for most flocks)
- Scheduled feeding: 2-3 meals per day (requires more management)
- Morning and evening: Essential feeding times when chickens are most active
According to Dine a Chook Australia, chickens should have free access to feed from sunrise until roosting time. This matches their natural eating patterns.
Why Free-Choice Feeding Works Best
Chickens have a unique digestive system with a crop that stores food and a gizzard that grinds it. This system works best with frequent small meals:
- Food enters the crop for initial digestion
- Moves to the gizzard for grinding
- Nutrients are absorbed in the intestines
Limited feeding can cause digestive issues and pecking order problems. Dominant birds may prevent others from eating enough during restricted feeding times.
How Much to Feed Chickens Daily
The average adult chicken eats about 1/4 pound (113 grams) of feed per day. This varies by:
| Chicken Type | Daily Feed Amount |
|---|---|
| Standard Layers | 1/4 lb (113g) |
| Bantam Chickens | 1/8 lb (57g) |
| Meat Birds | 1/2 lb (227g) |
Monitor your flock’s consumption and adjust amounts as needed. Remove moldy or spoiled feed promptly to prevent health issues. Learn more about what happens if chickens eat moldy food.
Special Feeding Considerations
Chick Feeding Schedule
Baby chicks need different care:
- 0-8 weeks: Free-choice starter feed (18-20% protein)
- 8-16 weeks: Grower feed (16-18% protein)
- 16+ weeks: Layer feed (16% protein)
Chicks eat frequently – about 1-2 ounces per day initially. Always keep feed and fresh water available for chicks.
Seasonal Adjustments
Chickens need more energy in cold weather:
- Winter: Increase feed by 10-15%
- Summer: Provide extra electrolytes in water
- Molting season: Higher protein feed (18-20%)
Common Feeding Mistakes to Avoid
Many chicken keepers unintentionally make these errors:
- Overfeeding treats: Limit treats to 10% of diet
- Wrong feed type: Don’t give layer feed to chicks
- Dirty feeders: Clean weekly to prevent disease
- Inadequate water: Chickens drink 2-3 times more than they eat
For more on chicken behavior, read about why chickens follow their owners.
Free-Range vs. Confined Feeding
Free-range chickens supplement their diet with insects and plants, but still need quality feed:
- Free-range: Provide 1/4 lb feed plus foraging
- Confined: Full 1/4 lb ration plus enrichment
According to Organic Feeds, even free-range birds need balanced feed to meet nutritional requirements.
Supplemental Feeding Tips
Enhance your chickens’ diet with:
- Grit for digestion (especially important for confined birds)
- Calcium supplements for layers (oyster shell)
- Occasional healthy treats (vegetables, mealworms)
Remember that treats should never replace balanced feed. Chickens need complete nutrition for optimal health and egg production.