Observe your hens at feeding times after introducing a new feeder system to the brood. Dominant birds may prevent those lower in the pecking order from feeding, curious hens may knock over the container, and some chickens just like to make a mess of the whole thing.Īn unruly or large flock would benefit from two or more medium-sized feeders to ensure all chickens get their due. The character of your hens will have an impact on the size and style of the chicken feeder too. As a very general guideline, each chicken should have about 2 inches of feeding space.

It should be large enough not to need constant refilling, but small enough that the feed doesn’t spoil before it has a chance to be eaten.Īnother thing to bear in mind is how the chickens access the feed. The size of the feeding vessel(s) should hold enough food for all your chickens. Each egg-laying hen needs roughly ¾ of a cup of food per day, or about a ¼ pound. How many chickens you keep will determine the size of the chicken feeder you build. Not all chicken feeders are created equal and should be adapted to fit your coop’s specific needs.īefore committing to a design, consider: The Flock

The amount of decline in egg-making is directly related to the amount of time the flock went without.Ĭlearly, keeping your hens well-fed and watered is vital for healthy, happy, and productive chickens! Considerations When Choosing a Chicken Feeder Design The best egg production occurs when chickens receive at least 16% protein in their feeds, as well as access to fresh, clean water at all times.Įgg production stops or slows when hens run out of feed or water for several hours at a time. Keep them well-fed with a DIY chicken feeder.Įgg-laying hens require a balanced diet that includes energy, protein, and calcium. This means that chickens are almost always hungry and food obsessed. DIY chicken feeders have come a long way from the old trough-style feeders.īecause chickens have a narrow intestinal tract, they like to eat often but in small portions.

Chicken water feeder design