When Is the Best Time to Feed Chickens?
If you’ve ever wondered, “Should I feed my chickens in the morning or at night?” you’re not alone. In my own coop, I’ve tried a few different schedules over the years, and the biggest lesson I learned is this: chickens do best when feeding feels predictable.
The “best time” depends a little on your life, your climate, and your coop setup — but there are some clear guidelines that help most backyard flocks stay calm, healthy, and consistent.
Quick answer: For most backyard flocks, the best time to feed chickens is in the morning (shortly after they wake up), with balanced feed available throughout daylight hours. If you give scratch or treats, offer them later in the day as a small bonus — not a replacement for feed.
How Chickens Naturally Eat (And Why It Matters)
Chickens are daylight eaters. They wake up hungry, spend the day scratching and grazing, and naturally eat more again before they roost for the night. When your feeding routine matches that rhythm, your flock usually stays calmer and more consistent.
- Morning: they refuel after sleeping and start the day strong
- Midday: they nibble and forage (especially if they free-range)
- Late afternoon: they top off energy before bedtime
Best Time to Feed Chickens in the Morning
For most backyard keepers, the sweet spot is shortly after the flock wakes up. That could be 6:30am in summer or 8:00am in winter — the exact clock time matters less than the routine.
Morning feeding tends to work best because it supports:
- Energy and mood: hungry hens are louder, pushier, and more stressed
- Consistent routines: routines reduce drama and odd behaviors
- Observation: you’ll notice quickly if a hen doesn’t come eat
If you’re watching for early behavior changes, this pairs well with: How to Tell if Your Chicken is Unhealthy .
Why Chickens Should Go to Roost With a Full Crop
One of the most important — and often overlooked — parts of a healthy feeding routine is making sure chickens go to roost with a comfortably full crop.
Chickens don’t eat much once it’s dark. Instead, nighttime is when their bodies digest the food they ate during the day. That slow, steady digestion provides energy through the night and supports overall health.
A healthy chicken will wake up in the morning with an empty crop and be ready to eat again. This is a good sign that digestion is working properly and that the feeding routine is supporting the flock.
- • Full crop at bedtime helps fuel overnight digestion
- • Empty crop in the morning signals healthy digestion
- • A hen ready to eat again is a normal, healthy sign
If a hen consistently goes to roost with an empty crop — or wakes up with a crop that still feels full — that’s worth slowing down and observing more closely.
Why Evening Scratch Helps (Especially During Cold Weather)
Offering a small amount of scratch in the late afternoon or early evening can be a helpful part of this routine, especially during colder months.
Scratch grains digest more slowly than regular feed. That means the chicken’s body has something to work on overnight, which creates a slight boost in body temperature as digestion occurs. This can help hens stay more comfortable while they sleep.
This is why many experienced chicken keepers offer scratch before roosting time — not after dark.
- • Best timing: late afternoon while there’s still daylight
- • Purpose: support overnight digestion and warmth
- • Most helpful during cold winter evenings
Scratch should always be treated as a supplement, not a replacement for balanced feed. A little goes a long way, and consistency matters more than quantity.
Should You Feed Chickens Again Later in the Day?
Many flocks do great with balanced feed available throughout the day (or offered in a morning “main meal” with access during daylight hours). A second feeding can be helpful if you:
- • Have multiple age groups or shy hens that need extra time at the feeder
- • Notice feed is gone early and your hens are acting stressed
- • Free-range a lot and want a small “come-home” routine in late afternoon
If you offer scratch or treats, the best time is usually late afternoon — but keep it small. Treats are a bonus, not the base diet.
Morning vs. Evening Feeding
Here’s a simple way to think about it: balanced feed supports the flock’s health. Treats should support the flock’s routine (and your relationship), without creating nutrition gaps or attracting pests.
Morning Feeding Works Best When…
- • You want calmer behavior and fewer squabbles
- • You want to notice appetite changes quickly
- • You prefer a predictable routine that supports laying patterns
Late Afternoon Treats Work Best When…
- • You want a “coop call” routine to bring hens back in
- • You keep treats small and don’t replace balanced feed
- • You’re avoiding feeding late at night (to reduce pests)
Does Feeding Time Affect Egg Laying?
Feeding time doesn’t “force” egg laying, but routines can influence how smooth everything feels in the coop. When feeding becomes inconsistent, some flocks get more stressed — and stress can show up as:
- • More noise and pacing
- • More squabbles at the feeder
- • Odd routines (including nesting habits shifting)
If you’re dealing with nesting behavior changes, this article is a great companion read: Why Chickens Change Where They Lay Eggs .
Simple routine tip: If you’re tightening up feeding consistency, do the same for nesting. When routines stay steady (feed + nesting), it’s easier to spot real changes in behavior.
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Best Feeding Times by Season
Summer ☀️
- • Feed earlier if your flock is active before the heat sets in
- • Keep water fresh and accessible all day
- • Avoid heavy treats during the hottest part of the day
Winter ❄️
- • Feed when they’re truly “up” (winter mornings can start later)
- • A small late-afternoon treat can be a great routine (without feeding at night)
- • Watch shy hens — winter flock dynamics can shift
Signs Your Feeding Schedule Might Need Adjusting ⏰
- • They act frantic at feeding time (beyond normal excitement)
- • Feed is gone very early and they stay restless
- • You notice increased pecking or bullying around food
- • A hen suddenly stops coming to eat with the flock
That last one is a big one in my coop — “not showing up for food” is often the first quiet signal that makes me pause and observe more closely.
FAQ: Best Time to Feed Chickens
Should I feed chickens at night?
Generally, no. Chickens don’t eat much after dark, and feeding at night can attract pests. If you want a late feeding routine, keep it to late afternoon while there’s still daylight.
Is it okay to free-feed?
Many backyard keepers do well with balanced feed available during daylight hours. The key is keeping it clean, dry, and protected from rodents — and making sure treats don’t replace proper nutrition.
What if my schedule is inconsistent?
Don’t stress — just aim for “mostly consistent.” Chickens adapt best when they can predict the routine. Even a 30–60 minute window (rather than an exact time) can help your flock stay settled.
Conclusion: Routine Beats Perfection
The best time to feed chickens is usually in the morning, with balanced feed available throughout the day. If you offer treats, late afternoon is typically the best time — and feeding late at night usually isn’t needed.
The biggest win is consistency. When routines are steady (feeding, coop flow, nesting), chicken keeping feels easier — and you’ll spot true changes faster.
Want a full “big picture” backyard chicken routine guide? Here you go: Raising Backyard Chickens Guide .
