I too had an issue with waste and rats from them flinging crumble all over the place. So I made this:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/golf-ball-feeder
Golf Ball Feeder
The ball stays in place with a cage made of u-bolts.
Inside view
Outside View
Bottom view
Complete View
I used 3 inch pcv pipe, 2 45% elbows, 1 end cap and 1 4inch to 3 inch adapter at the filling end. I don't recall what size the u-bolts are as I had them laying...
Golf Ball Feeder
The ball stays in place with a cage made of u-bolts.
Inside view
Outside View
Bottom view
Complete View
I used 3 inch pcv pipe, 2 45% elbows, 1 end cap and 1 4inch to 3 inch adapter at the filling end. I don't recall what size the u-bolts are as I had them laying...
I got mine a flock block a few weeks ago and they totally ignored the crumble until the block was gone. Not sure I'm going to do that again unless I make my own much smaller.
I'm guessing that any plants you are trying to harden off will be viewed as a tempting treat to the birds. Mine aren't clipped but they have no problem jumping up over 4 feet. You would need those plants well over 6 feet to be safe or find some way to deny access.
Keith
Doesn't really feel like much work. Gather eggs daily, refill feeders weekly, fill water barrel every 2 weeks. Clean out deep litter every 6 months. Frankly I like to spend time in the backyard on weekends so I'm either enhancing the coop/run or the garden area. Beats the heck out of being a...
The ACV that is raw and unfiltered with the "mother" in it is what works for humans. Whenever my acid reflux flares it is the only thing that provides me any relief. There may be other hunam benefits but I can't attest to any of the others.
Keith