Warning! Chickens died in pvc feeder!

I cannot even believe that I am typing this, considering the popularity of pvc tube feeders. I would have never in a million years even fathomed this could have happened. We just went out to check on the chickens and I see chicken feet sticking OUT of the 4 inch pvc gravity tube feeder. I immediately knew a chicken was dead, and when I pulled it out there was a SECOND chicken stuffed up inside the tube as well! It seems that as the feeder got low enough the first chicken was somehow able to cram itself up inside the tube and got stuck and then the second one did the same. The first one was so stuck that we had to take apart the pipe to pull it out. The second one seems to have gotten its upper body stuck up with the first one and it's feet were sticking straight out. I cannot even believe this has happened! It didn't even cross my mind as a possibility. They were all fine yesterday and here we are as first time chicken owners building a predator proof coop and run and TWO die in a feeder we have had in the coop for 3 weeks. I am in shock.

The barred rock was crammed inside first, the Easter egger was stuck by just her head.

Omg I'm so sorry.

I am really sorry for you losses. I can't even imagine. =(

Oh no, how sad. So sorry. I lost the prettiest gal in my new flock to a freak accident so I know how hard that is. :-(

I've been considering this feeding method. Question: What you'd on the ground or somewhat suspended? Do you think it would make a difference?

Sorry for your loss...

Im sorry for your loss. i lost my best gurl 2 Sundays ago put some chicken wire at the bottom hole just past the bend or cross 2 long bolts with washes and nuts use four to b safe one of those will Do the trick

How devastating!

Sorry for your loss, I would be devastated...if you don't mind me asking how old are they? I use the same type of feeder but I use 3 inch and my girls are full grown so I doubt they could get in there.

Im84,

So sorry for your loss.

Which type of PVC feeder was it? There are those that have the y at the bottom, and those that have just the elbow with a straight piece of PVC pipe with holes or a single hole cut out?

I am asking because I am currently building a coop and I am considering using a PVC feeder.

That is so sad. I'm so sorry about your babies. What a shock. Last possible thing to expect to happen. THANK YOU for warning us all.