Scratching all the feed onto the ground

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Biscuitchicken

Biscuitchicken

Chirping
7 Years
Jul 17, 2014
42
1
99
I'm just a few weeks in to this raising chickens things. I have 1 rooster and 5 hens, all bandie/copper muran mix. They've started scratching all of their food out onto the ground. The still eat it but I will fill my 7 lb hanging feeder and have to fill it again in 2 days. Is this normal? I even added on to their coop a 60' x 50' yard so they can go out during the day and have other things to occupy their time. Any help would be appreciated!
 
Normal - yes, desirable - no. It is a hanging feeder, I would suggest moving it up a bit so that it is at a higher level - their beaks will still reach, but their feet not so much. You can also consider the "no waste" style hanging feeders made from buckets - those have access for heads only , no feet.
 
I use PVC tube feeders...best thing I ever did! Plus they are SO easy to make!


NO more wasted feed! I made 2 feeders for my small flock. I bought a 3" PVC tube (I think they're 8' long), cut it in half, added the 90-degree elbow and then the end piece which is what they call a "street 45" (don't ask me why they call it that). No gluing needed, just twist them on tight. Strap them to the wall, add a PVC cap to the top and you're done! WARNING!!! Make sure you put your foot over the end when you first fill them!!
 
Are you feeding crumble or pellets?? My girls wasted so much crumble we switched over to pellet and no problems. Some have said that moistening the crumble works too but I don't think that be a good solution in your hanging feeder.
 
This is a great idea! It could even be filled from outside the coop which is how i have my water set up, THANKS!
 
nuttyboo said:
Are you feeding crumble or pellets?? My girls wasted so much crumble we switched over to pellet and no problems. Some have said that moistening the crumble works too but I don't think that be a good solution in your hanging feeder.
Click to expand...

I was feeding pellets. I may try iwiw60's suggestion. PVC is cheap
 
iwiw60 said:
I use PVC tube feeders...best thing I ever did! Plus they are SO easy to make!


NO more wasted feed! I made 2 feeders for my small flock. I bought a 3" PVC tube (I think they're 8' long), cut it in half, added the 90-degree elbow and then the end piece which is what they call a "street 45" (don't ask me why they call it that). No gluing needed, just twist them on tight. Strap them to the wall, add a PVC cap to the top and you're done! WARNING!!! Make sure you put your foot over the end when you first fill them!!
Click to expand...

I am loving this. I made something similar for grit and calcium. I made mine smaller (1 1/2" PVC pipe) and I used a "Y" instead of a 90 degree and 45 degree on the bottom and I put caps on both ends. The original smooth pipe (it was not corrugated tubing like yours) was 10 feet long so I just cut it in half to make two 5-foot tall feeders. Total cost was $7 each. I did not use glue either - so far so good. I like the set-up with multiple feeders in your photo since it would reduce fighting for a spot at the feeder.
 
I'm having same problem, just switched from Tractor Supply crumbles to local feed mill powder.
Even if they rooted the crumbles out onto the floor they pecked it up.
This $9 for 50 lb layer from the feed mill is like powder and is just mixing with the mulch I use for bedding and getting wasted.
They also seem to be choking on it.
Am I suppose to be adding water to it? I may have to build another feeder or modify this one so it's harder to waste.


 
Last edited:
I hung the feeder much higher... about chest level rather than 2 inches off the ground and this so far seems to have helped
 
Biscuitchicken said:
I hung the feeder much higher... about chest level rather than 2 inches off the ground and this so far seems to have helped
Click to expand...
thumbsup.gif
- glad to hear that!
 

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