Folara
Songster
I am interested in hearing everyone's thoughts, opinions, and ideas on using a bucket toggle feeder as the only or primary feeder for chickens. Below are pictures from the internet showing examples of this type of feeder - the chickens peck the cork/wood and a small amount of feed falls out of the hole.
I am personally drawn to this type of feeder because it will provide enrichment by contrafreeloading and ground foraging. My chickens live in a large predator-proof run 24/7 so I want to encourage as natural of a lifestyle as possible while having these limitations. This feeder will have them seek out food, work to get the food out, and search for fallen food. Related to this, it will help reduce waste by limiting access to food - since it isn't an open source of food the small amount that comes out with each peck will be more valuable and get cleaned up quickly.
Give me your pros and cons - what negatives can you see with this type of feeder, especially as the sole source of their main feed? Will there by any negative impacts on physical or mental health for the chickens? Looking forward to hearing your thoughts!
I am personally drawn to this type of feeder because it will provide enrichment by contrafreeloading and ground foraging. My chickens live in a large predator-proof run 24/7 so I want to encourage as natural of a lifestyle as possible while having these limitations. This feeder will have them seek out food, work to get the food out, and search for fallen food. Related to this, it will help reduce waste by limiting access to food - since it isn't an open source of food the small amount that comes out with each peck will be more valuable and get cleaned up quickly.
Give me your pros and cons - what negatives can you see with this type of feeder, especially as the sole source of their main feed? Will there by any negative impacts on physical or mental health for the chickens? Looking forward to hearing your thoughts!