All Things Treadle Feeder

[Anon112]

I've had treadle feeders for several months now, and they have been real game-changers when it comes to a growing rat problem that I had.

However, I'm still learning and currently I have two specific questions. However, my intention is for this to be a place that we can have general discussion and some Q&A about using/building/setting up treadle feeders.

So to start things off, my two questions:

1) I have four chicks who are about 9 weeks old. They've been in a "nursery" inside my main run where they have access to a regular feeder and waterer. I'm trying to give them more direct/intermingling social time with the flock (currently they are all visible to each other 24/7, and they all free range together for about 2-4 hours while I'm home to supervise). They aren't big enough to work the feeder yet, so they will still have to stay in the nursery for most of the day so that they can eat enough. My question is: in your opinion, is it safe to have them out and about where there is a treadle feeder without my direct supervision (like for a few hours before bedtime)? Obviously the concern is a big chicken would work the feeder, a chick would stick their head in, and then the feeder could close. Thoughts?

2) Now that the feed is hidden behind the steel door of the treadle feeder, the rats have started going after my oyster shell! They are eating like 1/2-1 cup per week! I'd like to set up a treadle feeder for oyster shell as well as for feed. Anyone done this? Any successes or warnings to share?

 

[Debbie292d]

I wouldn't stop them getting the calcium as it's a killer for them. Many rat poisons contain a version of calcium. It causes kidney failure in them, among other things.

Could you put some in a couple of more bowls and sit them further from the coop so they don't have to come in to get it?

 

[Anon112]

I wouldn't stop them getting the calcium as it's a killer for them. Many rat poisons contain a version of calcium. It causes kidney failure in them, among other things.

Could you put some in a couple of more bowls and sit them further from the coop so they don't have to come in to get it?

Whoa! Interesting!

I wonder why they're eating it then. And here I thought that in addition to their glossy coats from eating my feed, I was giving them strong bones with the calcium!

I'll try setting some a bit away from the run. (I've had chicks, so there has been some food spillage in the run because they can't access the treadle feeders yet, and when they come out of the "nursery" they sometimes trail out some crumbles).

 

[Mother of Chaos]

Whoa! Interesting!

I wonder why they're eating it then. And here I thought that in addition to their glossy coats from eating my feed, I was giving them strong bones with the calcium!

I'll try setting some a bit away from the run. (I've had chicks, so there has been some food spillage in the run because they can't access the treadle feeders yet, and when they come out of the "nursery" they sometimes trail out some crumbles).

It's a good example of "too much of a good thing." They're nowhere close to laying, and the lower amount of calcium that should be in their chick feed is all they need (along with lots of exercise, and vitamin D) until they're older.

I'd hold off on the calcium until they're around 16-18 weeks or so, or until they have bright red combs and wattles and/or are squatting. I don't think that they need to be loading up on calcium this early (maybe they're eating it because they think it's grit?), but by the time that they're within a month of expected laying or at showing actual signs of imminent laying, that's the time to start offering it.

 

[Anon112]

It's a good example of "too much of a good thing." They're nowhere close to laying, and the lower amount of calcium that should be in their chick feed is all they need (along with lots of exercise, and vitamin D) until they're older.

I'd hold off on the calcium until they're around 16-18 weeks or so, or until they have bright red combs and wattles and/or are squatting. I don't think that they need to be loading up on calcium this early (maybe they're eating it because they think it's grit?), but by the time that they're within a month of expected laying or at showing actual signs of imminent laying, that's the time to start offering it.

Oh, sorry. Let me be more clear: My chicks are in a "nursery", which is a structure I built inside of my chicken run. They stay in there during the day, and when I come home in the afternoon I let everyone out to free range together.

There is oyster shell out in the run for the big girls, and the treadle feeder is out with them as well. Inside the nursery with the chicks is only feed and fresh water.

The rats, sadly, have been able to tunnel into the run. (I have an apron, but there are vulnerable points at my corner posts, and the rats dug under the posts, SIGH). They cannot access the feed (the run has a treadle feeder, and they can't get into the nursery), and so have started eating the oyster shell.

 

[Mother of Chaos]

Oh, sorry. Let me be more clear: My chicks are in a "nursery", which is a structure I built inside of my chicken run. They stay in there during the day, and when I come home in the afternoon I let everyone out to free range together.

There is oyster shell out in the run for the big girls, and the treadle feeder is out with them as well. Inside the nursery with the chicks is only feed and fresh water.

The rats, sadly, have been able to tunnel into the run. (I have an apron, but there are vulnerable points at my corner posts, and the rats dug under the posts, SIGH). They cannot access the feed (the run has a treadle feeder, and they can't get into the nursery), and so have started eating the oyster shell.

Wow, how bizarre! I'm trying to imagine what that's all about.

Sorry, I think several of us lost track of what exactly was happening with the shell.

 

[Anon112]

Wow, how bizarre! I'm trying to imagine what that's all about.

I know!

I noticed my oyster shell was depleted from the different dishes and thought I'd just lost track. Refilled all the dishes. A week later, it was all gone again! Normally it takes my hens a month or two to make a big dent in their dishes.

And you can even see a little "trail" where they are carrying it to their little rat holes. I live near the woods which are full of berries and nuts and insects. It's so weird.