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?
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?
