Any ideas on modifying my feeder for my rooster to access it better?

[Juju2773]

Hi all! I was hoping someone might have some bright ideas on how to modify my expensive rent a coop feeder to accommodate my roosters . They won’t stick their heads inside because of the large size of their combs and wattles. And the design requires the chicken to put their head far inside to get the food, preventing waste. But, I have to pour food on the ground just for the roosters every day or they’ll starve. I bought four of these expensive feeders over time and they are great. Well worth the money, but I’d hate to spend more for another feeder. I really want to try to modify one of them. I want it to be open around the bottom, like those cheap plastic chick feeders where the food spreads out to a lip . So there’s nothing stopping the roosters from easily getting food. Of course, I realize I’ll have to keep that one under a covered area after, but it’s ok. Any genius ideas?? I’ll attach a picture of the type of feeders I have. Thanks.

 

[sourland]

I'd hate to modify those very nice feeders. I'd simply provide a bowl of feed for the roosters.

 

[Onyxflock]

Hi all! I was hoping someone might have some bright ideas on how to modify my expensive rent a coop feeder to accommodate my roosters . They won’t stick their heads inside because of the large size of their combs and wattles. And the design requires the chicken to put their head far inside to get the food, preventing waste. But, I have to pour food on the ground just for the roosters every day or they’ll starve. I bought four of these expensive feeders over time and they are great. Well worth the money, but I’d hate to spend more for another feeder. I really want to try to modify one of them. I want it to be open around the bottom, like those cheap plastic chick feeders where the food spreads out to a lip . So there’s nothing stopping the roosters from easily getting food. Of course, I realize I’ll have to keep that one under a covered area after, but it’s ok. Any genius ideas?? I’ll attach a picture of the type of feeders I have. Thanks.

This open feeder has worked really well for us. Unbelievably simple, the food tray is narrow so they can't get in or on it to kick food out. Has reduced our feed waste drastically. Cost around $11 at Tru Valu. It has a metal handle if you want to hang it.

 

[blackdog043]

When Making a DIY no waste feeder, it's recommended to use 4 inch elbows, if you have roosters because of the larger comb. You could make one yourself, using a 4 inch elbow.

 

[Juju2773]

Thanks, I’ll have to look up some detailed info online , I guess. I am not familiar with elbows and what not.. lol. Especially starting out with a square feeder. PVC is round so I was hoping someone might have tried it already. Most likely I guess I might need to consider just buying the cheaper feeder that was recommended. I just hate to buy another feeder. I only have 15 chickens and I already have four of these feeders. They only seem to use two of them for the most part, so I thought modifying just one would be a good option. Thanks.

 

[blackdog043]

Below is the link for the DIY Build thread. You might be able to enlarge one or two of the holes in a feeder that you have, to put a 4 inch elbow in, but the rooster has to know what holes to eat from. I've made about 4 of the DIY's, but with 3 inch elbows.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...lon-25-feed-bucket-feeder-for-about-3.834227/

 

[Juju2773]

Thank you. I did check out the link. It is basically almost exact design as the expensive feeder I have inside. My roosters won’t stick their heads inside. But thanks for the link. I wish I had seen it before paying so much for the feeders I have. I could have made my own for ..far.. cheaper. I decided to just purchase a Seperate feeder for my roosters. I found the exact one recommended by Onyxflock today. Thanks Onyxflock. The roosters can access that one with no problems. They seem to like it and I love the top being open , it’s very easy to refill. Happy Roosters!

 

[Sally PB]

I used a gallon milk jug. On the "corner" opposite the handle, cut an opening about 4" high and 5" wide. Make it about 3-4" up from the bottom. I placed it up against the fence, and strung a bungee cord through the jug handle to secure it.

Cost: free, but we had to drink the milk first.

 

[Juju2773]

View attachment 2472282
This open feeder has worked really well for us. Unbelievably simple, the food tray is narrow so they can't get in or on it to kick food out. Has reduced our feed waste drastically. Cost around $11 at Tru Valu. It has a metal handle if you want to hang it.

Thanks for the recommendation. I guess it would be a lot easier to get a separate feeder so I actually found the exact feeder and it was very affordable and the roosters are very happy! Thanks! I posted some photos on a different comment if you’d like to see .

 

[Juju2773]

I'd hate to modify those very nice feeders. I'd simply provide a bowl of feed for the roosters.

Your probably right. I found a cheap one the works well for my roosters.