Automated Cat Feeders???

[Cuqui18]

hey does anyone use or think its a good/bad idea to use automated cat feeders to your ducks or chickens? like these :

Tell me what you think about the idea

 

[Mommysongbird]

pretty neat, but they don't seem to work properly. I would be afraid that they wouldn't work (like in the video) and then the chickens wouldn't get their food when they should.

 

[Balbinka]

I personally don't like automatic feeders or waterers.

I like to clean my feed and water dispensers/dishes every day to help prevent disease.
No reason to spend that kind of money on auto-feeders if you're going to be emptying and cleaning it every day (as I feel poultry owners should).

But that is JUST me.

 

[jmagill]

Quote:
Why should you need to empty and clean everyday? Don't understand that one bit.

My waterer's are are nipple buckets that have lids on them and don't get dirt in them. No really much different than the water coming out of the tap. My feeder only allows them to get their head in. No dirt or poop in there.

The chickens roam the dirt run and pasture. They eat more bugs and drink water out of dirty puddles. My feeders and waterer's are hospital clean compared to that and they only get cleaned every week or two.

 

[Mommysongbird]

Quote:
Why should you need to empty and clean everyday? Don't understand that one bit.

My waterer's are are nipple buckets that have lids on them and don't get dirt in them. No really much different than the water coming out of the tap. My feeder only allows them to get their head in. No dirt or poop in there.

The chickens roam the dirt run and pasture. They eat more bugs and drink water out of dirty puddles. My feeders and waterer's are hospital clean compared to that and they only get cleaned every week or two.

I was going to ask 'why' also. I mean if I have to do this EVERY SINGLE day, I am going to stop now and find new homes for my little flock! I love them like all of our other animals, but I don't clean their dishes everytime some gets in them. Our cats drink out of the pond more than they drink out of their dishes (witch are automated, but not like the one in the video) and I never clean their food dish unless their food gets wet and some how molds.

 

[Chihuahuamom444]

I don't get why you would need a feeder like that.......shouldn't chickens have food available All the time? Mine have a full feeder 24/7 and they don't overeat, they pick at it through out the day......and as far as the feeders itself even for a cat or dog I wouldn't trust it totally, things malfunction and fido goes hungry

 

[jmagill]

I agree that these auto feeders are not the best option.

They would work but feed is best free choice all the time. It allows those that are lowest on the pecking order to feed when the others are done.