baby chick feed mess

[spgj1]

Hello, I have my first set of chicks and they are in the brooder, happy they seem. However, what seems to bring the most happiness is that they they enjoy emptying the feeder on to the pine shavings, the entire feeder, all of it and it seems to be a race as to which chick can do this the fastest. Why are they doing this? they do scratch it a little afterwards, and eat it off the shavings, but they are really loving the game of getting it out of the feeder. they are making the cutest little chirppy talking, noises while doing this, so I am assuming they are happy.

 

[Fred's Hens]

Try a shoe box cover. Such a box cover really helps keep the feed in one place. They hop into the box top and feed. Another idea is to put the feeder into box cover or other larger lid. The feed gets scratched out quickly, but they can then eat that feed up before you re-fill the feeder.

Chicks are designed by nature to pick their crumbs from the ground. Their nature isn't really designed for a store bought feeder. Those are human inventions. Make them clean up their mess before re-filling. Enjoy the journey.

 

[spgj1]

Thanks Fred, I like the box lid. I am enjoying all this, the feed, drink, scratch, then pass out, repeat. The feeding today however has been frantic as if they would starve. occasionally the feed is flying across the brooder. I am looking forward to watching them in the yard.

 

[lcammack]

Another option is to raise the feeder up so that they can not scratch at it with their feet. Keeps much less of the feed from being wasted. Just below the level of their backs seems to work well, just keep an eye on them at first and make sure they can all reach ok.