Best way to feed chickens without all the waste?

[WildfireJane]

I'm sick of all the waste of high priced feed that my one month olds and older chickens are making. I was wondering if anyone has any ideas of home made feeders that help keep the waste down?

 

[Ridgerunner]

You might try a version of this. Hang the bucket so the openings are about the height of their back and adjust as they grow. I left the bucket bail on mine to hang it from and draped some plastic over it to keep them from perching on it and pooping in the feed. I've seen pictures of people inverting a funnel over it or putting a plastic milk jug on the rope to keep them from perching. I got free food grade plastic buckets from my local grocery store. Any deli or place that has a deli probably has free buckets for the asking.

http://toolmakingart.battlering.com/images/Chicken Feeder/feeder jugs inverted.JPG

Good luck!

 

[moms_coop]

The feeder and water is great but what do you rest the top of the jug in inside the bucket to control how or how much water and or food comes out.
Sally

 

[Ridgerunner]

Those photos are not of my feeder. I stole the idea and kept a link to the thread to pass on because I thought it was a great idea and a good photo. I have seen where others use the same idea.

I just pour feed on the bottom of the bucket up to the level of the holes. I use a different type of waterer so I can't help you with that.

 

[codybird]

No waste feeder on my BYC site,

 

[sillybirds]

I made one like Omran's. It is simple and has significantly cut down on waste by my chickens.

Link to thread on his feeder

 

[codybird]

Most grocery store bakery departments get icing in big nice food grade buckets that they will probably give you for free.