Can't stop pests from getting in.

[AllenK RGV]

Your first line of defense should always be hardware cloth to protect against food raiding and even more importantly, predators.

I am wondering what method you use to feed your chickens.
Do they fling food all around?
Do you have a hanging feeder, or some other low waste style feeder?

Just hanging your feeder so that the food is at the chickens' chin height or just a smudge lower saves a ton of food from being wasted.

Chipmunks, squirrels, and birds come in the daytime.

But rats and mice generally come at night.

You didn't say what you're doing at night so if you don't have one already I'd suggest that you invest in a metal trash can meant for storing food. They aren't terribly expensive ($15) and are available at feed stores, Walmart, Home Depot,lowes etc.

If you are leaving food out you are hosting an all night buffet for freeloaders.
Take your feeder out when the chickens go to roost and lock it up. Put it back out in the morning.

X2

 

[lazy gardener]

However that doesn’t work with chipmunks, I’ve tried it and they just jump out

Switch to a tall trash can instead of a bucket.

X2

Agreed, excellent post by Stacey.

Fermented feed will do a lot to prevent pilfering by rodents and birds.

 

[Hanathehappyhen]

Your first line of defense should always be hardware cloth to protect against food raiding and even more importantly, predators.

I am wondering what method you use to feed your chickens.
Do they fling food all around?
Do you have a hanging feeder, or some other low waste style feeder?

Just hanging your feeder so that the food is at the chickens' chin height or just a smudge lower saves a ton of food from being wasted.

Chipmunks, squirrels, and birds come in the daytime.

But rats and mice generally come at night.

You didn't say what you're doing at night so if you don't have one already I'd suggest that you invest in a metal trash can meant for storing food. They aren't terribly expensive ($15) and are available at feed stores, Walmart, Home Depot,lowes etc.

If you are leaving food out you are hosting an all night buffet for freeloaders.
Take your feeder out when the chickens go to roost and lock it up. Put it back out in the morning.

I use a hanging feeder and my birds are pretty neat eaters.

 

[Hanathehappyhen]

Your first line of defense should always be hardware cloth to protect against food raiding and even more importantly, predators.

I am wondering what method you use to feed your chickens.
Do they fling food all around?
Do you have a hanging feeder, or some other low waste style feeder?

Just hanging your feeder so that the food is at the chickens' chin height or just a smudge lower saves a ton of food from being wasted.

Chipmunks, squirrels, and birds come in the daytime.

But rats and mice generally come at night.

You didn't say what you're doing at night so if you don't have one already I'd suggest that you invest in a metal trash can meant for storing food. They aren't terribly expensive ($15) and are available at feed stores, Walmart, Home Depot,lowes etc.

If you are leaving food out you are hosting an all night buffet for freeloaders.
Take your feeder out when the chickens go to roost and lock it up. Put it back out in the morning.

Good idea. I already keep food in a large trash can. Thanks!

 

[Hanathehappyhen]

I have the same problem cause I just use chicken wire and usually have the main door open them free ranging. I found little birds and chipmunks don't seem as interested in the feed when it's fermented and I ferment the feed most of the yr.
They do make and you can make pest proof feeders. Homemade designs use a big container (bucket/garbage can) and 4" pvc pipe the chickens put their heads in to get at the feed. Another design I've seen for sale is a feeder the birds step on a treadle to open the feeder which eliminates pest thievery.

That's a good idea. But the pests also try to use/sleep in her bedding.

 

[Hanathehappyhen]

Can you post pictures of the places that they’re getting into your coop?
Use 1/2”x1/2” hardware clothe instead of chicken wire to seal the holes.

Ok I'll try to get some pictures up.

 

[QuailExpert]

any traps outside the cage could help with the problem.