Chicken Casualty - PVC Street Elbow Feeder :(

[btao]

So, I wanted to post up this thread since using a PVC street elbow with a bucket has become somewhat popular for a feeder. I started with a 3" PVC elbow and seemed like it was getting a little tight with the bigger chickens so I made one with a 4" pipe.

After about a week of use, I went to open the vents and check on things, and found one of my 8wk Golden Laced Polish had gotten stuck and died in the bigger feeder. Looks like it was small enough that it got its feet up there on the lip of the opening, and they slipped in, and couldn't get out at that point. Barely noticed the tail feathers sticking out as it got so wedged in there.

It was one of my few egg layers left since my order was shorted. Worst part was, my 3 year old daughter always helps, and she saw it stuck in there too and started bawling. We miss her and buried her together. I think she really connected with what it means to die now. She keeps asking me about cemeteries when we drive by them :/

So, my word of advice is to only use as big an elbow as can prevent a bird from completely going into it. It should stop at their shoulders.

 

[Alaskan]

That must have been horribly traumatic for you!


Maybe you could repost on this thread below

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/...te-5-gallon-25-feed-bucket-feeder-for-about-3

That way the most people will read about what happened. Also a photo or your feeder?

I think that would make sure that the most people possible learn about what to watch out for.

Again, super hugs! and don't worry about your daughter too much. I think that little kids can often understand these sorts of things better and in a healthier way than we often give them credit for. It is a good learning opportunity to explain your faith to your daughter, and the cycle of life etc. (But obviously in ways and terms that are not scary).

 

[rides2far]

That is terrible! We lost one of our pullets, our only Australorp, in a pop door accident. She didn't die right away & my husband had to dispatch her. It was awful. My heart goes out to you & your little girl.