Chicken feeder

[wilhiteranch]

I have a metal Chicken feeder and was wondering if you need to use the feeder with the holes in it or can they just use a open top dish? One of my chicks got hung up on the end of it and hurt her foot.

Thanks

 

[DTRM30]

I don't think the chickens care - as long as they can get at the feed. Whatever is most convenient for you and works I'm sure is fine. When I was growing up - our chickens just had a hand made wooden trough (two boards nailed into a v-shape with ends/legs) - and they did just fine. I think as long as the feed stays clean and dry what ever style feeder you use is fine.
I now use a metal hanging feeder just because it's easier for me to keep the feed dry and to keep the chickens from scratching it out all over the coop.

 

[vstoltzfus]

The problem with an open feeder is that the birds will scratch the feed out, causing a lot of waste. They will also poop in it, and if the dish isn't that heavy, flip it by standing on the side of it. I'm not saying I don't think you should use an open feeder, but these are some of the problems that I've had. Good luck!

 

[cmom]

I use the open metal hanging feeders with a aluminum pie plates and bricks on top. They haven't failed yet.

 

[NYRIR]

Quote:
I use the same...they hang from the roof rafters on rope. So far no one roosts on them and I get no poop in them. I also set the adjustable height to the lowest or middle hole.I have found that it prevents waste by not having it fill all the way. I also use pellets.