Chickens scattering the food?

[Mikepbo]

Why are my chickens scattering the food out of the feeder and spreading it around the coop?thx

 

[TheChickenLadyyy]

You could try hanging the feeder a few inches off the ground, it seems to be a little bit less messy for me.

 

[Saveria]

It is their instinct to want to scratch at the ground when eating. Is that what they are doing?

We have raised up troughs to minimize the loss. We also soak the feed before we give it to them so it can't go as far if they do kick it around.

 

[nuthatched]

Raise the feeders to chest high for the birds.

 

[Al Gerhart]

Generally 1/2" wide lip that protrudes at 90 degree angle into the feed tray will stop 95% of the hens from raking IF you are feeding a homogeneous type feed like pellets or crumble. If your feed has treats mixed in it is difficult to stop the feed raking.

You didn't state what kind of feed or feeder you were using so I am assuming a lot. See if the feeder has an optional feeder lip extension available. These are usually 1.25" to 1.75" tall and the added height makes it harder for the hens to rake the feed up high enough to get it out. If it is a gravity feeder like most treadle feeders you might want to check that the feeder is solidly mounted to prevent vibration from shaking too much feed down into the feed tray. Choke off part of the throat with something like cardboard if that is happening. If the feeder is designed properly and installed according to the directions there should be a pellet thin layer of feed cascading down the angled feed tray bottom and a small pile at the bottom that blocks further feed from coming down. Another good way to prevent raking is to use a feeder with a narrow and distant treadle instead of the wide treadle steps that most of the Chinese made feeders use, stretch that bird out and she has to focus on eating instead of comfortably sitting there raking feed out of boredom. Kind of like a well run restaurant, you don't want the customer too comfortable so the tables turn over quickly.