Chicks wasting feed?

[chickenfried]

Was wondering if anyone out there has come up with a way to keep the chicks from wasting so much feed from the feeders? I have round feeders right know and pit them up on a block of wood so they could not scratch the feed out but they are still doing by using the beeks anf suggestions?

 

[Megs]

im sorry i cant help i have the same dilemma, little buggers wont stop scratching it right out (even in a round feeder with a 1" lip)!

 

[MamaDoula]

I'm noticing that time seems to be the only cure! Another one whose little guys like to scratch out their 1" lip round feeder.

I've noticed that giving them a bit of sand to scratch around in has discouraged it a bit, though.

 

[bulldoggin74]

Having the same problem here!! I feel like I'm throwing out morewith the wood shavings than they are eating...but they do scratch around in the shavings and eat some of it!

 

[My Little Sister's Farm]

I use non-medicated chick feed so I can put their "litter" into the outside portion of the coop. I figure this way at least the chickens can consider it.

 

[chickenfried]

Well I can see that I'm not the only one with this problem, and it is frustrating throwing away the feed. I have decided to try something different instead of filling the jars full I am only going to fill them about a 1/3 and then instead of shredded paper I've put them on plain newspapers and will just change the paper more often and see if they eat more of their feed they drag out of the feeders. I think that to one end of the 2' x 2' x 8' divided box that I built I'll put some shredded paper for them to scratch in since they also love to do that. I'll update on how this works out.

 

[Chook-A-Holic]

I use these after having so much trouble with wasted feed using the little round feeders. I got these at TSC for $4.99ea. I have 2 of these in my brooder right now with 50 chicks and there is 0 waste of feed. I have them sitting on a short 2x4. The chicks have to completely stick their heads in the slots to get to the feed resulting no feed being flung out.

 

[Prospector]

I have taken the pine shavings out of our (Mr Turtle Pool) brooder altogether.

Since the pool is plastic, nothing sticks to it and it is easy to clean.

WhenI had shavings in there, I had to refill the food every day. Wthout the shavings, the feeder lasts for 3 days.

 

[GreenGoddess]

Quote:
Please please please be careful and reconsider using this feeder.. A lot of people have had problems with beaks being ripped off (yes, top beak ripped OFF)! The problem is mainly with ducklings but has happened with chicks also! If you put your finger in one of the holes and feel the top, you can feel how sharp it is.. As far as I know, it is only with the metal so you could switch to plastic.. it may cost a few dollars more but it's worth the extra to prevent your little ones from getting hurt and possibly having to cull because of something you could have prevented in the first place...

Goddess

 

[Qi Chicken]

I have one of the long type feeders that someone else posted a picture of and have not had any waste either.

Mine is red plastic. I don't know what I paid but I don't think it was as much as 5$, I got it at Theisen's (chain farm store in the Midwest). I have 16 chicks that are 4 weeks tomorrow and I am filling it once daily, they are starting to eat a LOT. They do get shavings IN it but the food doesn't get out.

This reminded me to fill it (again, I just did this am!) and I don't feel any sharp edges.