dirty feed

[jimz1]

My chicks are getting a lot of shavings in their feeder. Is there any way to keep that from happening? It's one of those plastic multi holers from TSC.
Not a problem with poop just shavings.

 

[Baymule]

It's an ongoing problem. When they get a little bigger, you can elevate it by putting a block of wood or something under it.

 

[ARose4Heaven]

Common problem. With my new batch of 11 Leghorns, I used Timothy Hay instead of shavings. So far, I am very pleased. It has been 3 days now, and no messy clogged up waterer, no junk in the feeder, and no pasty butt! I am watching closely, and provided a little chick grit just in case they sample the hay. I am loving the ease of having the hay instead of shavings in the brooder.

 

[Celtic Chick]

Be very careful with hay as bedding though. It is not nearly as absorbant as pine shavings, and it doesn't dry out nearly as well, either, causing all sorts of potential health issues. Mold, bacteria & /or disease is much more likely with hay. If you use it, I would suggest cleaning it out completely much more often than with the pine. It is just up to you what you would rather do more often: clean out the feeders/waterers or clean out the brooder.

 

[ARose4Heaven]

I agree, hay does get messy fast. I had sort of an emergency chick delivery and used what I had on hand. (I forgot to cancel an order at the feed store) Once the first batch gets too dirty, I will be replacing it with sand. The hay gives them something warm to nestle down into for the first few days. My new brooder is built into my meat-bird coop, which I am discovering to be a bit more drafty than I realized, so I am glad for the hay that I can mould up around them for protection. They are surprising me with their hardiness. The feed store got them from Cackle Hatchery. I may start ordering from them after this.

 

[Yay Chicks!]

I remember that problem well. I just kept blowing the shavings out every once in a while.

 

[rancher hicks]

If you are using the round metal jar type feeders and waterers.

What I do is take some 2x(5 1/2)6's and cut them to 2x6 squares. Using these I stack them up to what ever height is needed to chick height so they can eat and drink without getting stuff in the feed and water. The more they grow the higher I stack them up.

 

[ARose4Heaven]

Quote:
This is the best way. Good advise!