Empty feeder syndrome

[Katejc]

Is it normal that my 9 weeeks old start flipping out when their feeder still has plenty in it? I use mason jar feeders and even though there is at least 2 days food left they seem to be trying to get my attention/panicking when they can no longer see the food in the jar part?? Isn’t this a cat thing?!

 

[Moby-Duck]

It may be because they cannot reach the feed in the jar. Try a smaller, lower to the ground feeder.

 

[Kennyhasquails]

As long as they are still eating, I wouldn’t worry about it

 

[Katejc]

This is what I use for reference. It turns out that this particular time they were flipping out is because they wanted their light turned on (we’re in a cold snap). My question is more though of this behaviour is typical of chickens? I attribute it to intelligence for sure, doing the chicken equivalent of waving their arms at me when they need something

 

[CatWhisperer]

Do they have any other toys to play with?

 

[Katejc]

No. Do you think they could be bored? They don’t get outside a lot because we dont have their pen ready and lots of hawks in our area.

 

[featherhead007]

They are peeping,,"Mommy, hand feed us"!!

 

[featherhead007]

I still hand feed two of my hens after three years, because they are rescue birds with deformed beaks. But I love them anyways!

 

[ChickenCanoe]

I don't know how many birds you have but I think they need a much bigger feeder. I don't use quart feeders for more than a couple weeks.
As their heads grow, they can have difficulty reaching the feed.

 

[Shadrach]

I would try a trough type feeder. The waste shouldn't be any worse provided they don't stand in it and scratch the feed out.
I'm not saying this is the problem you are having but it is worth bearing in mind that chickens are most predator alert when eating. They like either overhead protection or full visibility. Obviously when they are hungry enough they'll eat from anything in most places.