Feed - Type, Dispenser + Critters

[GetFitWithKrista]

Hi all,

Newbie here. I will be getting 5 hens. I have a coop with integrated enclosed run (see photos.) I live in New Jersey.

A few questions about feed:
1. What type/brand do you suggest to use?
2. How do you prevent critters getting into your food/attracting critters?
3. What type of feeder do you suggest to use?
4. Any other tips?

I like the attached idea (see photos) but not sure how to prevent critters?

 

[nuthatched]

A high protein layer such a nutrena egg producer or a grower feed with egg shell on the side.
I have snap traps and cats.
I use an old fashioned metal feeder but a hanging feeder about chicken chest high is good so they don't scratch it out.

 

[GetFitWithKrista]

A high protein layer such a nutrena egg producer or a grower feed with egg shell on the side.
I have snap traps and cats.
I use an old fashioned metal feeder but a hanging feeder about chicken chest high is good so they don't scratch it out.

Thanks for the info, nuthatched
Where do you put the snap traps so that they are effective at catching the unwanted but the chickens can't get to them?

 

[SueT]

I use a 20% protein all flock feed, each company makes their version of it. I offer oyster shell on the side.
I feed my flock of 11 out of dog bowls. I empty the bowls every night and they get fresh feed in the morning.
If there are mice, you could put out live traps to keep the chickens safe.

 

[GetFitWithKrista]

I use a 20% protein all flock feed, each company makes their version of it. I offer oyster shell on the side.
I feed my flock of 11 out of dog bowls. I empty the bowls every night and they get fresh feed in the morning.
If there are mice, you could put out live traps to keep the chickens safe.

Thanks so much for chiming in. What does the oyster shell do? Does it have a certain function for the chickens?

I might have to do mice traps. Are there any other animal concerns with regard to food besides mice? Our run will be enclosed with the coop inside and we will have a skirt down into the ground.

 

[SueT]

Thanks so much for chiming in. What does the oyster shell do? Does it have a certain function for the chickens?

I might have to do mice traps. Are there any other animal concerns with regard to food besides mice? Our run will be enclosed with the coop inside and we will have a skirt down into the ground.

Oyster shell is for laying hens, to add calcium. If you buy layer feed instead of all flock types, it will already have calcium supplement as an ingredient. Layer feed is only for adult hens, and since we have various ages, plus a rooster, I use the all flock for everyone.
Are you getting baby chicks?
We have occasionally had raccoons and possums get into the run thru tears in the netting I cover it with. But since the chickens are safely locked in the coop, and there is no food out, they find nothing.

 

[GetFitWithKrista]

Oyster shell is for laying hens, to add calcium. If you buy layer feed instead of all flock types, it will already have calcium supplement as an ingredient. Layer feed is only for adult hens, and since we have various ages, plus a rooster, I use the all flock for everyone.
Are you getting baby chicks?
We have occasionally had raccoons and possums get into the run thru tears in the netting I cover it with. But since the chickens are safely locked in the coop, and there is no food out, they find nothing.

We are not getting baby chicks but they will be young, about 2 months.

 

[nuthatched]

Thanks for the info, nuthatched
Where do you put the snap traps so that they are effective at catching the unwanted but the chickens can't get to them?

You can put snap traps in coffee cans with holes in the lids, under milk crates, in shoe boxes with holes in the side etc

 

[nuthatched]

Is there nothing covering the area under the eaves?

 

[aart]

I like the attached idea

Rodents can chew thru plastic vessels.

Where do you put the snap traps so that they are effective at catching the unwanted but the chickens can't get to them?

I use a wire crate when I need to put a snap trap right in the coop,
usually only leave it in overnight.