Feeders with Compartments

[Stella1964]

Does anyone know where I can order one of those feeders that is split into 4 compartments for salt, oyster, pellets and grit?

Also, how well will my four 9-week olds adapt to hanging waters and feeders? Right now, they are in a small make-shift coop in the garage with feeder and waterer on the floor. Needless to say, it gets very dirty and the feeder is often turned over. Their grit dish disappears into the shavings. So I think I need to hang everything in their new coop in my backyard, which I've fashioned out of an old shed.

Also, do I put the feeders and waterer in the coop, or put it in their run? Will they go back into the coop to drink or are they perhaps not that intuitive (out of sight, out of mind etc).

Thanks
Stella

 

[arlee453]

They will get used to hanging feeders very quickly and you will be MUCH happier for it! Just hang them at first so they are right about on the ground for a few days until they figure out where the food/water is, then you can raise them up to approx. back-height and continue to raise them as the chicks grow.

You can put the feeders inside the coop or outside. Mine don't eat and drink during the night. If you decide to put them IN the coop, then just pen up your chickens in the coop for a few days until they get used to it and know where the food and water is, and then they will return to eat and drink, no problems.

Confining them to the coop will also help them know where to go when it is bed time as well and encourage them to roost IN the coop.

Last tip - cover the openings to the nest boxes (or don't put them in) until the chicks are around 18 wks or showing signs of laying. That will discourage them from sleeping in the nest boxes and pooping in there... = dirty eggs down the road.

Once the learn to roost on the roost poles at night, they won't sleep in the boxes and your egg collecting will be much cleaner process!

Enjoy them!

 

[Stella1964]

Thank you!