Feeding pan

[donaldphelps]

i have been giving my girls scratch grains and treats in a metal pie pan instead of just pouring it on the ground. My wife seems to think that it is not good for them or their beaks. I have not seen any contradictory information saying that was a bad idea. That is my question for you all, the wise backyard chicken peeps is this an issue? Should I just dump it on the ground?

 

[jennyf]

Why not scatter scratch and treats? Unless yours are free ranging, it gives them something to do and encourages them to engage in "natural" chicken behaviors like scratching and pecking around, plus minimizes squabbling over the good stuff.

 

[lazy gardener]

i have been giving my girls scratch grains and treats in a metal pie pan instead of just pouring it on the ground. My wife seems to think that it is not good for them or their beaks. I have not seen any contradictory information saying that was a bad idea. That is my question for you all, the wise backyard chicken peeps is this an issue? Should I just dump it on the ground?

If I were you, I would tell your wife that Lazy Gardener agrees with her profound wisdom. That pie pan can be put to better use. Tell her that every week she bakes a pie in it, you will refrain from using it in the chicken run.

All joking aside, no harm will come from the birds eating their treats from a pie pan (as long as they are not high acid). But, it's their nature to scratch and peck for treats on the ground. Have you yet turned their run into a deep litter? That will further feed their foraging instincts, as well as providing a host of beneficial results for their health.

 

[barred2rock]

My girls will eat on the ground what they'll ignore in their bowl . Weirdos!

But I still feed in bowls.

 

[GC-Raptor]

I scatter the scratch grains on the ground, over a wide area, so all including the hens at the bottom of the pecking order get some. GC

 

[NorthTexasWink]

If I confine treats to a small area, not everyone gets some. Scattering them around, everyone has a chance at some treats, and less fighting happens. I love the idea of using the pie pan for it's intended use! Think I'm making peach pies today!

 

[GC-Raptor]

Yummy,. GC

 

[lazy gardener]

If I confine treats to a small area, not everyone gets some. Scattering them around, everyone has a chance at some treats, and less fighting happens. I love the idea of using the pie pan for it's intended use! Think I'm making peach pies today!

I'll be right over. I prefer mine warm with a bit of french vanilla ice cream.

 

[donaldphelps]

Thank you everyone, and I love the advice about my wife using the pie pan for baking me a pie!

 

[lazy gardener]

Since I suggested it... perhaps you'll save me a piece. What's her specialty???