Feeding tubes not working out like I thought.

[sprede]

Hey there everyone,
So I did a bunch of research online looking at different methods of feeding my hens. Looked at the regular circular type bucket things to feeding tubes which is what I ended up making. I was pretty proud of myself till I put them out for use and saw a giant mess on the ground. What the heck!! So the one I saw doing it the most was my Delaware but I think the other may have had a part in it as well. What she was doing was sticking her head in there then scooping it out to the ground. Then she and the others would proceed to eat it off the ground. Went through an entire tube in one darn day dammit!

So I am thinking since she is the "Alpha" (if there is such a word for hens lol), was she just doing that so that all the others could get at it since there was only one access point?

I was also thinking to hack the Y portion off and then use a elbow joint to shoot it out the side like this guy did LINK. What are your thoughts on that?

What I really want is something that will stay dry and less waste from the hens dumping it all over the place. Here are some pictures.

 

[ButtonquailGirl14]

I know... Just HAVE to waste money

 

[blackdog043]

I've seen people add a small piece to extend the Y up or you could try raising it some. I like the DIY no waste feeder style the best.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...lon-25-feed-bucket-feeder-for-about-3.834227/

 

[sprede]

Love how you have that setup. I found this (LINK) while waiting for replies. Seems simple, cheap and seems logical for rainy or snowy states as it keeps moisture out of it. I have read a lot of the posts and haven't heard to many negatives to sway my thoughts at this point.

 

[blackdog043]

Here's one that @aart made. The original design was like your link, but has been changed to a different design near the bottom of the link.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/aarts-waste-free-funnel-bucket-feeder.67218/

 

[aart]

Here's one that @aart made. The original design was like your link, but has been changed to a different design near the bottom of the link.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/aarts-waste-free-funnel-bucket-feeder.67218/

Yes, I tried the trigger feeder, with a 'deep dish' mod underneath.
Found it too fussy in the long run.
So went with this......it has stood the test of time.
Detailed drawing in article, scroll way down.
It is now hanging, pic was taken during testing.....I should take some new pics.

 

[Abdalnassir]

Actually the problem is not with the tube itself! you need to make the tubes higher. i.e. the openings in the bottom should at the height of the chicken head in such a way the chickens will no longer be able to spell feed on the ground and as a bonus this will increase feed intake and improve gut health.

 

[sprede]

I will give that a try see how it works.

 

[Loveak9]

We started with the tube feeder similar to yours and that was a hot mess. It was a game how quickly they could empty it. I built a bucket feeder with the elbows in, similar to blackdog043 shows. This has worked great. I built ours out of a large clear dog food bulk bin. This way I can see when the food is getting low.

 

[jreardon1918]

Give this simple feeder a try. No waste. Notice the ground.