Frustrated with Feeders

[Momofthewild]

We've tried so many feeders im so sick of it. So I tried the pvc feeder. Water ended up seeping in and molding the feed so we just used a pan for a while and we finally got around to gluing the pipes with pvc glue so that water wouldn't get in but now the chickens won't eat from it. I smelled the feed and it smells like pvc glue. We did let it dry for probably 2 days after we glued it. But the chickens would not touch it. One of my hens is just starting to lay but theres been 2 shelless eggs at least and im thinking now it might be from not getting enough food. Also, i have oyster shell out but I never see her eating it. I offer it to her and she just walks away. I feel like I'm doing everything wrong

 

[LizzzyJo]

The shelless eggs are pretty normal with new layers. Nothing to be concerned about as long as the birds are acting healthy. For the feeders you may be right and it’s the smell. It should dissipate in a few days. Hunger will force them to eat from it. Many people just use the normal 3 gallon (or whatever gallon) plastic trough feeders. They can be cleaned easily and have very little spillage when hung at beak height.

 

[MrFluffyandGirls]

Never had luck with feeders in my hot humid area, weather it be sticking in the feeders,getting wet or molding so I just feed mine daily in a trough like feeder or a dog bowl. Got tired of tossing out and wasting so much food in the feeders.

Like the other poster said it's probably the smell of the glue. Have you tried feeding her a little in a bowl to see if she'll eat. Maybe she doe not like the food. I hear some don't like the kind sweetened with molasses. Mine have turned their nose up at two expensive brands but like the mini pellets in the cheaper brand.

 

[Momofthewild]

The shelless eggs are pretty normal with new layers. Nothing to be concerned about as long as the birds are acting healthy. For the feeders you may be right and it’s the smell. It should dissipate in a few days. Hunger will force them to eat from it. Many people just use the normal 3 gallon (or whatever gallon) plastic trough feeders. They can be cleaned easily and have very little spillage when hung at beak height.

Should i throw that feed out and put more or is it just gonna absorb that glue smell again?

 

[Momofthewild]

Never had luck with feeders in my hot humid area, weather it be sticking in the feeders,getting wet or molding so I just feed mine daily in a trough like feeder or a dog bowl. Got tired of tossing out and wasting so much food in the feeders.

Like the other poster said it's probably the smell of the glue. Have you tried feeding her a little in a bowl to see if she'll eat. Maybe she doe not like the food. I hear some don't like the kind sweetened with molasses. Mine have turned their nose up at two expensive brands but like the mini pellets in the cheaper brand.

I had been giving them Purina Flock Raiser and they liked it but i did just get a bag of Dumor Flock Pellets. I dont think thats the problem because I just set out a fresh scoop full in a little bowl and they went right to eating it, but I will keep an eye on that. I think they're put off by the smell of the glue. I did buy a Flock Block a while back and they do eat on that so hopefully my hen is getting enough calcium with that

 

[Kluckners]

Have you tried a treadle feeder?

https://www.grandpasfeeders.com

 

[LizzzyJo]

Should i throw that feed out and put more or is it just gonna absorb that glue smell again?

Take some out of the feeder and put it in a pile on the other side of the run. If they eat it then it’s fine and they’ll eat it eventually. If they avoid the pile then I would throw it out.

 

[Al Gerhart]

How about a picture of the PVC feeder? The depth of the elbows might be too deep.

Chickens are prey species, evolved to have fast reproductive rates, eyes on the side of their heads so they see predators coming at them, and a very skittish demeanor. Now think about what you are asking the chicken to do; stick their head down into a bucket where they are blind to everything, and being comfortable enough to eat.