Hanging Feeder

[CiceroChickenMan]

We have a hanging feeder that we have never used (Was given to us) What is the advantage of using a haning feeder? Should we be using it?
Thanks,
Steve

5 Buff Orphingtons, 4 Rhode Island Reds, 3 White Rocks, 2 Black cotchens (SP) and 1 Black Spanish Turkey, also 3 Silkies

 

[TaLani]

We've only had chickens since the beginning of June so I don't know too much, but I think the main advantage of hanging feeders (and waterers) is that you can keep it cleaner. Meaning, you can keep dirt, poop, leaves, etc. out of the feeder (or waterer).

Just be certain to leave it low enough so your Silkies can reach the feeder.

 

[EmptyNest]

I've found that mine waste alot less w/the hanging feeder. I just put a board by for my silkies and quail d'anvers to stand on so they can still reach.

 

[bigredfeather]

I prefer hanging as well. I feel the advantage is you can move it to a height that accomidates the size/age of your chickens. I have the feeder for laying hens just higher than their backs, and my 3 week old chicks is just barely of the ground. I will move it up as they get bigger. I use a chain with a hook on the ceiling. As they grow, simply move it up. As EmptyNest said, it wastes less food that way.

 

[gritsar]

Much cleaner and much less waste are the advantages. You should hang the feeder so that the basin of it is at the same height as your smallest chicken's back.

 

[1brahmamama]

We have a hanging feeder in both of our coops. There are many advantages:
They can be hung at the proper height for the birds,
They stay clean and the birds can't kick out the feed,
You don't have to fill them as often,
The birds always have food.
We have a hanging waterer which was expensive, gets heavy with water in it so it doesn't hang as well, and is hard to refill. We use it in the winter inside the large coop as it doesn't freeze over as fast as an open container. (We don't have electricity in the coops).

We even use the feeder in the smaller coop for the young pullets, as it can be lowered, then raised as they grow, but doesn't have to be on the ground.