How much, how often...and well...How?

[WindcrestChickens]

O.k. I am a newbie. My chicks are 12 weeks old and have been getting Poulin chick starter.

About a month ago they began attacking the feed container (red rectangle with holes) and after I filled it, they would dump it over and spill it everywhere. I figured they were hungry so I bought a second feeder to help distribute the chaos a bit. No luck, same result....now two tipped over feeders and bad table manners all around.

How much should they be eating? I have 12 girls and they are big and happy....so I don't think they are hungry? Or are chickens always hungry?

Should I ditch the 2 silly red feeders? Should I throw it on the ground or in a big bowl?

Can I bring them veggie scraps now?
When should I switch from chick starter?

Oh the questions I have!

Thanks everyone...

 

[morelcabin]

They are ready for grower any time now, and you are going to have to get them a feeder that they can't spill over...like a hanging metal feeder or you can build your own wall feeder out of 4-6 inch plastic piping and strap it to the wall. All you need for that is a 4 foot peice of pipe, an elbow, and another peice of pipe however long you want it. Cut a trough out of the bottom pieced and put a cap on the end of it. It makes a wall L shaped feeder. I have made one and I really like it...takes up no space and I can fill it every few days.

 

[spatcher]

Try a hanging feeder that they cant tip over. Feed should be available to them at all times as well. Dont overdo the treats and they will be fine. Have grit available if they cant get it naturally. Good luck.

 

[WindcrestChickens]

morelcabin, I can't picture it....but it sounds simple enough. Do you have a pic of yours?

 

[WestKnollAmy]

I had to take out the long red feeders with holes when my chicks were about 5 weeks old because they couldn't get their heads through the holes to eat.
I have now made a feeder out of PVC pipe and they are fine. I haven't gotten around to hanging theirs yet but do have it stationary on an old crate.

 

[dacjohns]

http://www.strombergschickens.com/products/feeders_hanging.php

http://www.solwayfeeders.com/ProductsResultsList1.asp?cat=4

The second one is not a US site but it shows examples of feeders.

I have a round 30 lb hanging feeder and a tray feeder for the bigger birds.

 

[morelcabin]

 

[WindcrestChickens]

Nice!

Wow...I am all over that. I think I will head out to the hardware store now! Thanks....

And thanks for the other links folks.....

 

[Wynette]

Just a sidebar, Windcrest - bear in mind that with the hanging plastic feeders (or, you could put it up on bricks, wood, or a cinder block) that they are easier to clean/disinfect than the PVC ones are. I run my plastic feeders/waterers through my dishwasher once a month or so to thoroughly clean and disinfect them. Kind of a handy thing, to be able to do so! Good luck! Oh, and yep - they seem to always be hungry!

 

[MrGreenJeans]

Just a sidebar, Windcrest - bear in mind that with the hanging plastic feeders (or, you could put it up on bricks, wood, or a cinder block) that they are easier to clean/disinfect than the PVC ones are. I run my plastic feeders/waterers through my dishwasher once a month or so to thoroughly clean and disinfect them. Kind of a handy thing, to be able to do so! Good luck! Oh, and yep - they seem to always be hungry!

Ya know...that's a pretty good point ! I'm looking to cobble together some feeder/waterers for my coop, and that could well be the final selling point. My babies are a bit younger, so I like the idea of a hanger - I can raise it as they grow, but being able to take it down to hose and scrub it off is a pretty strong argument (for that matter - I can fill it where ever is convenient for me)

Off to home depot to buy a bucket!​