How to Keep Duck's Feed Dry

[Janay]

Hi,
I really have a problem. I feed my ducks free-choice using the 5-gal bucket method that pours out into a large bowl. But whenever it rains, the feed gets wet, and after a day or two, gets lots of bugs and molds. It is a waste of money and is unhealthy of the ducks, I know. I have tried putting a piece of plywood on top of the bucket to help keep it dry, but it always gets wet to some extent. I really need advice, please.

 

[chicmom]

I had that problem too at first, and I always keep my feeders in the hen house. I'm not sure if you have a duck house or coop, but that's how I cured that problem. If you don't have a house for your ducks, maybe you could build a little feeding house. Something small?

 

[littlefrog]

Are the feeders off the ground? You can elevate them several inches, put them up on a cinder block or some bricks. If the feeders sit on the ground, I could see how the feed would get wet even if you had a roof over them.

 

[jebber]

I use a treadle feeder. Keeps food dry and birds etc. from eating/messing in their food.


feeder is bottom right of photo

 

[corrinekay]

Hi,
I really have a problem. I feed my ducks free-choice using the 5-gal bucket method that pours out into a large bowl. But whenever it rains, the feed gets wet, and after a day or two, gets lots of bugs and molds. It is a waste of money and is unhealthy of the ducks, I know. I have tried putting a piece of plywood on top of the bucket to help keep it dry, but it always gets wet to some extent. I really need advice, please. 

I have the exact feeder type. I bought one of those large rubber bowls from rural king, I think it's originally used for a horse food bowl. I turned it upside down and cover the feeder with that. Our feeder has a bolt on the top of it, so we drilled a hole in the center of the bowl and just slide it onto the feeder. It has never gotten wet, and it helps to keep the birds out. Hope this helps.

 

[Janay]

I have the exact feeder type. I bought one of those large rubber bowls from rural king, I think it's originally used for a horse food bowl. I turned it upside down and cover the feeder with that. Our feeder has a bolt on the top of it, so we drilled a hole in the center of the bowl and just slide it onto the feeder. It has never gotten wet, and it helps to keep the birds out. Hope this helps.

Thank you all for your help.
Corrinekay, I think I will try your idea. I actually use the same kind of rubber bowl for the bottom part of the feeder, so I will just get another of those. How wide across and deep should it be?

 

[corrinekay]

Thank you all for your help.
Corrinekay, I think I will try your idea. I actually use the same kind of rubber bowl for the bottom part of the feeder, so I will just get another of those. How wide across and deep should it be? 

Mine is probably about five inches in depth and has 1/4 in. overhang all the way around. They just need to be able to get there head in there. I'll try to upload a pic so you have a better idea.

 

[corrinekay]

 

[Janay]

Ok, I get it. I saw some like that at the feed store this morning, but didn't purchase one since I wasn't sure of the dimensions. Thank you for the picture!

 

[corrinekay]

No problem, hope you get it all worked out