Ideas for a chicken feeder and/or waterer that you does not hang? I'm not very handy...

[ndgeller]

I am trying to figure out a feeder and/or waterer idea for my chickens, to make or buy. I have a LOT of waste right now (the chickens scatter the feed, take out just what they really like, and leave the rest. Worse than that, I have a REALLY bad rat problem. I have taken the waste with a grain of salt (my chix are really spoiled), but rats slaughtered about 10 of my newborn chicks a while back (working on the rat problem, as well, obviously). Due to a traumatic accident when I was a very new chicken owner (my daughter and I set a brooder and part of the house on fire. Obviously another story for another day), I am really overly concerned with eliminating every conceivable danger to peeps. (Again, another issue that I am working on, separately). I know that accidents do happen, and chickens do get hurt sometimes, but the more precautions I can take, the easier I will feel.

So, that is the background. What I want is a feeder and/or waterer that will cut down on waste and rats, and pose as little danger as possible. I tried a treadle, but I have Seramas; they don't really weigh enough to make it effective. Nor did they have any interest in trying it. I am TERRIFIED of using a hanging feeder (what if the chain breaks, or whatever it is attaches to weakens). I have seen many DIY ideas, but I don't want there to be any danger of the bucket or whatever falling over and hurting them. Does anyone have any ideas? I like the bucket and pvc ideas. What could I place them on, as a base, that will hold everything up, but stable enough to ensure it won't tip over?

Anyone? Please don't tell me I am being neurotic about the safety/danger thing. I readily admit and agree I need to get a handle on that. And while I really appreciate people trying to reassure me, and allay my fears, it still helps me to try to find solutions that are over-the-top safe. Please! Oy, the feed bills, the rats, my neurotic fears!! Someone, please, have mercy on me and send me ideas. THANKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[enola]

First you could try feeding them smaller amounts of feed. If they are eating all of the interesting stuff and wasting the fine stuff, they are not eating the most nutritious part. Make them eat until ALL the feed is gone before feeding them again. I feed my chickens on a table to prevent mice or rats having access to the feeder. My work schedule doesn't allow me to be home to remove the feeders in the evening.

 

[SunHwaKwon]

First you could try feeding them smaller amounts of feed. If they are eating all of the interesting stuff and wasting the fine stuff, they are not eating the most nutritious part. Make them eat until ALL the feed is gone before feeding them again. I feed my chickens on a table to prevent mice or rats having access to the feeder. My work schedule doesn't allow me to be home to remove the feeders in the evening.

The table thing is a very good idea! I saw a blog where a guy had plastic grating under his feeder. He would scoop the waste out of it and put it back in the feeder. I was trying to figure out how to integrate that into my coop and the table idea is perfect! I know it won't catch all of the waste but it will be a start. Here is the blog http://ploughandstarsproject.com/lazy-chicken-farmer-101/

OP-
If the table idea appeals to you, to ease any fears you could bracket the table to the floor or the coop or wall so it does not tip and do the same with the feeder (bracket or bolt it to the table).

 

[donrae]

I've also been looking at bucket and/or pvc feeders but have not landed on anything yet. Too many decisions

I'm with Enola about feeding less. This will cut down on waste and the rodent issue. Your birds are absolutely fine to eat right off the ground, in fact I believe the scratching is an essential behavior for birds.

A bucket feeder could easily be bolted to an exterior wall for stability. Using a square bucket would make this easier

.

 

[RoyalRooster]

Hi,

This blog article might be of interest to you. Explains how rats are attracted to all the spilt feed and provides a water and feeder solution to help solve your problems!

http://www.royalrooster.com.au/articles/category/rat-mice-issues/

Kerry

 

[Alaskan]

This thread is excellent and I highly recommend it.


Make your own - No waste - 5 gallon (25# feed) bucket feeder for about $3


I built a giant trashcan with 6 ports at the bottom and it is EXCELLENT, and there is close to zero waste. Truly, only a tiny bit of dust.

 

[ndgeller]

Thank you all so much for your ideas and suggestions. I am going to look into your suggestions. And also, THANK YOU all so much for not making fun of my fears. You have given me some food for thought. I will start "pecking at it" right away.