Is there a 'best' treadle feeder?

[MapleLaurelFarms]

Thanks for the update! I'm glad it's working for you. Btw I had a good snicker over your "freedom to use fowl language."

 

[CabritaChicks]

Thanks for the update! I'm glad it's working for you. Btw I had a good snicker over your "freedom to use fowl language."

I do have a way with words. Hubby will agree.

 

[CabritaChicks]

Just to make sure I understand, you're having issues because they're beaking the food out?

I thought I had this problem solved with my last flock, but now we have a size discrepancy with one of our chickens and food is getting wasted again. I ordered a bagillion plastic feeders to test out and will let you know if there's a winner (I'm also not a fan of metal).

I actually have a really nice treadle feeder that I'm not positive they make anymore (showcased here... you might have to fast forward a bit). I've never had the chance to actually use it, but I bought it specifically because it has safety upgrades over the Grandpa's.

The old feeder was basically a gravity-fed 'trough'—feed would fly in every direction, and the birds would jump on it and scratch around, making an even bigger mess. It only held about 3 cups of food, so I had to refill it daily since the birds free-range. With my upcoming spine surgery, all that bending and squatting just isn’t sustainable.

I really like this new design, especially for a small flock. The chickens have adapted to it quickly, and there’s already a noticeable difference in how much food is being wasted. I can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel!

 

[thecatumbrella]

The old feeder was basically a gravity-fed 'trough'—feed would fly in every direction, and the birds would jump on it and scratch around, making an even bigger mess. It only held about 3 cups of food, so I had to refill it daily since the birds free-range. With my upcoming spine surgery, all that bending and squatting just isn’t sustainable.

I really like this new design, especially for a small flock. The chickens have adapted to it quickly, and there’s already a noticeable difference in how much food is being wasted. I can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel!

I tried one of the port styles a couple years ago and my girls were just not having it. I'm super happy you're having success! Some even come with covers to seal the ports at night (if you have rodents).

I've got 3 new hanging-style feeders coming today, so fingers crossed I find something that works. My shortest bird is a massive pain in the rear. She needs to beak out a scoop of food before she can settle into a rhythm and eating normally... I have her eating on her tip toes right now. Not ideal, but she'll manage until I can find a replacement feeder.

Best of luck on your upcoming surgery! Sending healing vibes for a smooth recovery

 

[CrimsonIdol]

Just for feed. Not water.
I might be using the wrong terminology here—I keep getting aggressively corrected by people on forum. But I thought this type of dispenser was called a “nipple”?

View attachment 4128646
I apologize for my ignorance on these types of subjects. I work with plants and animals in clinic- not feeders

I’ve already purchased *something (above), and it’s on the way (though shipping is a nightmare—customs sometimes just keeps things, ugh). I like that it has fewer moving parts. Out here, any exposed metal corrodes within days unless you scrub it constantly (just ask anyone with a sailboat!). We’re not just “near” the sea—we’re on it. The coop is literally in the forest, right on the beach.

Still interested in the treadle system—it feels like a more natural approach. That “Grandfather” style is exactly what I had in mind. I’d just prefer sturdier joints—something better than metal-on-metal (Im a car person- can we get ball joints or bearings- how can I make this design more complicated?), especially once corrosion sets in.

Side note: I ordered it on Amazon, and when my husband saw the confirmation image, he exclaimed, “What in the name of God did you buy now?! Is that for kids?” He thought I was ordering some kind of weird baby toy!

... we don't have little kids. lol.f

I have a feeder similar to this, and I am always amazed how it can be outside through a thunderstorm and be bone dry on the inside when i bring it in at night. this thing: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C27CYDH1?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_8&th=1

i've waffled on getting the grandpa treadle feeder, but honestly, this cheap plastic doodad is almost perfect. The only issue i have is if i fill it all the way to the top with 10 pounds of feed, the dumb birds will scratch, dig, and scrape with their bills and empty half of it out all over the ground. the grate on the treadle feeders would remedy that, i think, but i also like bringing the food in at night which is super convenient with the plastic doodad that has a handle on it.

when i was a younger and dumber chicken dad i just thought "they're chickens, they'll eat anything", and some of their food got moldy and infested and I gave one of my birds sour crop, so i don't leave the food outside 24/7 and i make sure to clean the feeder about once a month with each new 50 pound bag of chicken feed.

 

[CabritaChicks]

Oh yeah! The little covers are a favorite sport!

I will have to look at the hung feeders soon. We are giving the coop a 'lift' (meaning we are actually building up the bottom of the coop a couple feet).

Here is a funny video. Also thank you for the well wishes.

 

[CabritaChicks]

I have a feeder similar to this, and I am always amazed how it can be outside through a thunderstorm and be bone dry on the inside when i bring it in at night. this thing: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C27CYDH1?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_8&th=1

i've waffled on getting the grandpa treadle feeder, but honestly, this cheap plastic doodad is almost perfect. The only issue i have is if i fill it all the way to the top with 10 pounds of feed, the dumb birds will scratch, dig, and scrape with their bills and empty half of it out all over the ground. the grate on the treadle feeders would remedy that, i think, but i also like bringing the food in at night which is super convenient with the plastic doodad that has a handle on it.

when i was a younger and dumber chicken dad i just thought "they're chickens, they'll eat anything", and some of their food got moldy and infested and I gave one of my birds sour crop, so i don't leave the food outside 24/7 and i make sure to clean the feeder about once a month with each new 50 pound bag of chicken feed.

That seems like a good setup. Ill research that as well, thank you.

 

[ChaosMom]

Oh yeah! The little covers are a favorite sport!

I will have to look at the hung feeders soon. We are giving the coop a 'lift' (meaning we are actually building up the bottom of the coop a couple feet).

Here is a funny video. Also thank you for the well wishes.

I love how in the video, you ask, “Can you pay attention?!”, and the one on the retaining wall immediately shakes her head, “No!”

Best wishes for your upcoming surgery, and a speedy and and successful recovery!