Keep it Full or Half-Full??(Hanging Feeder)

[KikiDeAnime]

We recently got a Little Giant Galvanized hanging feeder for our flock. I think it's the 14 in, 30lb one. We'll be hanging it up inside the coop.
Since I free range our birds during the day(11am-dusk) a few times each week, I was wondering if I should keep the feeder full or half-full??

 

[CluckerFamily]

I would do half full and then keep an eye on it to calculate how often you would need to fill it.

 

[GC-Raptor]

You have 10 chickens, 3 ducks. If ducks will be eating from the feeder, it's gonna need frequent cleaning.
I would go with half full either way.

I have the smaller size feeders and never fill them in my climate, (humid continental).
I let them get nearly empty and add a large coffee can of feed, about 4 lbs. Once or twice weekly.
I only have 8 chickens between two coops.

GC

 

[aart]

I top off my feeder daily, with about as much as they'll eat in 24 hours.
That way I can keep track of their consumption and divvy out treats in a good ratio.

 

[KikiDeAnime]

Okay, I was actually wrong about the feeder. It's the 12lb one, not the 30 lb one. I feel stupid now for mixing up the sizes

 

[CHlCKEN]

I think you mean “half-empty”

 

[GC-Raptor]

Okay, I was actually wrong about the feeder. It's the 12lb one, not the 30 lb one. I feel stupid now for mixing up the sizes

That's OK. it'll still need frequent cleaning with ducks. GC

 

[KikiDeAnime]

That's OK. it'll still need frequent cleaning with ducks. GC

The ducks are actually scared of it. I put it out with a small amount of food to see if anyone would eat out of it and only the chickens did. The ducks stayed in the corner freaking out

 

[GC-Raptor]

The ducks are actually scared of it. I put it out with a small amount of food to see if anyone would eat out of it and only the chickens did. The ducks stayed in the corner freaking out

Wow.
Well I would offer feed in a container they're familiar with. GC