Long feeder modification ideas

[Hopeful homesteader]

I've attached a picture of the feeder for reference. My chicks are almost 5 week's old and the problem is their heads are getting too big to fit in the little holes so they hardly eat from it unless I pop the top open which then they scratch all the feed out onto the floor. I was thinking of cutting out the sections between every other hole so every 2 would become 1 larger hole and get more use out this feeder until I get a new one. I also have 5 10 week olds that can't fit their heads in it at all so with larger holes this would make an additional feeder for them as well once everyone is fully integrated. Has anyone else done this successfully without ruining the lid of the feeder? Since it is thicker plastic, what could I use to cut it? My scissors won't go through it, I don't feel comfortable using a razor knife on this as I think it would be too easy to cut myself. After cutting I was planning to use a dremel to sand down the edges so it'll be smoothe. Idk if my husband has an attachment that would cut through it but if not I'm looking for alternatives before I get started and hopefully some input from others that have done similar alterations on how it turned out?

 

[FeatherTay]

Could make your own feeder, or you can use a exacto knife.

 

[3KillerBs]

At this point most people switch to a larger, hanging feeder.

I never actually used the long feeder for this batch. I just put the hanging feeder low on blocks for the first few weeks then hung it on an adjustable chain later.

 

[kerbotx]

Your plan sounds good - wire cutters should snip through it, or a serated knife. Soaking the plastic in really hot water just before might help. They wouldn't scratch everything out so much if you could elevate the feeder a bit, maybe use some zip ties to attach it to a piece of 2x4 or similar.

 

[Katanahamon]

At this point most people switch to a larger, hanging feeder.

I never actually used the long feeder for this batch. I just put the hanging feeder low on blocks for the first few weeks then hung it on an adjustable chain later.

View attachment 2813190

Yes. I changed to a steel hanging, which I put in the coop (in case they want a snack early or late..I also have a wall mount water thing..I want them to feel like laying eggs in there is their safest bet..and quite a few get a few bites right before roosting) Their main food is now in a 36 inch reel feeder with a rolled lip to help prevent beaking out..works for 15..I take it inside my house at night.

 

[Hopeful homesteader]

Your plan sounds good - wire cutters should snip through it, or a serated knife. Soaking the plastic in really hot water just before might help. They wouldn't scratch everything out so much if you could elevate the feeder a bit, maybe use some zip ties to attach it to a piece of 2x4 or similar.

Even raised they still jump in it and scratch it out which it why I want to keep the top. Do they ever grow out of the scratching habit when their older?

At this point most people switch to a larger, hanging feeder.

I never actually used the long feeder for this batch. I just put the hanging feeder low on blocks for the first few weeks then hung it on an adjustable chain later.

View attachment 2813190

Wish I could get the hanging feeders now but I've got to wait a few weeks. I made one from an old coffee can and the lid of a popcorn tin, I would make another as I've got plenty of coffee cans but can't find anything to use at the bottom to catch the feed. I have it in with the older birds and they're still in the see but don't touch phase of introduction so it can only be in one side or the other and since the older ones can't get into the little feeder they got the coffee can.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Even raised they still jump in it and scratch it out which it why I want to keep the top. Do they ever grow out of the scratching habit when their older?

Yes and no. Their instinct tells them to scratch around to eat, even if it's not practical or needed. But older birds aren't as gung ho on it around a feeder, especially if it's elevated a little.

And I'd just switch them over to some sort of elevated feeder (a small one is fine) and save the chick size feeder for future babies, rather than alter it.