messy coup

[sdchickgirl]

I have been trying different ways to feed to find out what's best. I know a lot of people put their girls food in the coop. I have been trying that, but it's such a mess and I'm afraid it's going to attract flies and ants in the coop. Is this best or should i just put it outside and pull it in at night? My chickens are gluten free so I make their feed and they like to pick through it causing a lot of the mess. Any help would be great thanks

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Why are your chickens gluten free?

If feed can get wet outside it's best kept inside. Wet feed is mold feed which can be deadly. Perhaps trying a different feeder would cut down on waste and them picking through it.

 

[sdchickgirl]

I've tried about 3 different feeders, but will definitely keep looking. I am allergic to commercial eggs because of the wheat in the feed. This is the only way I get to enjoy eggs

 

[bobbi-j]

I'm thinking if they're picking through it, they may not be happy with their feed.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

I won't put feed in my coop. Don't need the extra mess, pooing, or crowd. I keep my feed in the run and collect it EVERY night to avoid unwanted free loaders/rodents. Rats are a far bigger concern than ants, I think.

Why gluten free chickens? How do you achieve that? I would THINK corn based feeds would be gluten free.

Did you find a recipe that is equal in ALL the correct nutrients to a formulated ration?

Lifting the feeders to level with the chickens back can help reduce waste. Some people wet their feed to reduce waste or use pellets instead of crumble.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Since everyone's set up is different do what makes sense for your set up. The important thing is that the feeder stays dry as possible. If you can keep it dry in your run, no reason not to have it there instead. Just pick it up at night and put it in a metal trashcan or something similar, to deter rodents.

 

[ronott1]

I've tried about 3 different feeders, but will definitely keep looking. I am allergic to commercial eggs because of the wheat in the feed. This is the only way I get to enjoy eggs

You can buy or make a bucket feeder. It is the least messy feeder I have tired

I keep the feeder out of the coop. This design is water proof

 

[Feathers Brady]

My feeders and waterers are made with 5 gal buckets. No fuss no muss!
Easy to move where ever, when ever.

 

[blackdog043]

@sdchickgirl, Do you have a picture of your feeder? I use DIY no waste feeders, similar to post #7. It will be harder for them to pick through.

 

[ronott1]

This article has comparisons of feeders:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/the-best-chicken-feeder-8-feeders-compared.72315/