Mold in PVC Feeder and feeding too much

[chickencissy99]

My 4-inch PVC feeder is molding near the top and at the bottom tee. It's under the tarp except about 4 inches sticking out for filling. There is mold around the top elbow and then down around the tee. It's very humid here, but everything is stored outside together so it should all be acclimated. Also, I need to find a way to slow the feeder. I have been told my chickens are eating too much. I was thinking of putting a closed 2-inch tube inside just above the tee to try and slow the flow.

 

[Yardfulla poopers]

I am having the same problem with mine. I can actually see the condensation running down the tube when it's hot, which is all the time right now. I put a dehumidifier bag in the top but I really don't think that will be able to keep up with the heat/humidity. I'm having to scrub them out every week. It's frustrating. Sorry that wasn't any help. If I find a solution I will certainly share.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

There is mold around the top elbow and then down around the tee. It's very humid here, but everything is stored outside together so it should all be acclimated. Also, I need to find a way to slow the feeder. I have been told my chickens are eating too much.

Hi there, hope you are enjoying BYC!

This is the first report I've seen of mold at those locations, thank you for sharing!

Thing is, I also live in a humid location.. there's enough humidity... and mold spores in the air it will grow on anything!

First I will start by saying chickens do not overeat feed. They eat to meet their energy need. If you're going through too much feed for the amount of birds you have then checking your rodent load would be advised OR putting a top and closing the feeder at night to stop freeloaders.

The condensation issue mentioned by the first poster is very likely a part of the issue.. One reason storing feed in metal trash cans outside is NOT suggested. Either making sure it's always shaded.. or insulate it.. maybe, putting vent holes near the top to let moisture escape. Chicken feed despite being dry STILL contains some moisture.

Maybe look at how they manage grain silos??

Hope this helps some!

 

[chickencissy99]

Hi there, hope you are enjoying BYC!

This is the first report I've seen of mold at those locations, thank you for sharing!

Thing is, I also live in a humid location.. there's enough humidity... and mold spores in the air it will grow on anything!

First I will start by saying chickens do not overeat feed. They eat to meet their energy need. If you're going through too much feed for the amount of birds you have then checking your rodent load would be advised OR putting a top and closing the feeder at night to stop freeloaders.

The condensation issue mentioned by the first poster is very likely a part of the issue.. One reason storing feed in metal trash cans outside is NOT suggested. Either making sure it's always shaded.. or insulate it.. maybe, putting vent holes near the top to let moisture escape. Chicken feed despite being dry STILL contains some moisture.

Maybe look at how they manage grain silos??

Hope this helps some!

I was thinking about the drain holes and then putting a larger cover over the whole thing to protect from rain. I was also looking at my storage bin that sits beside the nesting boxes on the coop. It is plastic with a rubber seal and I have never had an issue. It is actually uncovered and in the weather. I was wondering about putting a food-safe desiccant pack in the feeder about a foot down to absorb moisture.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

I was wondering about putting a food-safe desiccant pack in the feeder about a foot down to absorb moisture.

Maybe like an internal sweat band.

If I was gonna try a desiccant, I would likely want it fixed into position where it wouldn't trickle out with the feed and accidentally get enjoyed somehow.

They even have plug in re-chargeable ones we bought for inside our cars that might work.

For now, leave the lid off, it's retaining moisture and serving the opposite it's purpose. Besides, the bottom stays open to, right? So if it isn't keeping out weather or freeloaders..

My metal can I do keep outside for short term daily usage.. lid comes off in the morning when I feed and goes back on after I collect feeders in the evening. It moderates the temperature fluctuation.. Sounds like the warmth may be drawing out moisture from the feed in your instance.. Slightly different heads of the same beast.

Nice job catching it, btw!