My hens are wasting a lot of expensive food. HELP!!

[zatsdeb]

Quote:
Why do the pellets not work as well for you? I have found that when using the mash they don't "clean" it up off the ground once they've gone ballistic with the hanger

the chickens don't seem to like them as well, scatter them, the crumbles they pretty much clean up even off the ground.

 

[mistyfeather]

Quote:
First of all: thank you for you reply. I have a "high end" feeder with high walls. I had a cheaper one in the past, but when we expanded our operation we had to go with a larger capacity feeder. They're both similar in design. I just don't know what compels them to do this. It's like they're obsessed. I really like their egg production and their general attitude. We have explored several breeds and are very happy with the results of this particular breed (RIR) (i.e. none egg eaters, disposition, adaptation to confinement, etc.). Can you elaborate on your baffle design a little?

It is already as high as I can make it and still allow the chickens to feed.

sometimes they do it just to have something to do , try changing your feeding stratagy for a while. i know a lot of people on here like to keep feed available 24/7 but alot gets wasted . try feeding twice aday (aprox. 4-6 oz. of feed per bird , that is how much an adult should be getting aday) at night throw them some grains befor bed to keep them full over night (they take longer to digest then feed) you can just put out what they will eat in an hour twice daily non gets waisted and if you see that some is left in the feeders a few hours later decrease the amount alittle they will stop waisting it

 

[Laurie's Silkies]

I feed a crumble feed and have a big galvanized hanging feeder. I keep the hight of the feeder level with the tops of their backs and raise it as they grow taller. There is a little waste but not enough to get excited about. I have not had any luck with chickens eating pellets. I think it is because chickens have it born in them to "Peck" at things. pellets simply are not as fun to peck at as crumbles are.