new large feeders, how to tempt them to use it

[jpsbcfc]

hi

long time lurker finally got round to registering.

i am uk based with 2 sheds and runs with 6 chickens in each run.

i have managed to get 2 of the 40kg barrel feeders which have a spring on the bottom that fills with food. the idea is the girls peck at the spring and it releases the food.

the feeders have been in the runs for about 2 weeks now but the pellets we got were too big so now i have replaced the pellets and the springs work fine.

only issue is that the girls dont seem to know to peck at it, we have tried showing them that food comes out but they still dont seem to have worked it out.

is there anything we can do or will they figure it out on their own eventually?

thanks

 

[Bear Foot Farm]

They will figure it out on their own.
Just make them do it by not giving them any other feed

 

[AccentOnHakes]

Take some yogurt and smear it on the spoon. They'll peck at the yogurt and learn that it releases food. Make sure to wipe the spoon after you teach them!

 

[jpsbcfc]

ok will try the yoghurt idea, thank you