Pigpen coop

[bootsnspurs4me]

My pullets are pigs! I am new to this so i dont know whats expected. They will empty their food container in minutes and then not really eat it. I feel bad not feeding them more, but there is so much on the floor I can't stand to waste it! Are they being picky or is this normal? I don't want them to starve, will they eventually eat it? Using the same crumbles all along...did not change food.

 

[redsoxs]

I discovered something with my turkeys that has since helped me with my chickens - hope it or something like it can help you.
Here's the link:

http://www.amazon.com/Little-Giant-6-Quart-Dura-Flex-Plastic/dp/B000B9SH1Y

I hook it over an on-edge 2 x 4 (secure the 2 x 4 to something). They have to reach in and down to eat the food - almost no waste. Bought mine at my local Orscheln's but I'm sure every farm and ranch place would have something like it. Good luck to you!

 

[chfite]

Raise the feeder so that they can just bob down to eat. That will discourage them raking the food out with their bills. Alternatively, use a feeder with a narrow or small access so that they have to reach in to eat and cannot sweep the food out onto the floor.

Chris

 

[popsicle]

I agree with trying different feeders and raising the feeder.

I found I have much less waste after switching to pellets (they won't starve if they don't like them at first--they'll give in eventually).
I was also fermenting crumbles--that didn't get wasted AT ALL, but it's a pain.