PLEASE HELP I DON"T KNOW WHAT TO DO

[black_cat]

That feeder is for chicks.
I doubt rocks would make it heavy enough that full grown birds wouldn't tip it over.
Might be worth a try tho.

Ok. I doubt that I'll be able to convince for an adult chicken feeder, even if I offer to pay. Are there any ways that you think I'd be able to secure this one?

 

[ChemicalchiCkns]

If it isn't part of the rental, screw it to a base, like two perpendicular 2 by 4s.

 

[NatJ]

You can make a feeder from a gallon milk jug.

Cut out half of the top, leaving the handle side alone.

Attach the handle to something in the coop--just run a string around it and tie to something.

Put some feed in the bottom, so it's about half full. That should be more than enough feed for four hens for a day.

http://mamamia5.blogspot.com/2010/07/home-made-milk-jug-chicken-feeders.html
This page shows one similar, but I put the hole higher in the jug (chickens have long necks, so they reach in just fine. And the deeper it is, the less feed gets spilled.)

 

[Tinyraptortamer]

i Really feel like you jumped into this head first and are just scrambling. That feeder is for chicks and I doubt it can even hold enough for 4 full grown hens. On top of that you don’t have enough space in either the coop or the run for the hens you do have. you Really should call the “chicken people”(seriously who rents chickens? Isn’t that horribly stressful on them as well as a way to grab diseases)and have them come collect 2 of the hens.

 

[black_cat]

You can make a feeder from a gallon milk jug.

Cut out half of the top, leaving the handle side alone.

Attach the handle to something in the coop--just run a string around it and tie to something.

Put some feed in the bottom, so it's about half full. That should be more than enough feed for four hens for a day.

http://mamamia5.blogspot.com/2010/07/home-made-milk-jug-chicken-feeders.html
This page shows one similar, but I put the hole higher in the jug (chickens have long necks, so they reach in just fine. And the deeper it is, the less feed gets spilled.)

Thanks, that's an AMAZING idea! I think that I will do that if the rocks in the bottom don't work. I'd do it immediately, but want to minimize side eye from the parents about 'not being grateful'. I'll probably put it on a base instead of hanging it, but this looks like it will work great!

 

[black_cat]

If it isn't part of the rental, screw it to a base, like two perpendicular 2 by 4s.

I'd do that but sadly it is part of the rental.

 

[black_cat]

i Really feel like you jumped into this head first and are just scrambling. That feeder is for chicks and I doubt it can even hold enough for 4 full grown hens. On top of that you don’t have enough space in either the coop or the run for the hens you do have. you Really should call the “chicken people”(seriously who rents chickens? Isn’t that horribly stressful on them as well as a way to grab diseases)and have them come collect 2 of the hens.

I haven't jumped into this head first. I have done all my research and know how to properly care for chickens, and was forced into this situation. When I started the thread, I was very panicked as nothing was going as planned. If this were entirely up to me, I would have built my own coop, set up a brooder, and ordered six chicks. I am refilling the food and water every day, sometimes twice a day. It is very stressful on them and I agree that the idea of renting them in the first place is horrible. I have minimal control over my life, so that is why I ended up with this. I can't have them collect 2 of the hens because A) that would seem like I don't know what I'm doing and am not actually dedicated to the work, which would probably stop me from being able to give these chickens a better life (in a REAL coop) or ever having chickens, B) The hens would be carted off for further mistreatment, and I can't condemn them to that, and C) They don't do refunds and my parents wouldn't want to waste money. It is very stressful for them but for the next 3 months, they will be as well cared for as I can possibly do, and hopefully at the end of the three months they will get a bigger coop and be able to stay with us forever. I am on this thread looking for help with my current situation, as there is very little I can do to change it.

 

[aart]

i Really feel like you jumped into this head first and are just scrambling.

Oh, no, they asked lots of questions:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/search/1511648/

I'd do it immediately, but want to minimize side eye from the parents about 'not being grateful'.

Trying to make new feeder is not being ungrateful.
Just do it then after it works show and explain to your parents, politely.
Or do you have to ask for permission for an empty jug?

 

[black_cat]

Oh, no, they asked lots of questions:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/search/1511648/

Trying to make new feeder is not being ungrateful.
Just do it then after it works show and explain to your parents, politely.
Or do you have to ask for permission for an empty jug?

I have permission for an empty jug. I'm busy this evening, so I'll work on making it tomorrow. I'm wondering if instead of putting it on 2x4s for a base I can just glue it to some bricks? With hot glue or super glue or something? I don't really have extra wood available. I'll figure it out. I went out for a few hours and they didn't tip it over in that time, so the rocks may be working.
Edit: We don't have an empty milk jug right now but once we empty another one (probably soon, I drink a LOT of milk) I'll use it.

 

[aart]

I'm wondering if instead of putting it on 2x4s for a base I can just glue it to some bricks? With hot glue or super glue or something?

Just stack some bricks as a base, no need to glue it.
Might add a rock inside for weight.