questions about treadle feeder and treats

[seamonkee]

I saw wooden treadle feeders online, with plans to make them, but I saw a one at the feedstore all ready made, and got it.

Week one: filled with pellets, propped open with a brick laying on the treadle for a week. Put bricks on either side of feeder so they have to go from front to access food.

Week two and three: stuck a stick in the opening, and took brick off treadle. Pellets are visible but chickens can't fit in to eat them. If they step on treadle it opens all the way. One day I even gently picked up a couple of the chickens and set them on the treadle one by one like they could learn.

Week four: Stick is still in opening. Once a day go out and put a handful of mealworms on top of pellets. They eat any that fall on the ground, and in their gluttony, one of them will accidentally step on the treadle and they chow down, but once mealworms are gone, or if that one chicken accidentally steps off they give up.


I can't figure out if my chickens are just too dim witted, or if they just don't like pellets all that much....well, that I know. They have unlimited pellets in a feeder in their coop that gradually eventually get eaten. I think I just answered my own question. I need to take the pellets out of the coop so all they have is the treadle feeder for awhile.

I was hoping to give them an outdoor source of food too. Even though the door of their coop is always open, they act like they are starving whenever I go out there, crowding over each other, following me along the fence. There are 4 of them and I give them 2-3 handfuls of a mix called "Henny Penny" seed or mealworms and a few greens every day when I am out weeding or have kitchen scraps. Am I giving them too many treats so they aren't interested in their staple pellets?

Thanks! I am a first time chicken mom.

 

[Den in Penn]

They are not starving when ever you go, they are looking for their treats. If you want them to use the treadle feeder yes take the one out of the coop and cut the treats. When they get hungry they should use the treadle. If they don't go to it by themselves try going to it, wait for them to come and step on it, when they start to eat walk away. May have to repeat.

 

[seamonkee]

Thanks so much for replying to my question. I appreciate the advice so I know my next move! I will repeat my training, but with no other treats or pellet feeder. I should make quite a sight sitting out there reading a book and stepping on the treadle when they go by. My chickens are rocket scientists so they'll get it.