Rat proof feeders??

[Big Doggie]

Has anyone tried the feeders that the chickens have to step on a platform and it open up? The rats are not Sutton be heavy enough to lift the protective lid.
I have rats for the first time and they are tough to eliminate.

 

[tlcmurphy]

Rat troubles here too. I tried the treadle feeder, but after training my chickens on it (where it’s partially open so they see the food before they step on it), I found they were terrified of the lid shutting and refused to use it. I rehomed the feeder and now take their food out of the run every night and put it back in the am

BTW, I wouldn’t put the food in the coop, bad enough having rats in the run!

 

[tlcmurphy]

Also, if you have bantam or serama chickens, I’ve heard they don’t weigh enough to operate the treadle

 

[Penpal]

I keep the feed either in metal garbage cans or in the house. Having feeding times for the chickens also helps. Leave the food for as long as they are eating, then pick it up.