Recomendations on how to keep chicks from kicking feed all over the brooder?

[Echelontheory101]

Get one of these feeders. What I have experienced with the basic feeders that kind of look like your chick feeder is that the feed is at the same level as the opening (if you know what I mean, it's hard to explain), the chicks can super easily bill (and scratch) a ton of the food out. The whole bottle gets wasted within a day. Ever since I got this exact feeder it got a lot better. Try hanging it very low, but still off the ground using a stick/string. They have to JUST BARELY be able to reach it and eat from it comfortably. If it's below the chicks' neck level then raise it. I've had no more problems with chicks getting feed everywhere ever since I got this feeder and kept a close eye every couple days as they grow to raise the feeder.
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Thank you!! Ill have to look into one like that!

 

[ella2025]

Thank you!! Ill have to look into one like that!

Tractor supplies should all have these. They're pretty cheap

 

[Echelontheory101]

Tractor supplies should all have these. They're pretty cheap

I have to go to TSC this week anyway so I'll look thanks for the recommendation!

 

[ella2025]

Also as soon as their beaks are big enough (10+ weeks id say) to eat pelleted feed, if you can find some pelleted chick starter or all flock NOT LAYER(I can't find it anywhere and I live in ma near Southern nh) that's the best option for them to eat if you can find it. It's a lot harder for them to bill/claw out and there'll be a lot less dust which is optimal.

 

[ella2025]

I have to go to TSC this week anyway so I'll look thanks for the recommendation!

Update us when you do.

 

[Echelontheory101]

Also as soon as their beaks are big enough (10+ weeks id say) to eat pelleted feed, if you can find some pelleted chick starter or all flock NOT LAYER(I can't find it anywhere and I live in ma near Southern nh) that's the best option for them to eat if you can find it. It's a lot harder for them to bill/claw out and there'll be a lot less dust which is optimal.

Im in southwestern NH as well I order from Chewy when I cant find what i want at tractor supply or I'll drive to cheshire horse (not sure if youre western mass or Boston area I feel like when people say southern nh they mean like nashua/salem so assuming Boston area) And yes I'm super over the crumbles already haha will definitely be moving to textured or pelleted feed when the time comes!

Once theyre out in the coop it wont be a problem though because the feeder out there is the bucket with the covered port holes so they wont be able to get anything other than their head into the feeder unlike this chick one so this is more just for the next 4ish weeks luckily!

 

[Newbydoo]

I just battled with same issue but not as bad as yours. I raised mine, I folded the legs in and placed it on top an empty container that's as wide as the feeder to make it at the level of their backs (read that somewhere to have feeders and water at back level of chickens) I did that with the water as well. will know in a few days if that helped.

 

[Echelontheory101]

I just battled with same issue but not as bad as yours. I raised mine, I folded the legs in and placed it on top an empty container that's as wide as the feeder to make it at the level of their backs (read that somewhere to have feeders and water at back level of chickens) I did that with the water as well. will know in a few days if that helped.

You'll have to let me know how that goes!

My issue is I have 3 two week olds who are the ones making the mess and could reach a raised feeder to eat, and 8 five day olds that are tiny so the feeder flat on the ground is currently back level for them haha.

If I didnt have the 2 age groups I'd be able to raise it now. Luckily I should be able to raise it next week!

 

[Newbydoo]

You'll have to let me know how that goes!

My issue is I have 3 two week olds who are the ones making the mess and could reach a raised feeder to eat, and 8 five day olds that are tiny so the feeder flat on the ground is currently back level for them haha.

If I didnt have the 2 age groups I'd be able to raise it now. Luckily I should be able to raise it next week!

mine are 2 weeks as well acting like terrible 2's lol I wonder if hardware cloth would work? cut out a circle that you can fit inside, I could be out to lunch with this one but maybe it could help.

 

[Echelontheory101]

mine are 2 weeks as well acting like terrible 2's lol I wonder if hardware cloth would work? cut out a circle that you can fit inside, I could be out to lunch with this one but maybe it could help.

Eh I dont know if I'm motivated enough to build out all the suggestions in this thread (theyre all great ideas though!) plus I want to switch from the Purina starter theyre on now to Kalmbach anyways so I'm thinking of just letting them waste it till everyone is tall enough for me to raise it lol