Should I be concerned about this pit around the feeder?

[Ryback530]

Hi everyone,
I picked up these two reds and am wondering if I should be concerned about the pit that they are digging around the feeder? I understand that digging and forging are a natural part of their behavior but as they walk up to the feeder they are a bit uneasy because of the slope. I would hate to see one of these little babies get hurt! Hard to see from the pic but it's about a 2 inch slope. First time raising chicks so any comments would be much appreciated Also, any guess as to age?

 

[Fishkeeper]

I'm guessing they're scratching there because that's where the food is. I'd fill in the pit and maybe set the feeder on something solid so they can't do that.

 

[Chelsa'sChicks]

X2 - You'll find they act like toddlers. Get into stuff, make mess, do weird things to figure things out.. etc. Enjoy it cause they grow fast! I always used newspaper at the bottom then pine chips. Well, at first it would start out as them digging little pits then as they grew so did the digging and they would even tear up the newspaper underneath. No worries they get bored, like to figure out and get into stuff just like we do.

 

[Ryback530]

It is a bit odd I thought. Entertaining to watch I must admit! I've filled twice so I'll try something solid for a base next

 

[chickens really]

I put my feeder and water up on a brick so they don't make a mess...

 

[rosemarythyme]

I use a brick or a piece of wood to elevate feeder and waterer.

 

[Ryback530]

All great ideas, thanks everybody!