Sparrow feeding problem

[Maggies chickens]

The feeder is under the coop as you can see in the photo. Are chicken coop is under are deck and they have a small run that leads outside into the yard.

 

[aart]

The feeder is under the coop as you can see in the photo.

What bit of wire wall I can see, wild birds could easily get thru that.
Need to use a smaller hole size mesh.

 

[Maggies chickens]

I have chicken wire basically surrounding the entire coop. And netting over their outside run.

 

[21hens-incharge]

The wire I can see is 2x4 and then chain link.

 

[aart]

The wire I can see is 2x4 and then chain link.

Yes...and lattice.

 

[Maggies chickens]

Yes...and lattice.

At first we had 2x4 fencing until one of my chickens was able to squeeze her way through it and escape. Then I put chicken wire up and we also have netting to keep owls out. I also put up a large plastic tarp to keep snow out of the coop.

 

[aart]

At first we had 2x4 fencing until one of my chickens was able to squeeze her way through it and escape. Then I put chicken wire up and we also have netting to keep owls out. I also put up a large plastic tarp to keep snow out of the coop.

Well, it would help if you put up current pics, and more of them showing the entire run.

 

[Maggies chickens]

Well, it would help if you put up current pics, and more of them showing the entire run.

Ok I’ll do that tomorrow since it’s dark where I live right now.

 

[Maggies chickens]

 

[Al Gerhart]

The guillotine style Chinese made feeders like the Grandpa feeder do have a long learning curve, weeks at least. It sounds like you are following the directions using the training bolts and the feeder is on the ground so the treadle bottoms out. If you read the negative reviews on Amazon there are some flocks that just don't take to their feeder.

The problem with blocking a treadle feeder open is that you first teach the hens that the lid isn't supposed to move when used and then you move the training bolts and it does move a bit. And it tells the rodents and wild birds exactly where the feed is stored and how to get to it. Plus that huge treadle step that can be easily overwhelmed with large rats.

You might try clearing out the deep liter around the base of the feeder so you know the feeder lid is going all the way up. And spending some time showing the birds by using your toe to trip the treadle. Don't pick them up and set them on the treadle, let them get hungry enough to get up there on their own.

And watch the return period if you bought off Amazon and get that sucker boxed up and in an Amazon return locker before the end of the return period if it isn't working for you. One thing that teaches us manufacturers to improve our products is returns. It sounds like you did your part and followed the directions and Amazon has a liberal return policy and the cost is built into their sales so send that thing back and buy a different kind of treadle feeder it it isn't working.