Spilled feed in run issue

[vantain]

Today, I noticed that my hens have been dumping feed all over the ground. Worse than that, they have spread it to every corner of the run. The run is mostly dirt, sand, and some pine shavings.

The run is covered, but when it rains, some rain always gets int to run, wetting everything. And the hens spread the wet stuff everywhere.

I keep hearing that wet feed will get moldy. What do I do about the feed that is now everywhere in their run? I’m really not certain how I could possibly get it all cleaned up without digging out the entire run.

The run is 8x8. I have to go out of town tomorrow, and have family checking up on the hens each day. I don’t have time to completely redo the run.

Is this a problem I should be worrying about?

 

[vantain]

Today, I noticed that my hens have been dumping feed all over the ground. Worse than that, they have spread it to every corner of the run. The run is mostly dirt, sand, and some pine shavings.

The run is covered, but when it rains, some rain always gets int to run, wetting everything. And the hens spread the wet stuff everywhere.

I keep hearing that wet feed will get moldy. What do I do about the feed that is now everywhere in their run? I’m really not certain how I could possibly get it all cleaned up without digging out the entire run.

The run is 8x8. I have to go out of town tomorrow, and have family checking up on the hens each day. I don’t have time to completely redo the run.

Is this a problem I should be worrying about?

i wish I had noticed this sooner.

 

[Camellia]

no, it doesn't matter. Water will usually disintegrate the food pellets easily, chickens will also scratch at the feed and disperse it. So really there isn't much to worry about, just that your run will be a little dirty for a bit.

 

[HappyClucker7]

Yeah, there's really nothing to worry about. Chickens will spread their food around, it's just what they do. Also, if it rains, their food will get all mushy and for some reason chickens prefer their normal food when it gets all mushy, don't ask me why, but they do.

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

Easily fixed .....use a no waste feeder, they prevent billing and spilling. Feed not picked up by the birds can feed unwanted organisms in the litter and draw unwanted pests (rodents) who come at night.

 

[vantain]

I will be redoing the feeder when I get back from my trip. Thanks.

 

[CityslickerHomestead]

My chicks LOVE their “treat bowl” of starter feed moistened with ACV treated water. I don’t know why they do but that’s chickens I guess. Your run is of decent size the chicks should disperse the feed around. Unless you live in some highly humid and tropical area with too many birds in the run, I don’t see mold happening.

 

[TXchickmum]

We have a regular old hanging feeder for our hens. It hangs from a hook in the run. My husband constructed a tray (wooden with sides/painted for weather resistance) that is placed underneath it. The ladies still beak feed out of the feeder, but it falls into the tray and they consume it there. At night it is carried into the coop and stored. -no issues with feed in the dirt of the run. -has been wonderful!

 

[Michael Propst]

I was having the same issue and built one similar to the @Ol Grey Mare posted. I found all of my supplies on Amazon.

• Tote -
  
  https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000VS9NAY/?tag=backy-20
• Lid -
  
  https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000VAVCJC/?tag=backy-20
• Inserts -
  
  https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07N2Y3C1Z/?tag=backy-20

 

[blackdog043]

Can you raise the feeder to the back height of the chickens, this should help as well, depending on what feeder you have.

I use DIY no waste feeders as well and like them.