Throwing feed

[rmcanulty]

Girls have suddenly started throwing their feed all over the ground.
Feeder is raised about breast high and hasn’t been a problem for over two years
Have checked to make sure no varmints have invaded and it all looks secure
Any thoughts why this would suddenly become an issue, and thoughts to stop the behavior?
I’ve removed the feeder today and I’ll let them scratch for food today
Feeder back in tomorrow.

Thanks

 

[nuthatched]

Is it all one type of feed?

 

[rmcanulty]

Yep, all one feed, same feed I’ve been using since they graduated to lay pellets.

 

[BigBlueHen53]

Can we get a picture of the feeder(s)?

 

[rmcanulty]

I’ll also mention we’re experiencing a heat wave the past ten days, all 99 + with most 100 +. Can’t figure why that’d make a difference.

 

[rmcanulty]

Same feeder I’ve used since day one. Note the scattered food below the feeder.

 

[MountainWoman73]

I have no solid explanation, but this has happened to me before too.

2 guesses:

1) they saw a bug or spider in the feed and started digging around looking for more.

2) Some dummy tried to land/perch on the bucket or ran into it when hopping down off the ramp. Mine run into their feeder sometimes when they're let out in the morning and everyone tries to fly down off the roost bar at the same time.

 

[aart]

Same feeder I’ve used since day one. Note the scattered food below the feeder.

Same brand/model of feed?
Did this behavior start when you started using a new bag of feed?
Wondering if maybe you got a hold of an old bag of feed.