Treadle feeders--Recommend?

[Jajika]

Hi everyone. I came across an article that purports that treadle feeders are a good way to keep food from spreading all over the ground. Also, it mentioned a treadle waterer? Does anyone have experience with these devices and recommends them?

 

[casportpony]

Have you tried searching for threads about treadle feeders?
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threadloom/searchkeywords=treadlectitle_only=1tab=0

https://www.backyardchickens.com/search/1162981/q=treadlectitle_only=1o=date

 

[Jajika]

Hi casportpony:Thank you. I did do a key word search and saw a ton of comments, all positive and for the same reason I'm looking into them: rats and wasted food. Thanks for the lead.

 

[casportpony]

If you don't mind, keep me updated!

 

[Al Gerhart]

To stop the feed raking for most hens a simple 1/2" wide lip extending into the feeder will work but there are those few hens that are rake a matics and will need a feeder lip extension. So be sure any feeder you buy has that feeder lip extender available just in case.

Treadle waterer, I would think that would be over kill. I would use the water nipples set high enough that a rat couldn't or wouldn't jump up to use.

As far as a rat proof treadle feeder, there is only one. The basics are a spring loaded door, a heavy counterweight to provide mass to prevent the door from being pushed open or pushed up, and a narrow and distant treadle feeder.

That said, if you do not have rats and mice already nearly any of the treadle feeders are likely going to work to eliminate wasted feed. The Chinese aluminum ones have to be kept about 30% full or less to prevent raking. For that matter the homemade PVC elbow and bucket contraptions will help on feed waste but not so much on mice and rats or wild birds.

Do your research. Plenty of the websites depend upon affiliate links so they only recommend what someone pays them to recommend through affiliate programs. Pay close attention to the negative comments, they tell the story, as the average flock owner is going to be happy till the rats and mice actually move in.