Trough feeder problems

[capayvalleychick]

I like the idea of using trough style feeders, but I have not had the best luck using them.

First, I bought the metal one, made by Ware. The chickens knock it over easily. The roosters get their comb/wattles stuck in the scratch guard, causing it to tip.

Then I bought some plastic sheetrock mud trays. I put them between the studs in the wall of the coop and used a brick to hold it in place. They manage to knock this over, also.

My husband & I built some out of wood. They look great, don't tip over. I've seen the design here on BYC, they look like an old fashioned tool box with a handle. I was very happy with these, until I noticed blood on the sides & handle. The roosters must be cutting their comb and/or wattles on the handle and maybe the edge.

I might just remove the handle to see if that fixes the problem. I'm curious if other people have had similar problems with trough style feeders?

I really like the design because a large number of chickens can have access to feed, and eat, at the same time.

 

[chickengeorgeto]

This is the reason commercial breeding operations dub their roosters. Their combs and wattles don't get 'fowled' up in the food delivery system.

If we continue to think of our poultry like they are little feathered humans, soon some of us will have roosters with silicone enhanced combs the size of a sheet of ply-wood.

 

[Michael Apple]

I've taken 1' 2x4's and stapled the legs of those galvanized trough feeders to them in order to keep chickens from dumping feed. I've gotten to where I prefer hanging feeders for dry feed and only use troughs when mixing wet feed.

 

[dolphinlvr4]

Ok, I've has issues w/ several types of feeders so I finally decided to go the redneck way and it's worked rediculously well. I took an empty one gal water jug ( a clean milk jug works too if it's clean n dry) you cut out an oblong hole sideways about 3-4 inches from the bottom. Then u zip tie it as high as ur chickens can eat comfortably. It's easy to fill, it's off the ground and they can't scratch thru it to get any extra goodies u have mixed into. Once it's beaten up too much, u just put up a new one. ;-). It's been a godsend for us and if u have a large flock u can use as many as u need. Crazy stupid simple but it's works great!

 

[Den in Penn]

My rooster's comb is consistently catching the wire I strung over mine to keep them out. I haven't seen him rip his comb on it yet. If your wooden handle is square try rounding the edges. Since the blood was also on the sides it leads me to think that the comb may have been injured elsewhere.

 

[bakingintherain]

I use old rain gutter, glue lids (like the ones that come on cocoa cans) to the ends then screw them to the wall at a height the chickens have to reach a bit (this usually stops them from standing in their food) hope this help

 

[capayvalleychick]

I also considered weighting the metal trough. Thanks for your idea. I wish the scratch guard was not attached so it could be removed.

I use the plastic jug idea for oyster shell. There are so many chickens that a large feeder works better, That's why I liked the trough design so much.
I need to have it placed in the middle of the coops, don't have wall space for it.

Den, I see yours does not have a handle. I'm going to try removing mine to see if that helps.