Using a No-Spill Feeder with Crested Breeds?

[debid]

I almost built one of those for an outdoor feeder but while I was looking at examples, I saw a suggested video for a rodent proof hanging bucket feeder. We have a lot of issues with mice here and I thought it also looked more likely to keep the food dry in my wire-roofed run. So, I built it instead. Total cost, $7.

I just installed it today and the 9 week olds figured it out in about 10 seconds.

 

[aart]

I saw a suggested video for a rodent proof hanging bucket feeder. We have a lot of issues with mice here and I thought it also looked more likely to keep the food dry in my wire-roofed run. So, I built it instead. Total cost, $7.
I just installed it today and the 9 week olds figured it out in about 10 seconds.

So link or pics, please?

 

[debid]

So link or pics, please?

Whoops!

This thing:

My priority wasn't to stop billing out but to have a feeder in the run that stays dry with no roof, holds enough to feed a dozen birds for a week, and doesn't feed the mice. They had a lot of fun using their new feeder yesterday but cleaned up the feed as they played. And, the snap on bucket lid fits great. It looks like I may have checked all the boxes.

I made a couple modifications I'd seen elsewhere installing two eyebolts rather than one and using old corks instead of the PVC coupling and washer configuration.

 

[aart]

I made a couple modifications I'd seen elsewhere installing two eyebolts rather than one and using old corks instead of the PVC coupling and washer configuration.

Ah yes, a trigger feeder.
I was enthralled with that design and messed around with one.
Had trouble with the hole size(think you might have posted about that elsewhere?),
and ended up going with something else.
Billing out waste was the problem I was trying to solve so had a 'deep dish' underneath.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/aarts-waste-free-funnel-bucket-feeder.67218/

 

[debid]

Ah yes, a trigger feeder.
I was enthralled with that design and messed around with one.
Had trouble with the hole size(think you might have posted about that elsewhere?),
and ended up going with something else.
Billing out waste was the problem I was trying to solve so had a 'deep dish' underneath.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/aarts-waste-free-funnel-bucket-feeder.67218/

Yeah, the video frustratingly leaves that bit about hole size vague. I went with 1/2" for a 1/4" eyebolt. The 4" long eyebolts are less than $1 and they save a lot of messing about with multiple pieces to limit flow. They're long enough that I can hang it well above their heads preserving floor space.

I like the half wiffle ball target you used. If they eat the corks, plan B was a couple cat toy balls at the dollar store. But, the corks were free and food grade so...

 

[aart]

I like the half wiffle ball target you used.

One problem I had with both targets, was a few birds would grab them and pull and pull and pull for more food to come out.

 

[CityslickerHomestead]

These setups are fascinating. Thank you for sharing!

 

[Al Gerhart]

Those bucket feeders will stop slinging feed but aren't rat proof or small bird proof. Read the reviews on the ones sold on Amazon. One called it a death trap for small chickens, the person lost four before he pulled it out of the pen. Another mentioned the mouse caps that have to be installed at night. Another mentioned the squirrels and crows wouldn't leave his feeder alone.

The trigger feeders waste feed too, birds learn to dump the feed, even wild birds and squirrels. The hanging feeders just train your rats to be acrobatic, you will open the pen door and find it swinging around with no chickens in sight.

Google treadle chicken feeder reviews and get to reading. Or just do a search in BYC forums. A real solution is going to cost you $80 to a bit over $100 depending on how far you are from the seller but a real treadle feeder with a spring loaded door, a heavy counterweight, and a narrow and distant treadle will stop the feed waste and prevent rats and wild birds or mice from stealing feed and bringing in disease and lice or mites. You will pay for it in six months with saved feed.