⠀ Wasted Food Question

[Chickenpatty84]

Hey Y'all,

So quick question. My wife and I have some 2.5 week old chicks. I'll begin by saying that this is our first batch so we are new to this. With regard to feed, our 12 chicks are going through it like crazy. She has to refill the one quart feeder twice a day. That isn't ths issue though...it's the wasted food. They spill it everywhere in the brooder. Simple question....should we let them, or at least count on them, to forage through the shavings for their food or keep letting them eat from the feeder only.

Thanks.

 

[Nupe]

Yes! I always make them empty the feeder completely and clean up the mess before refilling. Otherwise the little turds would spill it all out looking for those little yellow corn chunks and never eat the good stuff.

 

[Percheron chick]

Place the feeder on a pie plate so what they bill out is saved. You can make a mash or ferment it to also reduce waste.

 

[Chickenpatty84]

Man that was quick. Thanks for the advice y'all! The pie tin is a good one...definitely takes a village.

 

[davedavey]

I just started fermenting a week ago. They eat it all no waste. They really like it, I put there grower crumbles in a jar for 3 days.