what is the point of a feeder if all they do is spill it?

[Black Cochin Bantams]

My birds were wasting lots of feed. I decided to try some old pig creep feeders that I had. They are designed to keep the feed in and are adjustable for feed flow down. Works great for starter crumbles and can be adjusted for pelletized feeds.

 

[kuntrygirl]

My feeders are VERY simple but they work. It took about 5 minutes to make. The feeders are too heavy for them to spill over and they can't get in to scratch and kick anything out. These are my outside feeders that are kept in the chicken yard for all of the animals (chickens, ducks, turkeys, geese). One is 4 feet long and the other is 5 feet long.

 

[Michandy]

Kuntrygirl - do you have an issues with pests (like pigeons etc) stealing food from it? Is is out all day or do you just put it out at mealtimes??

 

[RollinWithTheStones]

Thanks everyone looks like back to the drawing board.

 

[kuntrygirl]

Quote:
There is a pair of pigeons that live in my area and they do come down from time to time for a snack but they are the only 2 that I have ever seen. They have been living in the area for many years. The little amout of feed that they steal is really not a problem. I really enjoy seeing them come and visit.

My feeders are out all day and night. They have access to feed 24/7. I fill the feeders up in the morning and when I return from work. The geese and ducks tend to eat later on the evening and throughout the night, so this is why I leave the feeders out. I don't think the geese ever sleep at all. I also have a large hanging feeder in my open/air coop. I closely watch the weather and I pick up the feeders when I know that it's going to rain. Because of this, the feed has never gotten wet. Once the feeders are picked up due to rain, they are placed under the raised coop. My raised coop is 2 feet off of the ground, so they fit perfect under there and then animals know to go under there to eat when it's raining and the feed never gets wet.

Most people suggest not to leave feeders out but I have never had a problem.

 

[nuttyredhead]

I have a pvc feeder system. Works well. I did put boot trays under both off them to collect the feed that is spilled, they can eat is off the trays too! I found the idea here last year!

 

[al6517]

Easy solutions that require the simplest fix. Raise the feeder so they can keep their feet on the ground, provide just a small space to fit their head in without being able to swish their heads and bill out the feed.

 

[gale65]

Quote:
What is the hanging bucket for?

 

[ECBW]

This is a fix from the pro and worked for me: Use pellets and keep the feeder at shoulder high. If there is a good amount of spill, remove the feeder and the flock WILL clean up the floor. If your feeder is not removable, simply close it or don't refill it.

Pellets will help people and birds see the spill. Crumbles get lost in the bedding.

 

[silkiechicken]

I just hang my feeder above back level so they have to reach to get it... rarely a spill I notice from the birds.