We installed these feeder to eliminate poop in food and save on floor space. My question is, does anyone else have these and do you have a problem of the hens throwing the seed out onto the floor?
pvc feeder could only work for a small number of chickens. it cannot serve more than two at a time. i dont buy this idea. i have 32 chickens in my flock no ranging space, but the coop is wide enough for them: 8/32 ft. i'll just be thinking of another option.
I only have 11 chickens. Their coop is 10 feet long by 7 feet wide. The problem was them standing in their feeder and pooping in their food. I am keeping this concept, just need to know how others with this type of feeder have the same problem. Thanks for your message.
I use a similar feeder system where I have the PVC corner in a 5 gallon Bucket. I have mine oriented slightly differently so its harder for the chicken to get there feet in or anything other than stick their head in the hole to eat. In this bucket that is a street elbow with the other hole turned to the bottom of the bucket. They can stick their head in to eat but can't get their feet in to scratch or able to poop in the food either. I think i found the plans on this site but I am sure "the google" knows where they are. Hopefully this helps.
There is only one secret to keeping chicken poop out of the feed. And, I will share it now. Make sure the feed access is higher than their chicken butts. In all the chickens I have had, their beaks are higher than their poop source. Use that differential to keep their feed clean. Lessen waste by limiting the amount of swing space their beaks have to shovel feed out onto the floor.
I think it's pretty cool myself! My chickens do the same thing. And they poop in their water as well. Very clever ideas on here. I was wondering .... If there was some way for you to attach a pipe horizontally. And then have holes cut out in it. You know,kinda like the plastic ones the stores sell? Several for multiple chickens to the guy who was,in my opinion,rude. And then you'd undo it to fill and reattach to feed. Chicks are a little more difficult because they're smaller. Mine fly upon or step up on the feeder just to hang out! And then they forget their rear is right over their food and.....plop! Gross I know. Lol I think they knock it out onto the floor so that they can "scratch." Mine do that. I've sat and watched them! Silly birds. I'm sorry this is not really an answer to your ? But maybe an idea? Good luck. God Bless.
Thanks Glory Jasmine,
I've watched mine too and yes they're scratching. I thought earlier post was a bit rude too. I was asking the opinion of others that feed this way too. Glad for all the positive feedback. I think you're idea is perfect which would allow them to eat all at the same time if they wanted. the pooping in the food and water drives me nuts, that's why we're always looking to improve and se what works. Thanks for your message!