Help me decide- Grandpa’s Feeder or other brand?

[FeatherAndBloom]

I am planning the chicks transition out into their permanent coop and run and trying to not learn lessons the hard way by researching my options now. They will have a full predator and hopefully pest proof covered run where the food and water will remain outside the coop. Feeder options have overwhelmed me a bit. I’m hoping to find a good quality non-galvanized trough for their daily fermented mash (stone? Plastic? Stainless steel?), but will provide a feeder for some dry mash, something else for grit and something for oyster shells/other calcium option. I’m seeing mixed reviews on Grandpas Feeders but also not feeling like I’m getting a good enough look at the Rat Proof Feeders either. Can anyone weigh in for a dry feeder solution that will help reduce waste, mold and prevent pests? Flock of 10-13 birds (probably a few Roos that will be finding a new home quickly post transition). thinking just one feeder, don’t need to store a ton of food at once, I’ll be feeding them fermented daily so I can always top off the dry feeder. They will also be getting limited fermented scratch, BSFL, compost and weeds. Thanks in advance for the help!

 

[RojoMarz]

I use a Rat Proof feeder and initially followed @Al Gerhart's advice on training them to use it. All new chickens added to the flock have learned to use it by watching others (ie. I didn't need to train them.)

 

[FeatherAndBloom]

I use a Rat Proof feeder and initially followed @Al Gerhart's advice on training them to use it. All new chickens added to the flock have learned to use it by watching others (ie. I didn't need to train them.)

What size for how many chickens? Also, I’m seeing like a lot of different options on his site, size, interior/exterior. Thanks for weighing in!

 

[Al Gerhart]

Just google treadle feeder reviews and you will find lots of reviews. One site has reviewed about every feeder there is but it is getting kind of stale, they seem to have stopped adding new content. The model they reviewed on us has to be one of the original models or at least 2015 because they hammered us on using styrofoam in the packing which we stopped using in favor of a wood crate inside the cardboard box. That stopped all shipping damage, knock on wood. On the plus side they don't use referral links so they are honest and not going after commissions on sales.

As far as our feeders, there aren't that many options. Three sizes, then soft close or non soft close on two of the three sizes. All are exterior. Size, the medium feeder is the best value and has gone through several generations of improvements that the small and extra large have not. We have a main site with the ending .net for basic info on the feeders and the .com site is the actual shopping cart. If you don't like reading you will hate our websites but I hate answering questions via email for the simple fact of I don't know what else the potential customer hasn't taken the time to read. The more they know the more likely they will be successful with our feeders, but I don't know what they don't know.

I'm one of those people that would rather lose a sale than sell to someone that isn't able to make the feeder work for them. Better to let them have problems with the other guy's product. LOL

 

[Al Gerhart]

BTW, if you go for the Grandpa feeder style, look on Tic Toc. They are $69.00 . Same design made in China like the Grandpa feeder, all of that design are junk in my opinion, but if you go that route better to save money. But use Paypal when you pay. I have had problems with deliveries from Tic Toc shops but they will make it right if you have that leverage. All of those products will be Chinese and the sellers will be Chinese companies like Temu, so the trust factor is zero.

 

[RojoMarz]

What size for how many chickens? Also, I’m seeing like a lot of different options on his site, size, interior/exterior. Thanks for weighing in!

I have 7 hens (down from 11) and have the medium non soft close feeder.

 

[FeatherAndBloom]

I have 7 hens (down from 11) and have the medium non soft close feeder.

Nice did that size work for the 11 as well? Sounds like that would be a good size for me with 10 especially as a secondary feed source after the daily ferment.

 

[Al Gerhart]

The medium that Rojo Marz bought holds around 30 pounds, 120 days for one chicken, around eleven days for 11 chickens. The fermented feed would likely double that?

 

[FeatherAndBloom]

Just google treadle feeder reviews and you will find lots of reviews. One site has reviewed about every feeder there is but it is getting kind of stale, they seem to have stopped adding new content. The model they reviewed on us has to be one of the original models or at least 2015 because they hammered us on using styrofoam in the packing which we stopped using in favor of a wood crate inside the cardboard box. That stopped all shipping damage, knock on wood. On the plus side they don't use referral links so they are honest and not going after commissions on sales.

As far as our feeders, there aren't that many options. Three sizes, then soft close or non soft close on two of the three sizes. All are exterior. Size, the medium feeder is the best value and has gone through several generations of improvements that the small and extra large have not. We have a main site with the ending .net for basic info on the feeders and the .com site is the actual shopping cart. If you don't like reading you will hate our websites but I hate answering questions via email for the simple fact of I don't know what else the potential customer hasn't taken the time to read. The more they know the more likely they will be successful with our feeders, but I don't know what they don't know.

I'm one of those people that would rather lose a sale than sell to someone that isn't able to make the feeder work for them. Better to let them have problems with the other guy's product. LOL

Thank you! I like to research so the website content is useful just the sites a little harder to navigate, just a personal opinion. Also I’m on mobile so maybe I’ll pop out the laptop to take another look! LOL I’ll check it out more and HOENSTLY figure that your feeder medium soft close will be the best treadle feeder for us. Just closing the gap learning more about the training process before I pull the trigger. Thanks for taking the time to respond!

 

[FeatherAndBloom]

The medium that Rojo Marz bought holds around 30 pounds, 120 days for one chicken, around eleven days for 11 chickens. The fermented feed would likely double that?

Oh ok! In my mind I’m thinking more about access, I’m a noooob with chicken raising so for now all the chicks need a spot to eat at the feeder so they can grow … that goes away as they age and they just take turns?