Need a new feeder

[SourRoses]

We tried DIY'ing a Port feeder like that... I picked pricey XXL Ports that had special gasket to fit a round bucket. Bought a gray opaque bucket with a locking lid that I thought would let some light in but prevent uv rays damaging the feed.

So we made the thing and it looked good, filled it and put it out there.
A hen would come along from time to time and sneak a nibble, but immediately yank her head back and run away. Because a flockmate would come up behind her and she couldn't see them easily, or she would hear a noise from the woods, so they were all scared to lose their vision for any length of time.
I don't know how some people get their chickens eating out of those. Maybe when it's the only feeder?
Our DIY bucket is now a nuts & bolts holder.

 

[Logar]

We tried DIY'ing a Port feeder like that... I picked pricey XXL Ports that had special gasket to fit a round bucket. Bought a gray opaque bucket with a locking lid that I thought would let some light in but prevent uv rays damaging the feed.

So we made the thing and it looked good, filled it and put it out there.
A hen would come along from time to time and sneak a nibble, but immediately yank her head back and run away. Because a flockmate would come up behind her and she couldn't see them easily, or she would hear a noise from the woods, so they were all scared to lose their vision for any length of time.
I don't know how some people get their chickens eating out of those. Maybe when it's the only feeder?
Our DIY bucket is now a nuts & bolts holder.

That is weird. Maybe because they were raised eating from something else? Mine have never had a problem eating out of the ports.

 

[SourRoses]

That could be it!

 

[Linnre]

I have been happy with these for the most part. The 60lb one can hold a whole bag of feed.

https://www.pbsanimalhealth.com/pla...4wR7Oj-oxrL5LGiTAtnLO2hlD_Q5Zr2kaAhOREALw_wcB

Does this keep the food dry even in the rain or does it need to be in a covered area?

 

[4Quacks]

I have been happy with my overEZ feeder up until now. I looked in and saw some mold. No big deal, right? Well the feeder was horribly created and there are tons of cracks that make it hard to clean and sanitize. I have no clue how long some of it could have been there for. I am so happy I free range them most of the day. I am not willing to keep using this feeder after this.

I would like some options. Mice, rats, wild birds, etc. are not an issue. I need something that is weather proof, doesn’t need to be hung, is easy to clean, can have multiple chickens eat from at a time and can hold 10 or more pounds. It also needs to be able to be kept in the corner of a run so it being weather proof and easy to clean are the most important factors.

Thanks!

View attachment 3953167
There are three ports and this was after removing most of it from this one before I realized I should get a picture.

I am looking for a new feeder as well, I have 11 hens and 2 ducks that share a large feeder. Lately we have had rat problems, the chickens knock over their feeder and the rats run out and eat as much as they can leaving the poor ducks to fend for themselves. Any suggestions would greatly be appreciated.

 

[Logar]

I am looking for a new feeder as well, I have 11 hens and 2 ducks that share a large feeder. Lately we have had rat problems, the chickens knock over their feeder and the rats run out and eat as much as they can leaving the poor ducks to fend for themselves. Any suggestions would greatly be appreciated.

I wouldn't recommend the diy ports I ended up getting. they are very cheaply made and they don't work with buckets properly like they claim. Something like a well made port feeder or a treadle feeder would probably work best.

 

[Strawberry74]

Does this keep the food dry even in the rain or does it need to be in a covered area?

On occasion the feed gets wet so I keep an eye if we have had a slanted rain or snow but very rarely have I needed to remove wet or caked feed. My feeders are out in the open in the run. I have never seen mice crawl up into the feeder tray so that's nice. I can also pick them up and move them inside the coop if a big snow is coming where I know the birds will mostly stay inside.

 

[Bawkbok]

https://www.amazon.com/RentACoop-Ch...cket/dp/B016047Q5G?ref_=ast_sto_dp&th=1&psc=1
This is the other one I am thinking about. It shouldn’t have any issue with water pooling but it is very expensive.

This is what we use. We tried seven other different feeders and I have them stacking up. I think this is the final one. We only paid around $35 for the combo feeder and waterer on Amazon. The feeder is easy to clean, the ports do not have weak points to leak rain, the chickens took to it right away and there is enough room so as not to rub their combs. The food stays dry, bugs are not a problem other than an occasional fly if it gets into the port opening, which is easily closed for night. The domed top prevents them from perching on it and it is a heavy duty enough plastic it shouldn't crack in the hot humid environment but only time will tell on that. We keep it in the shade and bring it in at night. Even though the ports close I don't want to encourage critters.