New hen:Grandpa's treadle feeder training

[lilmagill]

Hello, my flock of three are experienced grandpa’s treadle feeder eaters. But I’d like to introduce a 4 mo.old into my flock. Do I have to start all over with her? (Really would rather not!) Will she learn by watching the others? Any tips? Thank you.

 

[Al Gerhart]

She will learn from watching the others. First she will join in when another bird is eating. Not a good idea to go through the training regimen again by blocking the feeder open. Bad practice, teaches the new hen that the door isn't supposed to move when she is eating and it teaches the rodents where the feed is stored.

 

[lilmagill]

Thank you. I had to go out of town and I was worried that she wouldn’t be able to eat so I actually gave her back to my neighbor. I’ll try again when I get home.