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chickens and wasted feed

 
author & steward
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I'm looking for ideas for a better chicken feeder, one that helps prevent feed waste. We've tried several designs but always end up with a lot of feed on the ground! Has anybody tried a feeder that helps prevent the wasted feed?
 
pollinator
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It needs to have tiny holes only. Chickens throw things sideways.

I feed my chickens mainly grains and seeds +treats from the kitchen. I just scatter the grains around. They have four feeders in the henhouse, but they still spend eons pecking seeds from the ground! I suppose that browsing gives them pleasure. Sometimes some grains or seeds are not eaten and they sprout. And get promptly eaten.
 
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Look at diy quail feeders on YouTube, then upsize for your breed of chicken.  Slightly rednecked has a good video.

I have worked on commercial free range chicken barns, they have settled on two basic types of feeders that minimize waste. The first is a round feeder with tall dividers to stop the side throw. The second is a continuous trough so the side throw still lands in the trough.
 
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i made tube-style feeders from 3” pvc pipe (i know, i know) something like the ones pictured. very minimal spillage.
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[Thumbnail for 7103C7C3-E2A7-4039-8409-E0F2DCA9D035.jpeg]
 
Kaarina Kreus
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Chicken Feeder Design - What do you use?
Timothy Norton , Steward of piddlers staff
Feb 08, 2025 18:14:26

https://permies.com/t/273893/Chicken-Feeder-Design
 
I agree. Here's the link: http://stoves2.com
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