chickens and wasted feed

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?

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.

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.

i made tube-style feeders from 3” pvc pipe (i know, i know) something like the ones pictured. very minimal spillage.

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