silly question re- feeding

[Fuzzyfelt123]

feel silly asking this BUT ...... i have got a chicken feeder (6kg) do I fill it right up and leave it available for the girls? Should it go in the run or the coop? should it be taken out every day? sorry to be dense but i want the food to be fresh and not to attract rats!

 

[Chuck]

I'd fill it up to start with and then adjust it down if you want when you get into the swing and find out how much they are eating. This time of year, they need enough in the feeder to see them through the 24 hours, especially for people at work. The feeder is best in the run as long as it's dry as it can quickly go off if it gets wet and will not flow in the feeder. Raise the feeder up to a level where it is about half way up the neck so it doesn't get fouled by droppings. Hang it (best so it can't get knocked over) or put it up on blocks. You can take the feeder out at night which will help to stop attracting rats but there is always a certain amount of spillage anyway.

 

[Marigold]

Its good to provide a dry area in the run where the hens can go to feed, and just to get out of the rain, especially as they're going to be exbatts not yet used to the great outdoors. Don't put food or water in the coop, it will get messy if you do and the hens wont be able to access it easily either. I just fill my feeder right up to the top and refill when nearly empty but I dont have a problem keeping it dry in their covered run. Its important never to let it get empty, whether or not you fill it right up, as they need to feed little and often during the day, especially in the shorter winter days. But as Chuck says its important that it stays fresh so if it gets damp put less in and replace it more often.

 

[Fuzzyfelt123]

Thanks guys! We have built a coop off the ground so will have some shelter underneath (will but some protection on the sides too) - think i will hang the food under there then! 17