Soggy run

[Ain't Nobody Here]

I'm trying to think of ways to make filling the grubs easier (when I get my 2 new girls ) and wondered if anybody has a feed bin that they keep in their WIR? It would basically be outdoors but under cover so would have to be weather proof.

[Space Chick]

I have been tempted to put mine in there I must admit, as its just on my path at the moment. However, I am reluctant as the girls are too clever for their own good, they already charge towards me when I lift the lid, and the oldies have learnt quickly how to balance on the edge and stick their head into the corn bag.

[Redwing]

I have an Ikea metal dustbin with a bungee cord that goes from handle to handle through the hendle in the middle of the lid, nothing is going to get in to that! its not in the run but could easily be put threre.

 

Ikea do a small version of the same metal dustbin - a 16litre size that would be perfect for keeping on a shelf

[Yolky]

I think you would need to keep it up high as other wise it will take up quite a bit of the chickens floor space. Otherwise I don't see why not. How big are the holes in your mesh? If they are 1inch x 1inch rats/mice can still get in so you would have to make sure the container is rat proof.

[Janty]

I've got two feed bins in the WIR. They know what is in them but they have left them alone ... mostly. Little monsters tried to dig out the aubiouse from underneath the bins whilst we were on holiday but I have put a paving slab under each one now.

[Ain't Nobody Here]

What kind of bins are they, Janty? Are they weatherproof?

 

I found this which looks good but I suspect it'll be expensive (and you probably can't buy just one). I've emailed for a quote.

[Janty]

They look funky. To be honest, because the bins are inside the run, they are just the £9.99 black plastic bins from B&Q.

[Ain't Nobody Here]

Do you not get mice nibbling at them? I left corn in a Nescafe tin with a plastic lid in the shed and it was nibbled within a week .

[Janty]

No problems with nibbles and they have been full of food for months.

 

Must just be lucky.

[Ain't Nobody Here]

I've just run my idea past OH (who does the feed/water run in the mornings) and he's said he's not bothered about doing 2 trips for all the feeders if necessary . I've had an idea though, I could use the cat litter tray (that they don't use ) to carry all the feeders at once .

 

Pity, I quite liked the look of that pretty purple feed bin .

[Lesley]

We use these in each of the poultry pens...

http://www.solwayfeeders.com/productsdetail1.asp?STOCK_CODE=1322

 

They take a whole bag of feed easily.

There are smaller self-feeders as well. The feed drops onto a spiral feeder and the hens have to peck to get their feed. It helps with keeping feed away from rats as there are no open feeders for them to have access to. We use one in the ducks run as storage only - we fill their dish from it but I have seen them pecking at the spring when the dish runs out of feed - they're not supposed to be able to use them......obviously no-one told the ducks

[AJuff]

ANH I do like the purple bins . . they look so funky and would match my cube!!

[Ain't Nobody Here]

Still waiting for a quote .

[karlotta]

I keep the feed bins (of which there are 6! Chick Crumb, Growers, Layers, Corn and two different dog foods!) in the garage and bring all the grubs (6!) in every night to deter the mice/rats. I use a big purple trug to pop them all in so I can make just the one trip! Works a treat.

[chick wiggle]

I,m loving the look of those bins ANH, and if you get 3 different sizes ie small, medium, large for feed, corn, treats etc. I,m sure the chickens would love jumping up and down on them so the loss of floor space wouldnt matter too much would it?, just a useful climbing frame for them Please let us know how much when you get a reply

[Ain't Nobody Here]

Still waiting .

[chick wiggle]

*tapping fingers*

 

Maybe office hours tommoro eh?