Castleview Posted August 17, 2010 Share Posted August 17, 2010 My hens are on layer's meal and their feed is suspended from the ceiling of the run. The feed does spill on to the grass below and it does get wet (the run isn't covered). The smell is awful. It's not a poo smell, it's a sour smell, almost like a rotten cheese. Their coop is fine and fresh. Any suggestions? Thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted August 18, 2010 Share Posted August 18, 2010 Sounds like it. Not nice. Could you put a tray under it and clean it off daily? Pellets make less mess and so the smell from any spillages would reduce. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
patsylabrador Posted August 18, 2010 Share Posted August 18, 2010 I gave up on feeders because of the food spilling and the smell and mess from that. As a temporary measure I used a plastic biscuit box ( Jacobs crackers), it's been brilliant and I stuck with it. Almost nothing gets spilt which could also be the reason why we don't get pestered by rats anymore. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skye Posted August 18, 2010 Share Posted August 18, 2010 Sorry but I did have a giggle when I first read your title... I thought it said 'feet' not 'feed' I thought it was the first time I'd heard of chooks with smelly feet When we first moved house earlier this year we had our girls in the uncovered cube run and yes! they spilt the food everywhere. And yes! It really did stink I have to say. I'd roof your run if at all possible, as it makes the bedding smell when it's wet too. Cheers skye x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blue-DiamondChick07 Posted August 18, 2010 Share Posted August 18, 2010 Noting the Jacob's box tip... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chicken bark Posted August 18, 2010 Share Posted August 18, 2010 Noting the Jacob's box tip... Yup - me too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plum Posted August 18, 2010 Share Posted August 18, 2010 My idiots would stand in the biscuit box I would be tempted to make a little shelter to suspend the feed in so that the ground is dry, put some litter or sawdust underneath so it can be swept out when they spill it. Otherwise you will get all sorts of bacteria in the spilt wet food. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Castleview Posted August 18, 2010 Author Share Posted August 18, 2010 Right I've been to B&Q and I've bought you know one of these plant pot basis to catch the spills. I see they have corrugated plastic for roofing but wonder if it will last the winter here and hoping they won't bake in the summer. I'm away to text my roofer friend to see if he has any suggestions. I've an inner run where the food is suspended and there is a bigger bit run for them which is half open and half covered with the trampoline. I'm assuming I only need to cover the foody area. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plum Posted August 18, 2010 Share Posted August 18, 2010 I've put up a groundsheet as a sun shade but making a better one and they stay nice and cool under their pvc roof. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Castleview Posted August 18, 2010 Author Share Posted August 18, 2010 That's true. Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted August 19, 2010 Share Posted August 19, 2010 Corrugated plastic is very good for roofing the run. ANH first recommended it here. Where she leads others follow. All my Eglus have it now, and it survived last winter in Yorkshire. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrs Potts Posted August 19, 2010 Share Posted August 19, 2010 I'm new to this. I have put our two grubs under the Omlet run cover, so it doesn't get wet as such nor does it smell. The problem I have is that they throw it everywhere. They are bathing in the stuff! I have tried suspended poultry feeders, but our most henpecked, Leia, seems to get even less of a look in with these. I am raking this up each day now, comments on bacteria noted, though I am experimenting with trays under the grubs to catch the extra. I moved the run for the first time last week and am looking at a 2 m long mash crush with concrete like consistency. I've gaily said it won't be any trouble to remove this while MOM is away for a week on business. (He wasn't best pleased at the time although it meant the hens were FR for about an hour and Leia came and stood at his feet, waiting for the mealworm treat she hands over. She might be henpecked but she's got more brains than the other three put together - he was totally charmed). Has anyone got any tips on best way to remove this crust without taking half the lawn with it? I am fully prepared for a trashed lawn as we move the run around, but probably glossed over it a bit when making the case for hens. Thank you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrs Potts Posted August 19, 2010 Share Posted August 19, 2010 Apologies for the spelling mistakes - really bad at sleeping when he is away. It is definitely a crust of layers mash, not a crush! He gives them all mealworms, but Leia is without doubt his favourite chicken. I think she recognised his cough and his shoes. Sorry, not enough cups of tea yet! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
