Sooo much pooping

[BGB]

We have a bit of a problem with rats, and it is difficult to clean up the run at night to discourage the rats. Do all chickens 'spray' their mash about when eating? Is there some way of containing the 'spray' so that it is easier to clean up? It is almost impossible to sweep up their food remains, especially with muddy conditions.

Are layers pellets less 'sprayable'!!

[Jools]

I've only used pellets but I believe they're meant to be less messy than mash.

 

Could you put something under the feeder (a tray or a mat) that you can pick up at night too?

[Redwing]

Pellets are less messy

 

Something like this filled either with pellets or mash and hung high - at chicken head height (either from the roof or a hanging basket bracket) would be a good idea, the fins make it hard for food to be shovelled out and if its hung heigh then they cant get their feet in to it http://www.chicken-house.co.uk/acatalog/3kg_Green_and_White_Chicken_Feeder.html

 

Alternatively something like this stand to put a feeder on may be good but you would need a tray or plastic underneath the catch the feed spills http://www.solwayfeeders.com/products/disco-stand-for-tube-feeders-p6003-c34.html?utm_source=google&utm_medium=products&utm_campaign=froogle

[LizzieLloyd]

I use pellets and they are really easy with no mess to clear up

[lillybettybabs]

I use mash as my chickens won't eat pellets, I don't fill the grubs (i put two out) up to the brim so they have to get theirhead right inside and can't shake it about.

I also find they will clear up all the dropped flakes when the grub is empty at night aswell .