4m x 3m Omlet pen, cube, new auto door still boxed and coop light

[JanTheDiver]

We have just bought a 'Grandpa's Feeder' , as we had a rodent problem, and are currently training the chickens to use it. They were fine with it when it wasn't moving but yesterday we changed it to the second level where the treadle moves a little when they step on it and now hey are really scared of it now and won't eat from it.

 

What I need to know is has anyone else got one and how long it took their chooks to use it? I have six chickens and this morning none of them have eaten; how long can a chicken go without food?

 

Any feedback will be appreciated.

 

Thanks

 

Jan

[chucknette]

Hi Jan

 

I have used a treadle before, left open with a brick on it.

Then I took it off for them to stand on it themselves. They were a bit skittish of it to start with but a hungry chicken will work it out pretty quickly.

 

I am currently using a spiral feeder, they were suspicious of that for a while but soon got the hang of it. They work out quite quickly if they peck it it rewards them.

[WitchHazel]

I am a big fan of Grandpas Feeders, I use them at home and with my allotment flocks.

 

I found that the chicks were really quick to get over their fears, but we had put an empty GP in their run right from when they started to go outside so they weren't scared of the feeder per se. When we decided they were big wnough to use it (on the open position) they transitioned immediately. When we moved it so it was partially open, it took probably two days before they stopped looking nervous about it.

 

Regarding older girlies - in my experience ('ve introduced GPs into 4 flocks), the older the chickens are, the longer it takes them to get used to it. Mine were fine with it completely open, but scared when it was at the midway position. It can take a few days or a week for them to stop being jumpy - but they will use it.

 

I found it helped if I (a) cut down on their treats, and (b) I would put a thin line of corn inside the feeder, and this usually made them overcome their fear.

 

All you need is one of them to do it successfully, and the others will follow.

 

Don't rush this step. As long as they can see the food in there, they will overcome their fear and use it.

 

And then you have a bit of the same when you finallly take the pin out.

 

Hope that helps

[JanTheDiver]

Thanks to both of you, you have put my mind at rest.

 

Its horrible watching them knowing they are hungry but I suppose it will take some time.

 

They were using it fine when treadle was on the ground so I am sure they will get there