Beekissed
Mountain Sage
I think I finally hit on a chicken feeder for my lifestyle. I've tried different kinds and found them wanting but I had a new idea I want to try.
I have an old hog trough that was here when I came. We have had camp fires in it and once used it for a BBQ! Mostly it just sits out there. Its relatively light weight but large enough and shallow enough for the new purpose for which I want to use it.
I think I will cover it tightly with a piece of fencing, creating a cap that will allow the introduction of heads but not feet into the feeder. Then I can pour the feed directly in the feeder, it will hold a good bit and will allow plenty of access for my increasing flock. They might perch on the sides and the occasional birdy gift may fall into the feed, but not much, I don't think. With that wire wrapped around the sides and under the trough, it may feel too weird for them to like perching there.
Anyway, its an idea for recycling this big old trough and they cannot tip it over in any way. My other 3 gal feeders I made with buckets are okay but the feed doesn't flow easily out of the holes and there is too much waste. This trough design will not allow much flicking, or any scratching, of the feed out of the container. I'll try and let you all know how it goes.
Just trying to find new and better ways to provide alot of feed at a time, or a little, depending on the circumstances, without it being wasted or inaccessible. Also trying to find a place for that eyesore of a hog trough!
Wonder if a similar design using a plastic barrel cut in half would work for folks with old plastic barrels to get rid of... hmmmmm...
I have an old hog trough that was here when I came. We have had camp fires in it and once used it for a BBQ! Mostly it just sits out there. Its relatively light weight but large enough and shallow enough for the new purpose for which I want to use it.
I think I will cover it tightly with a piece of fencing, creating a cap that will allow the introduction of heads but not feet into the feeder. Then I can pour the feed directly in the feeder, it will hold a good bit and will allow plenty of access for my increasing flock. They might perch on the sides and the occasional birdy gift may fall into the feed, but not much, I don't think. With that wire wrapped around the sides and under the trough, it may feel too weird for them to like perching there.
Anyway, its an idea for recycling this big old trough and they cannot tip it over in any way. My other 3 gal feeders I made with buckets are okay but the feed doesn't flow easily out of the holes and there is too much waste. This trough design will not allow much flicking, or any scratching, of the feed out of the container. I'll try and let you all know how it goes.
Just trying to find new and better ways to provide alot of feed at a time, or a little, depending on the circumstances, without it being wasted or inaccessible. Also trying to find a place for that eyesore of a hog trough!
