Thursday, December 10, 2015

A quick poultry feeder hint

Large cone feeders, finely ground poultry feeds and humid environments do not mix. 
Here's why: 
  1. Fine feeds are easily compacted when pressure is applied
  2. A full feeder puts pressure on the feed at the bottom—this compacts the feed. 
  3. Moisture in the air further aids the binding/compaction of fine feeds. When dried, the result is the chicken feed equivalent of concrete.  
What to do? 
  • Feed coarsely ground feeds in humid seasons (be sure to provide supplemental grit). 
  • If continuing with finely ground feeds, use smaller feeders (for less pressure). 
  • If the feeder can be adjusted, set the feed flow for a faster rate. This will allow fine feed to flow easier when humid.