Training chickens to use a Treadle feeder

How do you train your chickens to use a treadle / step-on feeder? So many people say their chickens just can't or won't use them!
I've trained dozens of chickens to use a treadle feeder with no problems but along the way I've learned a few tricks that make training more successful.
It helps to understand what the chickens need to learn to overcome in order to use the treadle feeder.
It helps if the design of your feeder has side-walls and the footplate is big enough.
Make sure the feeder lid is opening wide enough so that the chickens don't have to duck under it to eat. The footplate must not be inhibited by any obstruction on the ground.
Take the training slowly - more slowly than the 1-week-at-each-step usually mentioned. If you start when your chickens are still young, this helps you be patient and allow plenty of time between each step.
Wrap something soft around the screws to muffle the sound when the feeder opens and closes.
Remove the scatter shield until after the chickens are trained.
If you want to feed treats, do it near the feeder and waggle the feeder lid during treat time.
Or just let your mama hen train her chicks for you!
My favourite brand of feeder is the Grandpa's Feeder, originally made in New Zealand. Mine are some of the originals, now over 15 years old. Here's why I prefer them:
• Feed chickens not spar...
For more fascinating facts, hints and tips about caring for your chickens, and the sheer pleasure of chickens, subscribe to my channel: Chickens in my garden - New Zealand
/ chickensinmygarden
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[@vickyannpaintingwithoils]

Because of your great videos, I bought a grandpa feeder a long while ago. I still need a table to put it up on, but right now it sits on the deck of the chicken coop. All my chickens love them!

[@chickensinmygarden]

Great! And your chickens had no trouble learning how to use it? (Of course I know you would have been caring and patient 🙂 )

[@vickyannpaintingwithoils]

@@chickensinmygarden Absolutely :) They struggled a bit on step two, but I left it longer than it stated to do to give them time. Before long it was time for the last step. Every now and then I put a bit of scratch grain or meal worm in there just for a bonus. They all use it happily. The mama at the end of the video is just gorgeous.

[@chickensinmygarden]

She's looking very ragged by that time - it amazed me how much it took it out of her to raise chicks. She was a very attentive mother who obviously sacrificed her own care to nurture and teach her chicks.

[@vickyannpaintingwithoils]

@@chickensinmygarden What a good mama. I keep waiting to see you hatch out another Gonzo. :) I look forward to the warm season to see which of mine get crazy broody. Groovy the little red/cemani mix is finally calming down and laying normal sized eggs.

[@chickensinmygarden]

Ah, I really want more chicks next year but I already have 9 chickens. I only intended to have 5 or 6.

[@olivia00209]

Thank you very much for such a useful video!🥰

[@chickensinmygarden]

Thank you. I'm glad you found it useful 🙂

[@barbsdee3831]

Brilliant tips thank you so much for this well timed video. My 3 hens are 10 months old and I’ve only just got the grandpa feeder. They were fine with the fixed opening setting but when I set it at the second one they were frightened and won’t use it. So I set it back to the non moving position. I will go easy on the treats (twice a day!) until they’ve got used to the fully functioning feeder. ❤❤️ Love your channel and I’m learning so much from your videos 🇬🇧 xx

[@chickensinmygarden]

That's great to hear! Best wishes to you and your three young ladies 🙂

[@Itzz_Ryann]

You posted on my birthday! 🎉

[@chickensinmygarden]

Aww! Happy birthday! 🙂🥂🍰🎁🎉🎈

[@Itzz_Ryann]

@@chickensinmygarden 🥳

[@evelynrogers7145]

Good information

[@chickensinmygarden]

Thank you so much 🙂

[@jaca7584]

Awesome video!! Really helpful!! Thank you!!

[@chickensinmygarden]

Thank you! Have a great day 😊

[@Ad_Astra_321]

Thank you!

[@chickensinmygarden]

Thanks for watching 🙂

[@XxBloggs]

A solar powered, light sensitive feeder with a lid that closes at night and opens at dawn would be ideal.

[@chickensinmygarden]

It seems like that's a gap in the market. Maybe you could invent one 🙂

[@Nesli.T.1986]

Videolarınızı çok beğendim hiç böyle detaylı bilgi veren yoktu merci ama alt yazı olarak Türkçe yada Fransızca eklerseniz daha çok sevinirim merci beaucoup❤❤❤

[@knowledgefact1478]

Watching you from pakistan i need your help in poultry. Please tell me my layers are laying shell less premature eggs... I m giving good Source of calcium

[@chickensinmygarden]

There are several other possible causes, including stress (maybe a predator prowling around), heat stress, salt imbalance (maybe water with a high salt or mineral content), and diseases that affect the shell gland, such as Infectious Bronchitis or Egg Drop Syndrome. If all of your hens are equally affected, look for a cause that is common to them all.

[@knowledgefact1478]

@@chickensinmygarden can i get yours whatsapp number?