Wasting feed means wasting money, and nothing attracts rodents to a coop faster than scattered food on the floor. 
If you feel like you are constantly filling up the feeder, but your flock is just tossing it everywhere, it might be time to rethink your setup. Here are a few tips we learned over the years.
The “Bolognese” Strategy
Whole grains and seed mixes look great, but chickens are exactly like toddlers. They will dig through the feeder, pick out their favorite pieces (like sunflower seeds), and flick the rest onto the floor. And keep in mind, those grain and seed mixes are only a complete, balanced diet if the chickens eat every single piece. Picking out only their favorites doesn’t just cause massive wastage; it leads directly to nutritional deficiencies.
By switching to a Pellet or Mash type of feed, you give them no choice. All the essential nutrients they need are ground up and baked into one uniform bite. It’s the poultry equivalent of finely chopping vegetables and hiding them in a bolognese sauce!
Adjust the Height
Chickens have a natural instinct to scratch and forage looking down. Hang your feeder so the feeding lip is level with the middle of their backs. They should have to stand up straight and stretch their necks slightly to eat. If they can easily look down into the bowl, they will try to dig in it.
Have a mixed flock with different heights? A simple brick or a flat rock underneath works perfectly as a step stool for the little ones!
