This is how I feed and catch my birds

[fastpitch dad]

A few people has seen this so I thought I would share it.

Last year was my first year flying young birds and I wanted a better way to catch my birds for training, shipping ect.. So I came up with this. It works really well and I'm able to handle my birds when ever I want with out chasing them . This is where they get fed daily and it should get them use to shipping crates. I can have all the birds in a training crate in just a few minutes.

It's basically a 9 foot shipping crate with a roof over it. It has three sections that I can block off to catch the birds. The door to it is opened and closed from the outside.

Tell me what you think.

[fastpitch dad]

Here's one with some birds

[Jay3]

Wow, that's different. Never seen that. Do you leave the food out only when they are being fed? Because it could attract rodents if left out. Also, the spilled seed could attract them. Other than that, it's pretty cool.

[fastpitch dad]

Originally Posted by Jay3

Wow, that's different. Never seen that. Do you leave the food out only when they are being fed? Because it could attract rodents if left out. Also, the spilled seed could attract them. Other than that, it's pretty cool.

The only time food is in there is when they are fed. What you see in the pic is just an example. And also there is very little waste. There is hardly any feed that hits the ground. I've been using it for about three months now and it really works great. Becky (Maryofexeter) was over one day with her dad and got to see how it works. The birds stay really calm when you catch them.

[Jay3]

That's really something else. How did you ever think of it?

[fastpitch dad]

Well, I got tired of stepping over feeders while trying to catch my birds or moveing the feeders while cleaning the loft. This way when the birds are in the feeder I close the door behind them and go in and clean the loft. And once a week I take the birds out of the feeder by hand so they get used to being handled.I'm going to build another loft this summer and will probably put one on it as well. I can have all 38 birds caught and put in a crate in less than 5 minutes without chasing.

[Jay3]

Well that's pretty impressive. I know what you mean about stepping on the feeders. LOL. Good way to get them out of the way to clean too.

[LUCKYT]

I have used the same method, works great, reduces stress, and less work. Dave

[Bobcat]

That's a good idea, a lot of fanciers might use. I like the fact that the feed is outside of the loft and soiled food is not laying around for the birds to eat. Do you have your water set up so it is outside too? I have been trying to figure out a design for a feeder for my breeder loft that will recover spilt seed. With the price of good food today I hate having to scrape up and through away as much as I do. If you have an idea or have ever seen a feeder that accomplishes this let me know.

[fastpitch dad]

Really there is very little waste of food and if I want to I can water them in the same trays. It would'nt be hard to make another catch system for what little food that does get thrown out. If you want to keep your feeder inside let me think about it. I've got an Idea I'll draw it and send it to you. Give me a day.

[Jay3]

You must be very handy. I'd be interested to see what you come up with. I think everybody would. I love the way you're feeding.

[MaryOfExeter]

The good thing about when I make mine is, I have plenty of chickens to clean up whatever gets spilt

[fresnobirdman]

how do you get the bird in their in the first place?

[RodSD]

You are a genius!

It seems that you have "coached" those birds for an easy catch.

[fastpitch dad]

Originally Posted by fresnobirdman

how do you get the bird in their in the first place?

If you look at the 3rd picture in the 1st post you will see a grey wire that is held with a peg. That's what opens the door. It only takes a couple of days to get them used to it.