This is how I feed and catch my birds

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.

Jay3 said:

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.

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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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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

You are a genius!

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

fresnobirdman said:

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

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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.

After thinking about it , you could build something but I think someone makes a feeder with plexi glass sides with holes in it. That would keep the feed in the feeder and you should'nt have any waste.
Here's one
http://http://www.siegelpigeons.com/catalog-loft-scoops.html

Ok

I am thinking of using this idea of yours and going one step further. Make the feeder also the shipping crate. You call them in to feed, close the door, hinge the lid, and then pull the whole shipping crate out. This way you would never have to catch the birds. The shipping crates could fit into the feeding area. You could make the feeding area to be used with or without the shipping crates. One side of the shipping crate could be completely removed to allow them to feed. When they come in to feed you lock them into the shipping crate such as the method you use where there is a sliding door. On the open side you could slide the whole side down to trap them in the crate. When you release you could just pull the side up to leave the whole side open for them to fly out. A little training and you could have this down.

Randy

Question

How many birds can you feed in a 5 foot run? I was thinking of using two 5x2 foot shipping crates. The feeding section would fit on top of a 12 foot aviary.

Randy

Rough sketch

The loft would be 6x12 with two sections with a sliding door to make it one big sections if needed. The trap would split with two drop traps at 45 degree angles into each section. Each side of the landing board could hinge up allowing for removal of the crates. The middle section would be a fixed landing board. Still thinking this over. You could water in the aviaries, making it fully accessible from the outside.

Randy