We know Dine a Chook Chicken Feeders are the best on the market. But to make sure that you love your Dine a Chook as much as we do, you need to know how to get the best out of its unique features! To make sure your are optimising your waste-reducing, all-weather Feeder, we answer your Frequently Asked Questions below.
We know that every flock and every chicken coop is different. If you have a question that we haven't answered, or if you would like personalised advice, please contact us. We provide friendly, helpful service to all of our customers!
How do I install my Dine a Chook Chicken Feeder?
Please click here for our Dine a Chook Feeder and Drinker Installation Guide. You will find information about mounting height and Feeder location, as well as installation instructions.
Where do I install my Dine a Chook Chicken Feeder?
For the best results, install your Feeder in a shaded, sheltered area. For more information, consult our Installation Guide.
What type of chicken feed should I use with my Dine a Chook Feeder?
The majority of our customers feed their chooks a grain or scratch mix. While this may look like the most appealing feed (and it is usually the cheapest) it is actually a poor choice for backyard chickens and should only be used as a treat or to encourage foraging.
A mixed grain feed encourages selected feeding because it is just that - mixed. Imagine you gave a kid a plate of strawberries, topped with brussels sprouts - they would dig through the sprouts to get to the berries. Just like children, chickens dig through grain mixes to pick out what they like, such as corn and sunflower seeds, wasting the rest. This creates two problems:
- Your chickens are not getting a balanced diet because they are only eating what they want and usually avoid the pellets found in most grain mixes. Pellets may look boring, but they are actually one of the most nutritious parts of the mix because they are fortified with essential vitamins and minerals.
- In searching for their favourite titbits, chickens will rake the feed onto the floor, or thrash their head to push it out of the Feeder. This not only creates a lot of mess and wasted feed, the spilled feed also attracts vermin, such as rats and pest birds, to the chicken coop.
Our Feeders have a number of waste-reducing features, including the patented feeding bay with internal paddles. Even with a scratch mix, a Dine a Chook Feeder will reduce spillage and waste, but no Chicken Feeder is magic.
The waste-reducing features of our Chicken Feeders have been found to be most effective when used with a crumbed or pelleted feed. These feeds may not look as appealing, but they are scientifically formulated to contain everything a healthy bird needs. And they discourage selective feeding!
Is a Dine a Chook Chicken Feeder suitable for bantams?
Yes, Dine a Chook Feeders are suitable for all types of chickens, including bantams. Simply adjust the mounting height and the depth of the feeding bay to best suit your birds. A brick or block may also be used as a step to help birds access the feeding bay, if needed.
Can I use a Dine a Chook Chicken Feeder with other birds?
Most backyard poultry will happily use a Dine a Chook Chicken Feeder. We have customers who use our Feeders as Duck Feeders, Goose Feeders, Turkey Feeders, Guinea Fowl Feeders and more! One customer even uses a Dine a Chook as a Rabbit Feeder!
What do I do if my chickens are different heights?
If your flock contains birds of different heights, you have several options. Either mount the feeder at an appropriate height for the smallest bird, mount the feeder at a mid-range height and provide a "step", such as a brick or block, for smaller birds, or simply install two feeders at different heights.
How often do I need to fill my Dine a Chook Feeder?
The amount chickens eat depends on a range of factors, including their age and breed, as well as environmental conditions such as temperature etc. As a general guide, our 3.5 Litre Feeder will feed 4 chickens for 4 days, while our 4.7 Litre Feeder will feed 6 chooks for 4 days. However, you should check your feeder regularly until a feeding pattern has been established.
How much feed should be in the Feeder?
Dine a Chook Chicken Feeders will work as intended no matter how much or how little feed is in them.