spring feeders and hen not walking!

Hi all,

Carrying on the debate of feeders and drinkers - has anyone had a go with the spring feeders which are used for game birds?  The birds peck at the spring and get rewarded with the pellets.  Also the hanging water bucket with the nipple feeders inserted through, ( there is a chap on e-bay selling the kit) I have a rat problem like lots of us - the poison is down(reluctantly, I hate killing them), but as yet they are too clever to take it. So  need to get the feeders off the ground.
Also, on a different matter, I have a invalid hen, she has been off her legs for a week, have taken her to vets and she has had medication, but still not standing.They think she has bumble feet, but I'm not convinced, I think she fell of her perch overnight ( she is a bit skitty and has a permanent weak leg).Was wondering if she needs to be helped and reminded how to walk like massage or something. Do the muscles waste. She is perky and eating etc but not right for her not to be able scratch about with her friends - a dilema!  Sorry its a long question.

no idea about the feeders having never used them, however how long has you chicken been on the antibiotics? is there any scabs underneath her foot? Does her leg feel any warmer than the other one? Get her back to the vets for another check over if she has been on the A/B's for more than 7 days - it could be just a case that she needs a different type.

Hi

I am involved with a small pheasant shoot and we use springs on all our feeders. I see no reason why thay can not be usedfor chickens with wheat or barley. I have a spare spring  and was going to try it out. The corn will need to be clean or the coils will get blocked . They can be used on any suitable container just cut a hole a little bigger than the coil and drop it in from the inside  :mellow:they have a couple of bolt holes you can use as well. Mount 12 to 14 inch off the ground Last time I bought some they were around £2 each.
I did think of trying one of our auto feeders they could be set to thow corn out up to twice a day. We use them on a duck pond and they gather round waiting for it to spray corn. 
peter rooster

I was looking at those feeders yesterday and wondering how my girls would cope. Please keep me informed if you get one

many thanks