Frequently Asked Questions about Chook Tower Feeder & Drinker
- Why should I buy a Chook Tower Feeder?
- How often do I need to refill the Chook Tower Feeder?
- What type of feed can I use in the Chook Tower feeder?
- How do I prevent wild birds and rodents from accessing the feeder?
- Can I use a Chook Tower Feeder for other poultry, such as ducks or geese?
- How do I clean and maintain the Chook Tower Feeder and Drinker?
- Is the Chook Tower Feeder big enough for my flock?
- What is the correct height of the ground to mount your Chook Tower?
- How do I install a Chook Tower and what mounting options are available?
- How do I get my chooks to use the Chook Towers?
- How to disassemble your Chook Tower?
Q: Why should I buy a Chook Tower Feeder?
A: The Chook Tower Feeder offer multiple benefits including:
Reduces feed loss: Chook Tower feeders are designed to minimize spillage and wastage of feed, allowing for efficient distribution and consumption by the chooks.
Pest prevention: By keeping the feed contained, Chook Tower feeders can help prevent pests such as rodents and wild birds from accessing and contaminating the feed. An optional Vermin cover is available for purchase to allow the feeder to be closed at night, which is particularly useful in managing rodents.
Easy Maintenance: Our Chook Tower feeders are uniquely designed for easy cleaning. It is designed that every part of the feeder can be unassembled to clean – promoting hygiene and quality of food.
Overall, investing in a Bainbridge Chook Tower Feeder can contribute to better feed management, reduced waste, and improved health for your chooks.
Q. How often do I need to refill the Chook Tower Feeder?
A: The frequency of refilling the Chook Tower Feeder depends on the number of chooks you have and the size of the feeder.
Please ensure the feed level is monitored to ensure that there is sufficient feed available.
Q: What type of feed can I use in the Chook Tower feeder?
A: Chook Tower feeders are suitable for a variety of feeds, including pellets, crumbles, and grains. Make sure to use feeds that are appropriate for the age and type of your chooks.
Molasses and wet based feeds are not recommended in the Bainbridge Chook Towers as these can clump together, making it difficult for the feed to pass down into the feeder opening.
Q: How do I prevent wild birds and rodents from accessing the feeder?
A: Consider using the vermin cap (sold separately). This can be used to close the feeder when needed and prevent wild birds and rodents from accessing the feeder. You can also place the feeder in a protected area or use deterrents to keep unwanted animals away.
Bainbridge sell a range of rodent bait and bait stations with several covered options so your chooks cannot access the bait. Visit our Pest Control range to view what products available.
Q: Can I use a Chook Tower Feeder for other poultry, such as ducks or geese?
A: Some chook feeders may be suitable for other poultry, but it's important to consider the size and feeding habits of the specific birds. Consult with a poultry expert or your local rural supplier to determine its suitability for other poultry.
Q: How do I clean and maintain the Chook Tower Feeder and Drinker?
A: Regularly unassemble the Chook Towers to clean and prevent mold, bacteria, and pests. Use a mild detergent and warm water and ensure it is completely dry before refilling.
Inspect the feeder and drinker for any signs of wear and tear and replace any damaged parts as needed.
Lubing cups can often stop working due to dirt buildup.
Refer to the diagram below. Firstly, remove the pin with pliers, and clean all parts with mild detergent and warm water before re-assembling.
If your lubing cups continue to leak or overflow, it may be time for a new set. To view our high-quality, German-made lubing cups, click here.
Q: Is the Chook Tower Feeder big enough for my flock?
A: The size of the feeder depends on the number of chooks in your flock. As a general guideline, each chook should have access to 10-15 cm of feeder space.
The Chook Tower Feeder can feed 6-8 mature chooks comfortably. If you have a larger flock, we recommend purchasing the optional extension tubes or additional feeders to give each chooks adequate access to feed.
Q. What is the correct height of the ground to mount your Chook Tower?
A: When setting up a Chook Tower Feeder or Drinker, it's important to position it at a height that is easily accessible to the chooks.
A good rule of thumb is to place the Chook Towers at a height that is level with the chooks' backs. This helps to minimize spills and keeps the feed and water clean.
Additionally, consider the age and size of the chooks when determining the appropriate height for the feeder or drinker.
Q. How do I install a Chook Tower and what mounting options are available?
A: It is best to position them in shaded areas to minimize heat exposure and food spoilage and prevent mold and algae buildup due to the intense Australian sun.
The Chook Towers feature reversible tubes, allowing for installation outside of your coop. This enables easy filling of the chook towers without the need to enter the coop. The versatile design of the Chook Towers offers various mounting options, such as hanging in a coop or on a wall/fence, making it suitable for almost any backyard setting.
There are several mounting options available for the Bainbridge Chook Towers. These are:
- Brackets
Brackets (included) to attach to posts, solid walls, or any suitable surfaces. Additional brackets can be purchased to set up multiple mounts to move the feeder around your yard, coop, or property. - Hanging
Attaching a rope through the three holes in the handle (see diagram above), helps to prevent the Chook Tower from twisting and allows for even hanging. - Hooks
Using the heavy-duty hooks on the Chook Towers simply hang onto wire or mesh. - Cable Ties
Cable ties can also be used to hang your Chook Towers. The rear hooks have been specifically designed with additional holes to allow the use of cable ties for difficult mountings.
Q. How do I get my chooks to use the Chook Towers?
A: To encourage chooks to use Chook Tower feeders and drinkers, it's important to place them in accessible locations within the coop or yard.
If required to encourage use the first time, simply tap on the feeder or the white tongue of the lubing cup to demonstrate how to release feed or water.
Additionally, placing familiar treats near the feeders and drinkers can help attract the chooks and encourage them to explore and use the new equipment. The Bainbridge Mealworms and Bug Mix is the perfect solution for this. It's also beneficial to ensure that the feed and water are fresh and appealing to the chooks. With time and patience, the chooks will become accustomed to using the feeders and drinkers regularly.
Q. How to disassemble your Chook Tower?
A: The Chook Towers have been designed so that they can be completely disassembled for cleaning. Following the diagram below to disassemble your Chook Tower Feeder.
Please note: The tabs can sometimes be difficult to press so some force may be required.
Following the diagram below to disassemble your Chook Tower Drinker.
Please note: These tabs can sometimes be difficult to press so some force may be required.
If you have any further questions, please email us and call (07) 3348 8404 we will be able to assist!