At SPR Centre, we have all
types of equipment to suit your poultry needs. From
troughs and tubular feeders, to more specific items of
equipment. We make sure items are of good quality and
adequately fulfil the purpose for which they are
intended. Of course, some materials are more durable,
and resistant to heavy use than others, so this will
need to be born in mind when purchasing your equipment.
So which should you choose?
-
Our plastic equipment is
made from durable, high density material designed to be
used outdoors and to resist the effects of UV rays
heat/cold which can make plastics brittle over a period
of exposure. Plastic equipment is usually more
economic to buy and so often a good choice in the short
term as it should be good for 2 - 4 seasons. Great for
indoor use.
-
Our galvanised equipment
is made from heavy gauge sheet steel and galvanised
after manufacture. This means they will not rust to any
degree, and will endure years of outdoor use against the
elements. The Fountain drinkers feature a seamless pan,
and sturdy top handle for easy transport. Galvanised
equipment is usually the most expensive in the short
term, as the materials and process are costly, but will
last for many years under duress.
-
There are other materials
and designs used, such as in the enamelled type drinkers
and feeders; which fit somewhere in the middle between
plastic and galvanised, both on price and durability. We
hope to have new supplies available soon.
 
The size of feeder or
drinker will depend on whether you keep them inside the
house or outdoors. We recommend in free range
units, to keep the feeder placed inside the house. The
main reasons for this are as follows.
- Less wastage through
wild birds or beasts.
- Protection from the
weather and damp.
- This attracts less
vermin. Waste feed is cleared up with litter.
- Feeders suspended
from house roof to the correct height.
- Plastic feeders last
longer inside the house.
If it is difficult to
place the feeder inside the house, then other types of
feeder could be considered.
-
The Treadle feeder is
pressure controlled and won't open for sparrows, mice
and rats. The mechanism is easy to maintain.
-
The Pheasant feeder will
give some protection against the rain.
-
The Galvanised Tubular
feeder can be used with a rain shield.
Whether placing a feeder
inside or outside, it should be supported or suspended
so the lip of the trough is about the height of the back
of the smallest bird. This will help keep down wastage.
Tubular feeders can be easily suspended and allow plenty
of access to stock. Troughs can be supported by bricks
or blocks. Troughs with mesh tops prevent birds walking
along the feeder and scratching out feed.
Tip.....for
hybrid birds and other good producers, it is important
that layers mash/pellets are available ad lib, so make
sure your feeder is not too small.
Allow 2.54 cm ( ins) per
bird for a circular feeder and 10 cm (4 ins) per bird
for an in line feeder. That is the total length of both
sides added together and divided by 4.
.
We recommend with
drinkers, to keep them outside the house once the birds
have settled into the house and run area. Reasons for
this are as follows:
- Spills when placing
drinkers or the water flicked by beaks will cause
unnecessary humidity causing the litter to get damp
quickly.
- It will prolong the
life of any wooden floored house.
- Less space is taken
up on the floor of the house.
- Birds do not have to
keep entering the house to drink.
When deciding on the
size of a drinker, allow at least half a gallon or
4.5litres per 6 birds. You must check it every day. It
is important that your hens have a regular supply of
clean water for good health.
When keeping poultry
free range, it is important to feed flint grit to keep
their digestion in order. They use this instead of
teeth, to grind up feed and vegetable matter in the crop
(the first stomach). Feed in a separate container just
outside the house.
N.B. There is usually
no reason to feed oyster shell grit, as nowadays
limestone flour (calcium) is added to most feeds. Check
the label or contact your supplier. Too much calcium
stops the bodies absorption and causes feather
pecking and poor shell quality.
  
We carry a good range
of poultry equipment in stock, including:
- Poultry Leg rings
- Egg pre-packs and
trays
- Scoops large and
small
- Nest eggs, graders,
Broody coops
- Game feeders and
Poultry crates
- Humane Bird
dispatchers
To see more or purchase in our online
shop,
click
here
   
For more books on poultry
click
here
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