The Quill Feed Bin Kit

Free Range and Organic Eggs

Range Enhancement – Grit

The welfare standards for laying hens and pullets set out by Freedom Food, state that the birds should have access to insoluble grit. In the past, providing grit has proved tricky. The main problem that producers had to overcome was finding a feeder that could hold a substantial amount of grit whilst at the same time keeping the grit dry, preventing it from being scratched (and wasted) and uncontaminated from droppings etc. Struggling through a shed full of hens with a bag of grit on your shoulder was also a problem!

The feeder to overcome all of these problems is the Quill Feed Bin Kit.

The kit comprises a massive top hat and feed tray which converts a 45 gallon drum into a very clever feeder. The tray (which has a large rim to prevent any wastage onto the ground) sits on an old tyre. The 45 gallon drum (pre cut with several horizontal slots that form a feeding area) is then placed on top of the feed tray. The drum, capable of holding up to six 25kg bags of grit is then filled up with the required quantity of grit and the top hat placed over the drum. Once in place the top hat ensures that the grit stays extremely dry and provides a hygienic feeding area, sheltered from the elements.

The top hat will not blow off and as long as the drum carries grit it will not blow over. It is very practical and provides the producer with an easy solution to providing grit on the range.

When full, the Feed Bin Kit can hold over 250kg of grit. Based on the Freedom Food requirement of 28 grams per bird per month, a full hopper holds enough grit to last a 4,000 bird flock over two months.