Automatic feeding (chain and pan systems)

How it works

In a chain system, a flat chain runs along a trough and deposits feed all the way down the house. In a pan system, an auger or cable pushes feed along a tube from which it drops into hanging pans. Either way the feed arrives by itself: less labour, more even distribution, but equipment that depends on electricity and needs maintenance.

Sizing

Chain: at least 2.5 cm of trough per bird, counting both sides. For 1,000 broilers, that is at least 25 m of trough, i.e. about 12.5 m of chain.

Automatic pans 33 cm in diameter: 60 to 70 broilers per pan, i.e. 15 to 17 pans per 1,000 broilers. In a house no more than 12.8 m wide, 2 lines of pans are enough.

Adjustment

As with any feeder, the rim is set at the height of the birds’ backs and raised as they grow. If the birds tip the pans, they are too high; if they scratch and throw out feed, they are too low. During brooding, keep the trays and paper as well for the first 7 to 10 days.

Maintenance and power supply

The system stops when the power does: you need a back-up power supply, or the means to feed by hand during an outage. Between flocks, empty the remaining feed and clean the hoppers, silos, troughs and pans to prevent mould, then check the parts that wear.

For a small farm, well-adjusted manual tube feeders give equally good results. Automatic systems become worthwhile as flock sizes grow and the power supply is reliable.