From Tully River Quail Co, PA Quail Ccoperative member of USQuail.com, America's Only Quail Breeder directory and Business Resouce for Coturnix Quail.
This Video is one solution when installing J feeders in metal or commercial Quail Cages that helps keep feed waste to an absolute minimum.
1) when installing the J feeder, only cut the lower vertical cage wire when creating the trough pass through access hole in the side of the cage (mount this no more than 2" or one wire section if using 1" x 2" cage wire for your walls). Do Not cut the top and the bottom making a complete 2" x 11" (for our 11" feeder - varies depending on your j feeder style or width). Only cut the bottom or the floor support area.
2) Bend these 10 (for an 11" hole) "tines" (think fork prongs) inward and install the j feeder.
3) Position the cut ends inside the feeder trough lip to prevent any sharp or pokey spikes. this also helps lock the feeder in place, while making it possible to temporarily remove the feeder (for cleaning or replacement) by bending the cut ends back to their original uncut alignment
Feeder Insert
1) using a piece of think mil plastic (think milk jug or double that thickness), cut a rectangle that measures from the inner wall that is just slightly shorter that the base of the feeder trough. From a side view, this would be the longest measurement possible at the center point. Next subtract 1/2" - 1" (this gives you control of the flow by adjusting the depth of placement. Measure the total width and using a T or known square for reference, cut this rectangle shape from your plastic stock.
2) Cut 1" triangles spaced across the bottom. in our 11" example, we use 7 cut outs and leave 1/2" to 3/4" flats on each end to provide stability. It will look like Jack o lantern teeth across the bottom
edge. it doesn't have to be perfect and you should leave 1/2" flats between the teeth, so plan this out when drawing your cut marks before actually cutting. do it in pencil first, then trace with a sharpie and use good shears or scissors to cut the plastic.
3) When the feeder is almost empty, insert the less mess flow control insert you made, teeth down until the top is flush with the inside wall (that is closest to the cage wall). fill the feeder. The feed weight will keep the insert in position against the wall. refill your feeder before its totally empty to prevent from having to reposition the insert.
At Tully River Quail, have noticed a %95 reduction in feed waste using this technique.
If you don't have the time to make these, or can't find suitable material, contact us or look for this product on the US Quail Cooperative Store. $5 each or 3/$10, 5/$15. 484 325 6678
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