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Self feeders

How many of you use self feeders? Is there any benefit or downside?

I got a pen that is about an eighth of an acre that I might have 10 dogs in. In order to keep them from fighting over feed I just put in self feeders. I like it because over the years I have found that the ones that keep their head in the trough are more likely to be lazy, shiftless and no-account not to mention no-account. Most of the keepers still look like keepers and can still stay in a get it done state of running. JMO

I have used self feeders in the past but discontinued it because of an ant problem. Dogs did well with it. Did not over-eat. Other than the ant problem it worked well for me.

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Johnny Williams

I have used them since the early 80's. Only remember one hound who never could adjust to having feed constantly available.
The thing I like most is the dogs eat when they want. Came in from hunting last night around 10 and it was 28 degrees. Both hounds went straight to their feeders to replinish what calories they had burnt hunting.
Try putting DE around your feeders. I put it on the ground as well as in the feeeders once a month.

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I HAVE NEVER HAD ONE DIE BUT HAVE KNOWN OF A FEW.... I WOULD BE VERY CAREFUL ABOUT HUNTING A DOG WITH TO MUCH FEED IN THEM........

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I have noticed from my own experience that my dogs do not eat a lot at one time when on self feeders.

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Johnny Williams

I have used them, the only problem I saw was I could not tell as quickly if a dogs appetite was off for some reason.

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James Lawrence, Big Slough Kennels

quote:

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Originally posted by Slough
I have used them, the only problem I saw was I could not tell as quickly if a dogs appetite was off for some reason.

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Same here. I go back and forth with self feeders. Our weather is about to shut down our hunting for awhile so I'll probably put all of them on self feeders. I guess my only reasoning for it is that I get tired of a couple of them flipping feed bowls and having to pick it up.

I use them often on dogs that aren't getting hunted or are getting hunted very little. I like using them with young dogs and nursing females, to assure they are getting as much feed as they want whenever they want it.

I worry sometimes that if a dog is used to eating when it wants it might eat too much and I might decide to take it hunting. I don't want to risk a twisted gut or something. I like to know that when I take a dog to the foods it has plenty of time to digest. Therefore I always feed at dark or after coming in from hunting.

If I have 1-2 dogs I'm hunting regularly I like to control the rations of feed they get and when they are getting it.

Nothing wrong with self feeders. I don't worry about dogs overeating on them although they tend to be heavier than what I like. Depending on the set-up, I've had water get into them and the dog food ends up with mold. Just be mindful of how you're using them.