How do I set up tribe-owned feeding troughs for mixed dinosaur groups in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Setting up tribe-owned feeding troughs for mixed dinosaur groups in ARK: Survival Evolved is a crucial aspect of tribe management, especially when dealing with a variety of creatures that have different dietary needs. Feeding troughs allow you to automate the feeding process, ensuring that your dinosaurs remain healthy and well-fed without requiring constant manual intervention. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to set up and manage these feeding troughs effectively.

First, letÔÇÖs discuss the mechanics of feeding troughs. A feeding trough is a structure that stores food and automatically distributes it to nearby dinosaurs within a certain radius. The radius can be adjusted in the game settings, but by default, it covers a 16-meter area. The trough can hold a variety of food types, including meat, berries, vegetables, and cooked meals, depending on the dietary requirements of your dinosaurs. When a dinosaur is within range of the trough, it will consume food from the trough instead of requiring you to manually feed it. This is particularly useful for large groups of dinosaurs or when you are away from your base for extended periods.

To set up a tribe-owned feeding trough, you need to craft it first. The feeding trough requires 50 wood, 25 fiber, and 15 thatch to craft. Once crafted, place it in a central location within your base or near your dinosaur pens. Ensure that the trough is accessible to all the dinosaurs you want to feed. After placing the trough, you need to fill it with the appropriate food. For carnivores, this means raw or cooked meat, while herbivores will require berries or vegetables. Omnivores, such as the Oviraptor, will eat both types of food.

One important consideration is the placement of the feeding trough. You want to ensure that it is within range of all the dinosaurs you intend to feed. If your base is large or your dinosaurs are spread out, you may need to place multiple feeding troughs to cover the entire area. Additionally, make sure the trough is placed on a flat surface and is not obstructed by walls or other structures, as this can reduce its effective range.

When managing a mixed group of dinosaurs, itÔÇÖs essential to stock the feeding trough with a variety of food types. This ensures that all your dinosaurs, regardless of their dietary needs, have access to food. For example, if you have a mix of carnivores and herbivores, you should fill the trough with both meat and berries. You can also use advanced food items like kibble or cooked meals, which provide better nutrition and can speed up the taming process for new dinosaurs.

Resource management is another critical aspect of maintaining feeding troughs. You need to ensure a steady supply of food to keep the troughs stocked. This means setting up efficient farming systems for berries and vegetables, as well as hunting or breeding animals for meat. Consider using a combination of farming plots, tamed herbivores for berry gathering, and carnivores for hunting to maintain a consistent food supply.

Common mistakes to avoid include placing the feeding trough too far from your dinosaurs, not stocking it with the right types of food, and neglecting to refill it regularly. If the trough runs out of food, your dinosaurs will start to starve, which can lead to them becoming unconscious or even dying. To prevent this, set up a system where tribe members regularly check and refill the troughs, or use automated systems like tamed dinosaurs that can gather food for you.

Advanced techniques for optimizing feeding troughs include using tamed dinosaurs with specific abilities to enhance food production. For example, the Phiomia can produce large amounts of feces, which can be used in compost bins to create fertilizer for your crops. The Dung Beetle can convert feces into oil and fertilizer, further enhancing your farming efficiency. Additionally, using tamed creatures like the Therizinosaurus, which can gather both meat and berries, can help streamline your food gathering process.

In terms of tribe considerations, itÔÇÖs important to assign roles to tribe members to ensure that feeding troughs are regularly maintained. Designate specific members to be responsible for gathering food, refilling troughs, and managing farming operations. This helps distribute the workload and ensures that no aspect of your tribeÔÇÖs food supply is neglected. For solo players, the same principles apply, but you will need to manage all these tasks yourself, so efficient time management and resource allocation are key.

In specific scenarios, such as during a raid or when you are away from your base for an extended period, having well-stocked feeding troughs can be a lifesaver. If your base is attacked and your dinosaurs are injured, having a steady supply of food will help them recover faster. Similarly, if you are exploring or taming new creatures, knowing that your existing dinosaurs are well-fed allows you to focus on other tasks without worrying about their well-being.

In conclusion, setting up tribe-owned feeding troughs for mixed dinosaur groups in ARK: Survival Evolved involves careful planning, resource management, and regular maintenance. By understanding the mechanics, placing the troughs strategically, and ensuring a steady supply of food, you can keep your dinosaurs healthy and your tribe running smoothly. Whether you are playing solo or as part of a tribe, these strategies will help you optimize your feeding system and ensure the survival and prosperity of your dinosaur companions.