7 DIY Chicken Feeder Plans For Farms
With a chick feeder on your farm, you can keep track of the food intake of chickens and prevent food waste and contamination risks.
But it is better to make one get all these benefits because such a feeder will be suitable according to the number of chickens, space type, and amount. So, in this list of DIY chicken feeder plans, I have collected 7 ideas to make it easy for you to build one of your own.
These ideas differ, deepening upon the factors I described above and material choice in addition. So, choose one that fits your needs and keep your chicks happier.
Which Features Should be In Chicken Feeder to DIY
Some important and optional features will be found in a chicken feeder. However, these chicken feeder DIY ideas may or may not have all these features:
Feeding Tray or Trough: This is where the feed is placed for the chicken to intake. It is a part that opens from the storage area. It can be in the form of a tray, trough or an outlet from a pipe.
Lid or Cover: Some chick feeders have a lid or cover to protect the feed from litter, feces, or debris contamination.
Storage area: Most chick feeders will have storage areas for holding more feed. This feature is especially useful for larger flocks, reducing the need for frequent refilling. The storage area is typically located above or around the feeding tray.
Feed Dispensing Mechanism: The feeding tray may or may not have a mechanism for dispensing feed in a controlled manner. It depends upon the idea you will choose. It is especially helpful for those farmers who want a controlled feed.
Adjustable Height Feature: Many chick feeders will have an adjustable height feature to accommodate the growing size of chicks. This allows farmers to raise or lower the feeder as needed.
Capacity indicator: Some larger chick feeders may come with a capacity indicator, allowing farmers to monitor the remaining feed easily. This can be especially helpful for planning feed replenishment.
DIY Automatic Chicken Feeder Assembly instructions
Uses: The ultimate solution that gives your chickens a constant flow of food while keeping pests at bay. This innovation could save you time and, perhaps more importantly, keep your chickens happy and healthy.
Materials:
PVC pipe
PVC pipe caps
A saw
Making:
The essence lies in cutting and attaching segments of PVC pipe to form a unique T-shaped construction. An angled cut at the bottom end plays a key role in ensuring the continuous flow of food. Once the pipe is completed, it is filled with chicken feed. From there, gravity does the rest, allowing the feed to slide down and fill the feeding section as needed.
Building A Treadle Chicken Feeder
Uses: No more worrying about those pesky backyard birds stealing feed meant for your chickens. This brilliant mechanism allows only your chickens to access their food, ensuring they are well-fed while discouraging pesky invaders.
Materials:
Half sheet of 1/2″ plywood
Circular saw (or table saw)
1/8″, 1/4′ and 1/2″ drill bits and drill
Tape measure and square
Electric sander
Screw Driver
Protective Eye-ware
Making:
The making of the Treadle Feeder is surprisingly clear-cut. Start with some plywood, which then cut into various shapes and sizes. A treadle (like a see-saw) created, which opens a small hatch to release food when stepped on by a chicken. The feeder designed so the hatch closes when the chicken steps off the treadle, keeping the food safe from small pests. Neat, right?
PVC Feeder and Waterer
Uses: Say hello to the PVC Feeder and Waterer, a simple solution for your chicken feeding worries. No more concerns about your precious feed scattering aimlessly. Your chickens can have a fill of their food and water comfortably and hygienically whenever they need it.
Materials:
1 piece of 5-foot length, 3-inch diameter white PVC pipe
1 three-way PVC T-connector
2 pieces of 90-degree PVC Elbows
PVC Cement
Saw to cut the PVC according to the needed length.
Making:
Get some of the right size PVC pipes and start chopping them in suitable lengths. The assembly involves attaching a cap at one end and elbows on the other, forming a T-shape. The holes near the elbow bend are the feeding points where chickens can peck their food. The longer pipe serves as a storage unit where you can fill and refill the chicken feed. An important point to note is the positioning of the elbows in an upward and forward position to ensure smooth feed delivery when chickens eat.
PVC Chicken Feeder
Uses: It’s designed for comfort, keeping the feed safe from the elements and uninvited tiny guests, all while minimizing wastage. Your feathery pals will dine well without scattering feed and you get the peace of mind from a clean and orderly space.
Materials:
20-inch long (or your chosen length) 3-inch diameter PVC pipe
6-inch and 3-inch long 3-inch diameter PVC pipes
One 45-degree “Y” connector
Two 3-inch PVC caps
PVC cement
Hacksaw
Making:
The design is thoughtful – with a special connector that prevents spillage and a comfortably placed pipe for chickens to feed from without having to stoop. It’s about fitting the tubes together, securing them in place, and creating a no-fuss, solid feeder that stands the test of time and peck!
DIY Less-Waste Chicken Feeder
Uses: A worthy addition that ensures your precious flock is well-fed while striving to minimize waste. This shrewd construction keeps feed fresh, safe from rain, and limits spillage significantly.
Materials:
An old 5-gallon bucket
A circular bit or a drill and a saw
3inch PVC elbows
Optional: additional 3-inch pipe end to create a lip
Making:
Begin by making a hole near the bottom of a bucket and inserting a gasket. Next, pair up PVC elbows that will serve as feeding points. Slice an angle at one ending of the elbow to form a rainproof shield. The pipe insertions are organized so as to leave room for the feed to fall into. The beauty of this design is its adaptability; slightly untidy eaters are handled by adding an extra lip to the pipe, preventing food spillage outside the feeder.
Automatic Chicken Feeder
Uses: The Automatic Chicken Feeder is a genius way to make sure your chickens can eat without inviting hungry visitors to the feast. When your chicken stands on the pedal, their food is revealed for them to enjoy.
Materials:
Sheet metal or aluminum,
A couple of small hinges
Pop rivets and a rivet gun
Tin snips and a big square
Bolts and locking nuts
Drills of various sizes
Flat aluminum strips
Making:
The process starts with constructing the base from a flat piece of metal cut to size. Next, the sides are crafted to create a secure container. Assembling the links that will connect to the pedal allows the magic to happen, and finally, the lid fashioned, complete with hinges that allow it to open when the pedal is stepped on.
The Garbage Can Feeder
Uses: With less than $10, this feeder turns everyday trash cans into a clean eating space for your birds. Its clever design keeps food dry and away from dirt, making mealtime a joy for every chicken. Don’t worry about refills often; it contains plenty of feed for all your hungry cluckers.
Materials:
A regular 5-gallon trash can
Old clothes basket
Drill or punch
Bolt with washers
Making:
Creating the Garbage Can Feeder is quite clever yet simple! You start by making a small, thin opening at the can’s base so the food can slide into a tray below. For the tray, just repurpose an old basket, remove its base, and secure it under the can. This way, you make a safe and neat spot for chickens to peck at their food happily.
