My first shot at a feeder and waterer

Since the time change and I work from 6:00-4:30, it is dark when I leave and get back home I needed a way for my flock to get food and water when I was not at home.  So, I went to Lowes and just looked around.  The attached pictures are what I came up with.  The cost was $31.38 plus tax minus PVC glue and cleaner I had and some stainless steel screws I already had for working on my boat.
2" PVC Double WYE      $7.18
3"x2" PVC Coupling      $3.36
4"x3"WHT PVC S&D coupling                 $2.58
2" PVC 45 Elbow 2 ea    $1.92
1 1/4" SCH 40 Cap      $0.72
2" SCH40 Cap 2 Ea      $2.54
2"x10' PVC SCH 40 Pipe    $6.78
4"x10' SCH S&D Solid Pipe                 $8.88
                   $33.96

The blue pipe is Sewer and drain pipe.  It is much cheaper and lighter that 4 PVC.  That is the reason for to couplings to get from 2 to 4.  The 1¼ cap is placed in the center to serve as a diverter.  I could not find anything that was cheap and would fit.  I wrapped it with a rubber band to center the plug and attach the plug with stainless screws.  I also attached the blue pipe with 3 stainless screws just in case it gets stopped up.

Once the diverter is in place, I glued the rest together.  I measured the 4pipe so it would stick out the top of the run and attached the screws to the 4 pipe.

Here is the completed feeder.

I built a roof using .070 plastic that stock car racers use for skirts or nose extensions.  I bent the plastic in a sheet metal brake and built legs of PVC and PVC Ts.

I am also attaching a picture of the water I built using, cup waters, some PVC, clear tubing and a 2 gallon igloo thermos I bought at Lowes.  I unscrewed the nozzle and replaced it with a nipple pipe thread and a plastic electrical bushing nut.  Now I can water and feed anytime.  I use the scoop to cover the pipe.


The chickens took right to it.  I just bump it a couple times spread the food.

I have only been using it for a week but I think I am seeing less feed used.  I was just pouring it on the ground and was probably feeding to much.  I did notice that when they were scratching they were kicking the food outside the pin.  This seems to allow them to only get a beak full.  Time will tell.  I just wanted to be sure they had food if I got home late and they were already inside roosting.