aart's Waste-Free Funnel Bucket Feeder

I like the idea. As we have 9wk chicks that are finally meandering over to the other coop, as of tomorrow, only crumbles. Of course the 5.5 wk chicks will be free ranging soon.
We're going to see if we can set up a few smaller feed stations, using the same premise. I'll be drawing and checking on "things" to us to make them.

I love this, it's brilliant!

What an amazing idea! Even my messy chickens would have trouble spilling feed from this.

Great idea using readily available materials with very little tools or construction knowledge. I may make for myself.

This is the closest thing to a waste-free feeder I've ever had. Fantastic, easy to build, and way cheaper and better than buying something pre-made.

I put gamma seal lids on mine. It's not necessary, but I like using them.

Brilliant DIY feeder. Love it.

I love this idea! My chickens make such a mess using the little red and white feeders from the feed store. I only have four chickens. They free-range during the day, but I corral them in their run before dusk because of foxes. The run is only about 36 square feet, so there isn't much room for a five-gallon bucket.

I made my own version with a smaller bucket--it may be a gallon-and-a-half; the grocery store bakery gives away the buckets it gets the frosting in. My version is also flimsier than aart's. I used a gallon jug for the main/top part of the hopper, and a plastic root beet bottle to prop it up. Even if they collapse after a couple months, they were easy to cut and cheap to acquire for replacement.

I melted the cut sides of the access ports into the bucket. First I tried sanding, then using the Dremel, but neither one really made the cuts smooth. After holding a flame to them, the plastic is now nice and smooth to prevent irritation to the chickens' necks. (That's why there are scorch marks around the openings.)

It doesn't show in the pictures, but there is a lid for the bucket, too, so the chickens can't just go in from the top.

Two of the chickens figured it out quickly. Hunger pangs may have to set in before the other two relent.

Thank you for the great idea and instructions, aart!

Great pics and the finished feeder looks ideal for my needs. I'll have to try it out!

Super easy to make!! Your instructions were perfect!! We get our babies next week, but have been so excited that we’ve prepared for the next few months already (which included making your no-waste feeder). Hopefully I’ll remember to post some pics of our girls loving their life soon! For now, a HUGE thank you for the post and the boost of confidence starting this journey.?

Great design! Gets me idea to make a very similar feeder to yours. Basically still in a 5 gallon bucket with 4-5 openings (2-3” off the floor) but inside a different tube/bucket Holding feed with small openings (Like you made) where it rests on the floor of the 5 gall bucket.

i have a question, what doyou recommend for the height off the floor of the openings (including the rubber neck protector)?

Great design Aart! I built one to your specs. We only had a few tablespoons of wasted crumble one day when the girls were having a party and filled the entire bottom up with food by constantly scratching one day when they were still getting used to it...but otherwise, never any waste...ever!

I am very fascinated with this idea of feeder. I have 2 questions:
1) What is the ratio of hens to the bucket/bottle feeder?
2) how often are you refilling it at it's current updated stage?

Thanks in advance.

Really considering this design!

Great idea!! I love innovation Well done Aart! I wonder could this be modified to allow for soaked pellets..... hmmmm?!

Great way to make a feeder with the expensive plumbing footings.

Loved the evolution....

Well written article, lots of photos to show what is being described and even an update to show modifications made to the original. Good job!