Aluminum Feeder/Waterer ??

[Beanhead]

Howdy, I need to build a larger feeder and waterer for my egg flock, and I work for a fab shop with lots of scrap aluminum sheet laying around. Does anyone have any info or input on using aluminum for feeding and watering? Is is ok? is it not ok? What do you think? Thanks!

 

[iwiw60]

While I think it's great that you have access to all those materials, why not opt for PVC feeders/waterers? Here's a few examples...it's what I'm doing and I think they're great!







Just FYI for a different approach! Best of luck!

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Since you have the material and can do the work, I'd probably make one for a bulk range feeder. Water maybe not.

 

[AKCharle]

I don't use aluminum to pass food to me so I won't use it on my chickies. I love the PVC feeder and was going to do that until I learned about fermented feed, can't do that with that rig. I am however going to do the nipple waterer with 5 gallon buckets and heat tape them for the winter. I got my chickies the 3 rd of May and after hours and hours of searching and learning on the internet I have finally got to the point where I have my methods laid out, now to just get that coop finished. sigh. I know at some point this won't be a massive amount of work.

 

[Scatterknit]

While I think it's great that you have access to all those materials, why not opt for PVC feeders/waterers? Here's a few examples...it's what I'm doing and I think they're great!







Just FYI for a different approach! Best of luck!

Hey those are great!!! What a good idea!

 

[Beanhead]

I would love to make some pvc feeders, I've already planned on them when I build my next mobile coop, but for now, I asked about the aluminum because I have unlimited amounts of access to free aluminum. I don't have that for pvc...........yet, lol. Thanks gang!

 

[yyz0yyz0]

I think for a dry feeder Al would be ok, but I'd stay away from waterers made out of it. I have no references to back that up just a gut feeling, especially if you have water that is slightly acid.

 

[iwiw60]

I think for a dry feeder Al would be ok, but I'd stay away from waterers made out of it. I have no references to back that up just a gut feeling, especially if you have water that is slightly acid.

You're absolutely right...PVC feeders are meant to be just that...feeders, not waterers.

 

[iwiw60]

I don't use aluminum to pass food to me so I won't use it on my chickies. I love the PVC feeder and was going to do that until I learned about fermented feed, can't do that with that rig. I am however going to do the nipple waterer with 5 gallon buckets and heat tape them for the winter. I got my chickies the 3 rd of May and after hours and hours of searching and learning on the internet I have finally got to the point where I have my methods laid out, now to just get that coop finished. sigh. I know at some point this won't be a massive amount of work.

There are three different "styles" of water nipples:

1) vertical ... I don't use them because you can have leakers.
2) horizontal cup-style with yellow "paddles" .. I don't use them because some chickens have trouble with the yellow thingie.
3) horizontal "4-sided" style .. this is what I use and they are fabulous

Here's a link to them so you can get a better idea:
http://www.solwayfeeders.com/products/side-mounted-nipple-pdr0032-c64.html


I used a 2-1/2 gallon bucket I had, drilled 3/8" holes about 1-1/2" from the bottom and just screwed them in...easy peasy for a 70-year-old lady!!

Best of luck to you!!!

 

[AKCharle]

Thank you iwiw, I have never see these before but I love the concept. I ordered 20 of them but they will have to send me a shipping quote. Do you know where I can buy them in the U.S.? I think I will have to follow you around and see what other gems of knowledge you have. You give me encouragement and hope that I have not bitten off more than I can chew. I'm 62, just retired and just starting my life. JOY