Automatic Chicken Life

[arlew0127]

Automatic Door


















Automatic Feeder

We got the idea from another person on BYC...

 

[thomasboyle]

You are hired! When can you come and install this in my coop?

 

[RonP]

Very impressed with your craftsmanship.

How does the auto feeder work? Gravity fed?

 

[arlew0127]

yep... there is a 2" pipe that feeds into the drum that turns... then falls out into the sweeping pipe... I forgot to add that the drum is on a timer and turns 2 times a day... the drum holds about a 1 1/2 cups...

 

[RonP]

Nice setup!

I went with a gravity feed system also for feed, grit, and oyster shells.

I have 12 birds in a fully enclosed coop and 14x14 secured run.

Mind you, the flock spends their waking time, and eats, 90% outdoors, in their run.

I feed them fermented feed whenever possible...

I built this mostly for peace of mind, and as a backup.



Three stations, 3" PVC pipes with Y fitting. Concrete 16" paver block for nail and beak maintenance. It is sitting on 2 8" cinder blocks, I use deep litter.




Middle station is for feed. Picture shows the reserve, a 5 gallon reused water bottle with the funnel, a cutoff of another 5 gallon water bottle for extra reserve. It will easily hold 40+ pounds. It probably will last well over 1 1/2 months, if used exclusively. This reserve empties straight down into the middle feeder.



Above shows the 3 stations. Far left holds Grit, middle holds Feed, far right holds Crushed Oyster shells. Far left and right are capped. 2 foot pipe probably holds over a years supply of grit and oyster shell.



Another picture of the feed reserve.
The reserve just sits in place, no nails or glue.
Everything can come apart easily if or when needed.

 

[batchhatchin]

Glad to see this. I've been working on auto lights and heat for my double stack brooders. Should hold 120 chicks each. I was wondering how to make the feed run itself. I have the nipples for the water. Just have to plumb it all in. Pics to follow.....

 

[batchhatchin]

 

[batchhatchin]

top door is open

 

[batchhatchin]

the 2x12 that the door latches to is pinned in so it can be removed for cleaning.

 

[HighStreetCoop]

Wow. That's all very cool.