I love this idea! Wanted to make a couple pvc feeders last weekend but couldn't spend $6.50 per 45 elbow! Each feeder would have needed 3 elbows, plus the cost of the pipe! This seems like a much better idea, thanks!
I made these and no waste and even chicks can use them after they are a month old.
I used screen scraps between the piece of pvc I used for the base and the Y to keep the feed off the ground and to help ventilate the pvc so it did not sweat. The pvc is 4" round and I made them 3 ft tall so they were easy to lift a bucket to fill them. the Y is a 4" and the part of the Y they eat out of is 3". I put a rock or brick in front so all sizes can reach up to it. Do not try and go with a smaller diameter pvc. Been there done that and this size works the best. I do have caps over them now on the top since these pics were taken.
I 4 gallon bucket fills the hoppers (that is what I call them). As for tops I got at an auction taillight covers for were for old trucks. They looked like a small bowl and they fit right over them. Way cheaper than actual caps for the pvc.
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My first feeders were just like these, the only issue I ever had is a couple of birds would rake with their beaks the feed out into the coop, nothing will prevent them with this style and I had 6, with the gutter type they can only reach down and eat and scrape all they want but you will lose Zero feed. When I raise little ones in the spring I will lower all the way to the ground and adust when nessesary.
I have over 150 silkies not counting babies and never have had that problem yet. But I don't have any other breeds to try it one so maybe the silkies are neater.