DIY No Waste Quail Feeder

[FloorCandy]

we are planning on using an old paws and claws(tsc) cat litter rectangle plastic bucket with pvc pipe inserts with a diagonal cut on the inside with longest point orientated on top inside the container, using 1&1/2 inch pipe. Holes only on long sides about 2 inches or so from bottom of container. This way there are separated eating areas and it can sit on edge on the pen. We will repot back if it works or not.

I did this with a good sized dog treat container. I put 4 pvc pipes, I think I bought 45 degree elbow pieces and I cut the inside at an angle, so it’s oriented a bit more downward. Works perfectly for a year now. I also have a few of the ones made in this post and they also work perfectly.

 

[Ravenlover]

Okay let's call this a minimal waste feeder that can be converted into a zero waste feeder very easily.

I purchased a little giant 1 quart feeder from tractor supply. After a short period of use I found two problems with it. It didn't hold enough food and they spilled half of it on the ground.

After doing some research I saw how someone modified it to hold more food and waste less. Here's what the finished product looks like.

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You will need the little giant feeder, either a 3" to 2" pvc reducer or a 4" to 2" reducer (depending on how much food you want it to hold and how much money you want to spend), and a short piece of 2" pvc pipe and either a piece of 3" or 4" pipe.

(Disregard the duct tape, this feeder came out of my brooder and I didnt want the quail to climb inside)

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Inside the feeder there are plastic threads that stick out so the 1 qt bottle can screw into it. These threads need to be removed so the 2" reducer can slide in. I have removed them with a sharp pocket knife but you can grind them off with a dremel very easily.

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You need to cut a piece of 2" pvc anywhere from 1 1/2" to 1 3/4" long. This piece sticks in the bottom of the reducer. When installed this creates a very small gap at the bottom of the feeder for the feed to fall out which keeps the feeder from filling to the top with food. (You can adjust how much food sits in the bottom of the feeder by how long you cut this piece of 2" pipe...BUT... Make sure there is a big enough gap at the bottom for the food to fall out)

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If you plan on filling your feeder from outside the cage you will need to add a 3" or 4" 45 degree street elbow. This will connect directly to the reducer and allow your pipe to extend out the side of the cage. This is how mine are setup. I set them on top of a 2x6 that I cut in the circle so they cannot poop in the feeder and so their eggs will roll around the feeder.

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This design is a HUGE improvement over the regular feeder but it can be improved upon so they do not spill a single drop of food. All you have to do is cover every other hole with duct tape. When the quail sticks its head in the feeder he knocks food left and right and any food spilled falls out the holes to his left or right. If you cover them up they cant spill anything.

I didn't brother with the duct tape because they probably spill less than 5% of their food without it. I like having 8 openings over 4 so they don't fight over getting food.

You can see in these picks that the level of feed is very low in the feeder making it harder for the quail to knock it out. You will have to figure out what length to cut your 2" pvc so it works right for you.

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I use this setup in my brooder too but I add some duct tape to the top half of the holes so they do not try and climb inside the feeder. I also remove the 2" pipe so the feeder stays full of feed. I did this so the little guys do not have to reach to the bottom of the feeder for food and so they won't try and climb inside it.

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These feeders are definitely not the cheapest option out there but they have worked great for me. Hopefully this helps someone looking for a feeder design. If you have any questions let me know.

Matt

Love it

 

[NY Coturnix]

I know I'm late to the game on this one but I use the same base system you do an like what you've done with the PCV. I've found that If I put a dollar store Frisbie under the base that it will catch the overspray food that gets knocked out or dropped. Its not perfect because they will poop in it but I've notice way less waste as they will eat the food that ends up in the frisbie

 

[FloorCandy]

I know I'm late to the game on this one but I use the same base system you do an like what you've done with the PCV. I've found that If I put a dollar store Frisbie under the base that it will catch the overspray food that gets knocked out or dropped. Its not perfect because they will poop in it but I've notice way less waste as they will eat the food that ends up in the frisbie

Haha, great minds think alike huh? I put the lids from large takeout bowls under mine to catch the crumbs. In my albino cage inside I have the lid upside down in the bowl the lid goes to and the food sits on top, so it holds it over the bedding. When they get cracked or if it’s so poopy I don’t want to wash it, I throw it out. Gives me a reason to order Italian food, they give me the best bowls

 

[NY Coturnix]

that's a good idea. After seeing the screw hole in this plan I was thinking of doing the same and screwing it to the Frisbie to make it less tippy.

 

[FloorCandy]

I will add that the gravity feeder does not work with homestead harvest brand feed. I know someone else who had the same issue, and the company told them it’s because of the oils in the feed or something like that, so when trying a new feeder check it regularly to be sure it’s working.

 

[aart]

When installed this creates a very small gap at the bottom of the feeder for the feed to fall out which keeps the feeder from filling to the top with food. (You can adjust how much food sits in the bottom of the feeder by how long you cut this piece of 2" pipe...BUT... Make sure there is a big enough gap at the bottom for the food to fall out)

This is key to reducing billing out.

 

[Cycomiko]

This is the most useful modification of a device I have many of I've ever seen. I'm new to quail, but this has bothered me with chickens as well. As I always treat every chicken, quail, and pheasant we have with the utmost respect, I can see they know what I'm thinking when I see all the wasted food that breeds mice. This is not better for just for me, but the birds as well...at least when they read my mind.