Feeder not working what did we do wrong

[Rusty66211]

we built a homemade feeder with a five gallon paint bucket and 1 1/2 inch PVC pipe we connected it at the bottom with a 45 degree angle and drilled holes into the pipe for the chicken to get to the feed. We even dropped the end of the feeder pipe by 1/2 inch so the feed would slide down to the end. And then we filled it and nothing. The food we use is the chick starter because our babies are only 8 weeks old but they are hungry. What did we do wrong ?

 

[MIKE555444]

I haven't built one yet... but most people have said you need to make it with a 3 - 4" pvc pipe ... not 1 1/2". Also the ones that didn't seem to work well were folks who didn't add enough length to the "fill pipe" so there would be enough weight to push the feed down into the "feed tray" section.

Hope you get something working.... good luck!

 

[codybird]

Can you post a pic?

 

[Monk]

Pics would help! As MIKE555444 has said 3" or 4" pipe would be more feasable. I don't know your coop layout, especially height, but a taller 4" PVC pipe that could hold about the same as a 5 gallon bucket would be more effective, flow wise also. Maybe???

 

[Rusty66211]

my down pipe is 2 feet long and then the bucket but I will let my hubby know about the bigger size pipe. Thanks so much

 

[Schroeder]

It might help if you hang the fill pipe at an angle rather than perpendicular to the floor. But, a larger diameter fill pipe is the best approach.

 

[Rusty66211]

OK we changed the coop made the space bigger by moving the wall so we also changed the feeder to 4" pipes and still nothing it will not flow to the other side. the side with the endcap on it is about 1/2" deeper to make it flow and nothing there is a five gallon bucket on top of the pipe. THe problem is the feed runs down the pipe but does not come out into the feeder part on the bottom. What did we do wrong?

 

[briteday]

Try cutting the eating slot closer to the down pipe. Even if it won't flow, the birds would be able to peck at the point where the food gets stuck. Also, when you go out to check on water, etc throughout the day give the bucket / pipe a little shake to see if you can get things moving. I think it is because you used a 90 degree joint, 45's seem to work better, less binding. And crumble can "hang up" sometimes since it is not as ...slippery?... as the pellets. Your set up will probably work just fine when they graduate to pellets. Otherwise, shake.

 

[rnoyster]

Try taking the 90 degree elbow off and replacing it with a 45 degree elbow. The bottom will be on an angle, but your feed should flow to the end.

 

[benandbobbi]

do you have a picture of the bucket too? i am planning the same feed setup