Feeder question

[kipper]

I would like to hear your experiences with feeders. We have chicks that are moving out to the new hen house next week, and I am getting ready to purchase a feeder. We will have 15 pullets and would like to hang the feeder from the roof joists.

I would like to hear about what has worked (or hasn't), metal vs plastic, one large feeder vs two smaller ones, brand preference and durability, covers, waste, etc. Thank you.

 

[MIKE555444]

I have a round metal feeder that is hangable. It works great... I have it near the water. Since hangin the feeder I have very little waste and mess. You can also raise or lower it as needed but I suggest as high as you can and still let them reach it.

I use deep litter shavings and that works well... also have my water up on blocks.

 

[RendonRoo]

If your handy you can build a great feeder. I use a 3' piece of pvc pipe. I put a 3x2 reducer on the bottom. Then put a 2" street 90 degree elbow. Then add a 2" street 45 degree elbow. No glue needed as you will want to be able to clean it from time to time. I then use plumbers strap and screws to attach it to the wall. Make sure the opening at the bottom is about back high so they have to reach in to eat. I have absolutely no waste from billing. I fill with a funnel and it will feed 12 chickens for about 2 or 3 days. If you don't follow these instructions just take them to home depot and find a pro in the plumbing dept. I promise he or she will show you how to do this. I'm going to make a video soon and will post it on here. Good Luck

 

[Heelers&Chickens_OhMy]

I built a simple feeder for my 7 week old chicks out of 2 plastic pots for plants and the bottom of a small bucket. I duct taped it all together. I need to post a picture of my little second hand feeder....

It feeds my 4 chicks for about 2 days. I think I will look into the PVC idea when they are bigger.

 

[kipper]

RendonRoo, I like your idea. I saw a photo of something very similar a while back and thought it was interesting.

I am handy, but better yet, my DH is a journeyman plumber! So, he is able to whip out that sort of thing. If you have a picture of yours, will you post it on here?

Thanks for the idea. And thank you to all who have responded so far!

 

[kipper]

So DH has been thinking about the PVC feeder, and has come up with a good idea. It's nice to have a plumber around! I will be sure to post pictures of it when we post our coop. Thanks.

 

[al6517]

I build my own custom feeders from plastic 5 gal buckets and set them on cinder blocks in the coop. I only have to fill it once a week, the feed stays clean and fresh, no problems and they last forever.

AL

 

[flopshot]

definately hang or elevate the feeder. i passed on the PVC feeder because it was unable to tend to several birds simultaneously and i have eleven. i made this one from a rectangular five gallon bucket and some scrap cedar and plywood. holds about 25 pounds of feed.
the bottom is screwed to the tray and there's a 24"X24" hinged cover made from a skylight over the feeder attached to the coop to keep the birds off and shelter the feeder from rain. you can't see it but to the left there's a plexiglass panel attached to the fence for more rain protection.

 

[briteday]

Flopshot...I like it! I've been thinking about doing the same thing. Any problems with mice?

 

[kipper]

More great ideas!