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that's cool... but if you're planning on breeding, that means the number of chickens you have is always going to grow... and lighter younger pullets and cockerels aren't going to be able to eat...
i'm kind of embarrassed, but i built this...
http://sketchup.google.com/3dwarehouse/details?mid=64c5cb71e922e773f8ca540a5409124d
one 4x8 sheet of plywood makes 8 feeders, but i have to make the back panels by 7" not 8"... that was the only change that i did from the sketchup model to actually making it... the good thing is the cost... with a box of nails and screws, 2 dowels, it comes out to about 30 bucks for all 8 feeders... i don't think it's that bad really...
Im actually going to use the home depot buckets with a pan screwed to the bottom. Randal Burkey has a similar version and they want 21 bucks for it. I figure I can make it for 2.95 each. The only thing I dont like about these kinds of feeders is you cant fill them from outside the coop. I am working on a design that will replace them but i have to source out the materials to make it. Might be patentable.... who knows. I will build a few and test drive them in my own coop before showing them off.
To control the rate of flow how about a sliding panel in the front adjusted up or down depending on the type of feed once the flow is optimum screw it down perminantly. Also remember feed sand and water all have something in common, they flow out an opening and try to achieve the level of the highest opening. If that opening is above the lip of the containment you cant keep it in the container.
WRT the treadle feeder. those can be adjusted to have a hair trigger simply by adjusting the pivot point go give more leverage to a lighter weight. I believe he talked about that in his design because he had Seramas.
