Homemade bucket feeders-anyone had problems with crumble feed flowing?

[gale65]

Just want to make sure before we go to the trouble of making one. Pellets aren't an option-none of the local feed stores have it.

 

[Tuffoldhen]

I have a homemade bucket feeder I use for my main flock and have no problems with crumbles or pellets coming out.

 

[C&Rman]

Thank you.... I too was in need to know that. Also does anyone have any pics? I am not sure how to build one!

 

[gale65]

Did a quick search and found these:

thread with a few homemade feeders, including bucket feeders: https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=322351

about the flow problem, if there is one: https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=356217

And this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aXW-4dHtPPs

I don't know if 2" holes would be too big. I guess it depends on the size of the bottom pan. I do think I might put a cone in it just in case, or can make one quick if it doesn't flow. My husband has lots of metal stuff lying around and could make one pretty easily. I think. It's important for it to flow well for next summer when we go on vacation and have someone coming and checking on them.

 

[gale65]

Another thread where someone had flow trouble: https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=277002

 

[gale65]

Just realized I put this in the wrong section. Sorry mods!

 

[nightshade]

I took a large funnel like you would use for oil (short and fat) and screwed it to the inside of the bucket point up and just covered the end hole with duck tape. Works great ! I could take some pics of it tomorrow if you need.

 

[Rustywreck]

I did the same as nightshade - inverted funnel.

 

[Nardo]

I'm looking for an answer before I post but either it's not here or (more likely) I'm not seeing it. I have three pullets 9-12 weeks and I made a feeder following some pics. It is awesome-the feed stays dry-it is easy to fill-etc. But. They won't stick their heads into the PVC pipe to get to the food. I sprinkled some right up to it and even into the pipe and they peck all around and seem oblivious to the pipe opening that is 1/4" from their beaks. The pipe is 2" round and almost at ground level. Anyone else see this happen? I could put a larger (3") pipe elbow in, but it looks quite large enough for them already - it seems like they can't connect the pipe with the food...this is going on 6 days. maybe it takes longer?

 

[CliffB]

You can sort of see my bucket feeder here. The base is just some plywood with 1x2's nailed around the base and holes drilled at the bottom of the bucket. If the food doesn't flow smoothly through the holes they just poke their head in and get it moving again.