Large capacity vertical pipe feeder system. Haven't seen this done before.

[WVDoug]

I want to share this idea with you.

I need a "large" capacity feeder for my 18 (and counting, I'm sure) birds because I have to go away twice a year for a week or so. I'm sure I can get my neighbors to take the free eggs, but not sure I want to trust them with my chickens; lives.

The vertical pieces are 4" HDPE drain pipe and all the connectors and caps are PVC. The first small capacity version I made used 2 90* elbows at the bottom, but this resulted in a short horizontal run which caused the feed to stop flowing. I replaced them with 45* fittings and all is well. DO NOT USE 90* ELBOWS. Some of the connectors are screwed to the coop for support. All pipes are screwed to the fittings (glue doesn't work on HDPE, despite what the clerks at Lowes told me).

As pictured it holds 48# of crumbles, which is plenty for over a week. I can add more capacity if I need just by adding more Y connectors and vertical sections.

 

[huntseat]

 

[huntseat]

 

[WVDoug]

Is there some kind of funnel in the bottom to make sure all the feed flows into the pipes?

 

[huntseat]

It's not mine personally so I can't speak to the construction but you could easily make one to funnel the feed either internally or cut out the bottom and add one externally.

Have you googled, trashcan chicken feeder?

 

[WVDoug]

I've seen them.
Doesn't seem like they'd let the feed flow all the way through like mine does. Anyway, I just wanted to share my contraption to show what can be done. In my case it seems best for my coop.
The coop is raised and only has about 3' headroom under it and 3 1/2' headroom in it.

 

[emorems0]

What does the inside look like (the end that the feed from)? I've been brainstorming compact/vertical PVC feeders for our coop and this looks like a pretty clever way to keep the bulk out of the coop.

 

[WVDoug]

They eat from a 2" high tray cut from the bottom of a Folger's plastic coffee can.
The finger grip indentations are screwed to the back of the lowest 45* elbow and I cut a strap from the remainder of the can to support the front of the tray.
Good enough for 3 or 4 of them to eat at a time. You could probably put a double wye towards the bottom and make two feeding trays.