Make your own - No waste - 5 gallon (25# feed) bucket feeder for about $3

[junkman56]

What elbows do you have? are they 90 degree? and is the food a pellet or a mix with various things? some birds will toss out the bits they don't like as well from a mix...

I made my feeder with a 5 gal. bucket, with 3 feeding ports, I used 3" 90 degree elbows, and I feed them (blue seal crumbles), I have no waste

 

[TaylorVanGundy]

I like the look of your feeder using that square, clear tub!  I am using one that I made from a square bucket with only one feeding "port," and I'm using it with quail.  I have zero waste.  I can't even imagine how my birds could waste seed if they wanted to, other than taking some in their mouth, pulling out of the feeding "port," then dropping it on the ground?   Is that what your birds are doing?  

Thank you!! I am not sure what they are doing but the always seemhungry. I know they are eating but I don't think they like the feeder.. It seems like they eat just enough. They are always outside searching for food more than they used to.. And when I take feed out they eat it very fast. Also I just noticed the silicone is falling off. I just don't understand why lol I thought this was supposed to be an easy project lol

 

[TaylorVanGundy]

Hi I have made this but using a tub.. so same concept.. I'm having a problem with wasted feed tho.. I was wondering if this is normal?

What elbows do you have? are they 90 degree? and is the food a pellet or a mix with various things? some birds will toss out the bits they don't like as well from a mix...
I can see they have food scooped up on the edges of the elbows. My guys do that with the little ports on mine, and the ones where I cut away too much of the PVC. when I traded for newer elbows without so much cut away it stopped that problem.

I think I must have cut it too much then.. I used 90 degree Street pipe and just cut it to vent pipe size. Thank you! You are all so knowledgeable! I use non GMO non soy feed & it's ground up mixed peices

 

[catinthecoop]

I would really like to build one of these for my chicks, we seem to be finding a lot of feed under the shavings when cleaning out the brooder, problem is, I looked at Home Depot at the various elbows and sizes, I'm pretty sure my now 2 week old Silkie chick would either A) not be able to reach in there, or B) get in there and get stuck. Do I just need to wait? What size might be better for bantam chicks?

 

[junkman56]

I would really like to build one of these for my chicks, we seem to be finding a lot of feed under the shavings when cleaning out the brooder, problem is, I looked at Home Depot at the various elbows and sizes, I'm pretty sure my now 2 week old Silkie chick would either A) not be able to reach in there, or B) get in there and get stuck. Do I just need to wait? What size might be better for bantam chicks?

I made one for my young chicks because they were tossing the feed everywhere. I used a 2 gal bucket with lid, and used 2" 90 degree elbows, and it worked perfect no more waste. then when the chicks got bigger I made the 5 gal. with 3" 90's and I'm still using it with no waste.
it is well worth making the smaller one for the young chicks and make a larger one for when they get bigger.
you wont be disappointed

here is the 2 gal feeder with 2" ports




and here is a picture of the chicks using it

 

[catinthecoop]

I made one for my young chicks because they were tossing the feed everywhere. I used a 2 gal bucket with lid, and used 2" 90 degree elbows, and it worked perfect no more waste. then when the chicks got bigger I made the 5 gal. with 3" 90's and I'm still using it with no waste.
it is well worth making the smaller one for the young chicks and make a larger one for when they get bigger.
you wont be disappointed

Hey junkman56,
I have some extra small buckets laying around from horse supplements (I keep them, because they're such a nice size) it's probably 2 gals or so. Did you use the regular 2" regular 90s for your chicks? or the longer street elbows?

 

[junkman56]

Hey junkman56,
I have some extra small buckets laying around from horse supplements (I keep them, because they're such a nice size) it's probably 2 gals or so. Did you use the regular 2" regular 90s for your chicks? or the longer street elbows?

I used the regular 2 " 90 elbow and cut the one end off

 

[catinthecoop]

Thanks!

 

[PNW BTE]

We have a "no waste" feeder box, but our chickens keep eating the glue/caulk we use to seal the elbows. We do have it sealed on the inside too, but moisture still gets in enough to cause mold in their food. We don't have the luxury of putting the feeder in an area that doesn't get wet. Any ideas on how to keep this from happening? Types of sealant to use?

 

[aart]

We have a "no waste" feeder box, but our chickens keep eating the glue/caulk we use to seal the elbows. We do have it sealed on the inside too, but moisture still gets in enough to cause mold in their food. We don't have the luxury of putting the feeder in an area that doesn't get wet. Any ideas on how to keep this from happening? Types of sealant to use?

Welcome to BYC!

Maybe build a roof over the feeding station?
Some tiny vent holes in the upper sides of tub?

Get rid of the peeling caulk wherever they can get at it.