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

[tntchix]

I raise mine up and put a small 1/2 paver in front for bantams. Works like a charm and everyone gets to eat. I have never had an issue with them spilling it, though.

 

[seminolewind]

Okay I'll make it higher and if needed, put a collar on it.

 

[newone]

For large flocks couldn't you add a lot of these pipes to one large container/tote?

 

[Alaskan]

For large flocks couldn't you add a lot of these pipes to one large container/tote?

Yes, i have a big trashcan with I think five tubes coming out. HOWEVER, I do think
I need to add a second one, since I worry that they lowest rung birds maybe don't eat as much as they would like...... It is easier to bully around one feeder with the pipes than one open feeder.


Honestly, when I had a standard hanging feeder, I always had a secondary feeder in the winter.....so that is always an issue in a large flock.

 

[mowgli457]

yxou also mentioned the water one that you did ? PLEASE if you have the same great detailed pictures and nice easy directions that would be awesome ! the instructions on the bucket feeder were perfect,can't wait to get started . i only hope i can cut the whole without ruining the bucket and having to start over ? i have a a small jigsaw ? is that what u used ? and for the people who were saying the reg store bought ones are better and last longer -well here is my story and this is why this unit is perfect for my situation ,so don't knocked things .it would have been easier just not saying anything and let people decide on their own to make or buy. i lost a beautiful funny, crazy goat last year "gabriel " to his getting into the store feeder , he ate so much he screwed up his rumen and the vet was great my boy died a few days later . i have a huge 10 x16x6 ft building for the Girls and had done everything to prevent the goats getting in , 1/2 doors they jumped, door in a door they broke twice , etc so now i just shut the coop up all day and they free range which they have always done anyway ,i just can't leave food out for them . i have my own business so i come home at lunch and they get a huge platter of some yumminess, brown rice n mixed veggies .. oatmeal or cream of wheat w peaches or strawberries , grapes, they adore blueberries and pomegranate .i make homemade soup a lot and they go crazy over it ! actual i think they like everything when its warm better than cold , well in summer of course i use all the summer veggies tomatoes, cukes, all types of beans , watermelon, bananas etc . plus they are foraging all day in a fenced 2 acre yard 1/2 lawn , 1/2 forest there is of course water in several locations including a 10 x16 run attached to the coop so they can be still close to home . i use dog crates the plastic enclosed kind have 9 outside and 8 inside , i am a vet tech so i am always picking them up here and there i just bought 2 this weekend at a yard sale for 3 bucks each !!!! the girls love them all year long , the eggs are well protected , the bigger ones are almost always shared and in winter i put shavings, hay and straw for a nice cozy place to stay warm . ok wow did i get way off topic. anyway this is why i love this feeder .my 2 goats will not be able to get into them ! the girls will have it when ever they want which will make me feel better . so thanks all for sharing . joanne

 

[joeg541]

SO

 

[joeg541]

So far so good I've got ten hens with one 5 gal bucket with two feeding holes and they seem to be getting enough food and there is very little waste. I'm thinking of adding one more to be safe

 

[Alaskan]

So far so good I've got ten hens with one 5 gal bucket with two feeding holes and they seem to be getting enough food and there is very little waste. I'm thinking of adding one more to be safe

I think with ten hens that one feeder with two ports should be fine....unless you have one major bully with one super shy girl, or something like that.

I have had the one giant trashcan with 5 ports and a bunch....40 maybe??? chickens, bantams and standard. They have been doing fine, except I think they do need a second feeder for winter. It gets so cold here, if one doesn't get enough feed, it will die.

 

[joeg541]

Yeah im in so cal so not really worried about the cold. I like how it holds 20lbs of food. Less time feeding and more time watching, they crack me up

 

[joeg541]

I also got one of those nipple water systems that you screw into the bottom of a 5 gallon bucket I think there is four nipples and they love it plus it leaks a little water from time to time which creates a nice wet moist spot and they love playing in it