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

[Rod-T]

I am sure it is elsewhere on this thread ... I get the sense my rooster does not like to use this feeder.  He is full-size with a large comb and waddles.  I used 3 inch pvc elbows.

Anyone else run across this?

if the rooster isn't dead yet ..he must be using it.

I suspect one could use 4 inch elbows? Little better for roosters?

 

[MeepBeep]

I am sure it is elsewhere on this thread ... I get the sense my rooster does not like to use this feeder.  He is full-size with a large comb and waddles.  I used 3 inch pvc elbows.

Anyone else run across this?

if the rooster isn't dead yet ..he must be using it.

Said so eloquently But, that about sums it up...

No-waste feeders and nipple water systems are not to appease the chickens wants, it's for the convenience of the owners...

 

[CalgaryFarmer]

Yes ... he is still alive. But you can tell it is not something he enjoys. It is almost as if he sticks his head in and pulls it out quickly in hopes that something landed on the coop floor.

Would this seeming discomfort make me go back to the days when 5 gallons of pellets would get sprayed all over the coop floor in 4 hours? No.

Perhaps larger pvc is in order.

 

[MeepBeep]

Perhaps larger pvc is in order.

Look for 4" sewer and drain elbows instead of SCH 40 elbows, they are slightly smaller then 4" SCH 40 and generally quite a bit less costly since they are thinner and not made for pressure...

This size works fine for all my big comb roos and peafowl manage with the slightly smaller 4" drain elbows...

Can't say where they might be in the stores in Canada but they are generally separate from the SCH stuff, usually in a different isle or even in the outside garden area of the store...

 

[Rod-T]

Yes ... he is still alive.  But you can tell it is not something he enjoys.   It is almost as if he sticks his head in and pulls it out quickly in hopes that something landed on the coop floor. 

Would this seeming discomfort make me go back to the days when 5 gallons of pellets would get sprayed all over the coop floor in 4 hours?  No. 

Perhaps larger pvc is in order.

Roosters. Grab food then drop it start clucking to call hens over.. maybe he's trying to do that..

 

[CalgaryFarmer]

Look for 4" sewer and drain elbows instead of SCH 40 elbow

 

[CalgaryFarmer]

Roosters. Grab food then drop it start clucking to call hens over.. maybe he's trying to do that..

 

[mechanic57]

Using this feeder.. do you have a preference of pellets or crumble?

I use pellets but crumbles will also work in the feeder. I also use 4" pipes so full size birds have no problems going in. My roosters use it with no hesitation.

 

[lalaland]

ok, I've read the entire thread!

I can see this type of feeder works well, and I am trying to decide between it and a slightly different version. As far as I can tell, the pvc elbow feeder works great if you free feed. I've had some problems with overweight hens over the years and haven't free fed for probably 5 or 6 years. But I have terrible problems with spilled feed even though I feed a more limited amount.

What do y'all think about this bulk feeder in the video here?

This feeder would let me feed just the amount I want to, and could be used in the summer for wet mashes too....

thoughts?

 

[Husker Hens]

One of the goals and pros (in my and most people's opinion) is that you can free feed. I only have to refill mine once or twice a month. If you are feeding everyday, the link you posted would work just fine! But so would any untippable bowl that has something to keep them from crawling in it.