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

[rdlcherry]

Thanks for the info I’m going to make one soon as I get the elbows.

 

[rdlcherry]

I used the schedule 30 PVC 90 degree 3" on my bucket above. I also used a 3" hole saw on the bucket. The hole was so tight that I had to use a file around the edges to open it just enough to force the elbow in. It fits super tight. I can't twist it or move it in any direction hardly, so I suspect my chicken's heads won't be able to budge it at all.

You cut the elbow off one side correct?

 

[Chickenwing77]

I put one together recently. I used 2 90 degree sweep 3 inch with (cut). I then got small L brackets and used rivets to mount the sweep inside of the bucket. The install looks good and there is no chance of the sweep moving. I also did not feel confident that caulk would hold the sweep in place.

 

[Allegro]

Hubby made one for me this afternoon. Thanks for the detailed instructions!

 

[henless]

Hello,

I'm considering this idea for my coop as I've been throwing food on the ground. Pretty much wasting a lot of it since I see wild birds eating it.

My question for the bucket feeder crowd....How do you stop mice/rats/rodents from getting in to the feed? I'm guessing you really can't.....

I can place it inside the coop and that will help, but I leave the chicken door open 24/7.

I had this problem with my bucket feeder. I had caps that I would cover the openings with at night & take them off in the morning. Then I switched to a tub feeder. I sit it on a couple of cinder blocks so that there is nothing for the mice to climb up on to reach the elbows. I've had no mice problems in the feed since.

Is that the size you are using for chicks?

I made one specifically for chicks. I used a 2 gallon bucket and put 2" & 2 1/2" elbows in them. For the first 2 weeks, they ate out of a regular tray feeder. Then I switched them to the 2 gallon buckets. Works good.




@jimmywalt ~ Welcome back! I hope you don't get busted this time!

 

[br549redneck]

Thanks, works great no feed wasted and wild birds cannot get to the feed.

 

[WannaBeHillBilly]

Stumbled upon this article and love the idea!
Will that also work for messy ducks?

 

[lauren212]

I built one of these two years ago and it’s great but does anyone else have hens and especially roosters with missing neck feathers. Mostly the larger breed hens. It’s like the friction from sticking their heads in is rubbing off the feathers. Any one else? I don’t see mites or bugs and no one is feather picking. Maybe I need a wider pvc elbow.

 

[KSH1]

I admit I didn't read all 1100+ posts, but has anyone had bullying problems with this design? I love the design, but coming from horses I can't help wondering if any birds are afraid to stick their heads in where they can't see their surroundings.

 

[blackdog043]

@KSH1 I have been using this style for a couple years with 18 chickens. I have 2 feeders with 4 ports each and haven't had any problems.