My chicks are jerks - help with PVC feeders

[Zinjifrah]

I used the five gallon bucket method, with two and a half inch ninety degree pvc elbows. Just cut them in half, cut holes in the bucket, insert and silicone in place. They still pull some out, but the bucket's sitting up on bricks and while one's pulling food out the others are clustered around eating it off the bricks so THEY don't have to stick their head in a hole.

 

[Tarce123]

D41D4B0F-508B-423E-BDCD-3D843B785735

• SurferchickinSB
• Jun 13, 2018

The girls at their food, water, medication and food storage station.

I built a feeder out of 90 degree pvc elbows and a storage box with lid. It holds about 25 or more pounds of feed, but I keep most of it in separate gallon Ziploc bags inside the box. I only pour out about 5 pounds at a time because I don't want moisture to get in their food. I got the idea off of this site.

What a great idea! I am going to do this.

 

[Criticalicious]

I didn't have space for the storage containers, so I used a Y-shape on the bottom with 3" pipe. To help prevent too much spillage, I added an end cap that holds a plug (shown here). I can cap it off every night so it doesn't attract rodents.

When they were smaller, they had a similar 3" PVC feeder but instead of the big Y-opening, I used one that was reduced to 1.5" opening and then added a bit of 1.5" pipe to the end.

They can still bill out the feed but they have to work at it.

 

[HaliefromSC]

I made mine like this with the bottom part covered. A lot less mess this way.

Thanks for sharing! Love that!

 

[HaliefromSC]

This post just cracked me up! The joy of chickens!!!! Gotta love it!

 

[Crow-ded house]

My chooks have turned me into my mother. I have actually said “stop playing with your food”.

 

[Harley Chick]

Last week, my husband built a couple of 4 inch PVC pipe feeders and installed them in our coop. Our chicks are 4 weeks old, so I'm not sure if this will still be an issue as they get bigger, but within a few hours of installation, our 7 chicks managed to kick out ALL of the food that was in the feeders. Maybe it tastes better after they poop on it? Maybe they were searching for a free prize like in the cereal boxes? I have no idea, but like I said, they're jerks.

View attachment 1438248

I've seen other PVC feeders with some kind of half moon shaped piece to keep the feed from being kicked out, but I'm not sure what piece is. Any ideas to keep the feed IN the PVC feeders instead of on the floor??

I cut out a half moon piece and glued it to the bottom of the opening.....works like a dream..i'll get a pic for you when I get home.

 

[Harley Chick]

I made mine like this with the bottom part covered. A lot less mess this way.

EXACTLY!

 

[jreardon1918]

My feeder is also PVC. It is semi waste free. The tube is 3" x 3'. The bowl is 6" end cap. The depth makes them really dig in. I cut a small notch in the tube which lets out the feed. I cut it too deep, so a little too much feed gets out. I am going to redo it ri use 4" tube. They will increase storage and make it harder for them to scoop out. Add it is there is very little waste.

 

[SurferchickinSB]

What a great idea! I am going to do this.

It's worked out great for me so far! I built the little table, bench that all the stuff sits under so they can't stand on any of it and get it poopie. I put a piece of linoleum on top of it, so I can clean it easily. I like to sit in the run everyday and visit with the chickens when they are not free ranging in the yard. This way it allows them to have the same amount of floor space too. They like to get on top of the bench and snoop around.