Problem with pvc feeder

[LittleTreeGuy]

Dumb question I'm sure I'll have a duh moment afterward, but how does the T intersection alleviate the bottleneck?

Not a dumb question.... if you have your supply pipe in the middle of your door, and at the bottom, have the "T" with extensions coming out to each side... (Picture and upside down T on the door) this would allow feed to come out a little on both sides of the supply pipe instead of just one, like you have with a 90. It would work better, but at best, you may only get feed to travel a short distance from the vertical piece.

 

[imnukensc]

I'm unclear as to what exactly the OP's problem is, but I don't think the 90 degree elbows have anything to do with it. Maybe feed isn't getting all the way to the middle? Pic attached is my feeder. Not exactly like the OP's of course, but I have no problems with it. 4" PVC and I feed crumbles.

 

[TexasSam]

My bet is on the 90 degree joints. If you use two 45s connected with a piece of straight pipe between them, I think your problem will resolve itself. I'm making several assumptions, the biggest of which is that you are feeding either pellet or crumble.

I have tried both pellet and crumble neither work right

 

[TexasSam]

Just curious, are you able to cove that at night to keep free loaders out? Rats are a huge problem and will even eat chicks/chickens alive!
Rats are not a problem here fortunately they like peanut butter more than chicken food

Nice that you've got plenty of light for your coop in stead of a dungeon like my first build.

I have all kinds of windows part of my work it does come in handy

 

[TexasSam]

Yea, feed just doesn't flow very well. Scientifically, probably because there is too much friction or something like that with all of the tiny particles. For example, if it was full of marbles, they'd have no issue rolling to the bottom.

Now, if you were to change the design a little, and use more than one pipe, it could solve the issue... more pipes to fill, but would last the same amount of time, I suppose... (this isn't my photo, I saw it on pinterest)

View attachment 1162087

I have thought about using this design

 

[TexasSam]

I'm unclear as to what exactly the OP's problem is, but I don't think the 90 degree elbows have anything to do with it. Maybe feed isn't getting all the way to the middle? Pic attached is my feeder. Not exactly like the OP's of course, but I have no problems with it. 4" PVC and I feed crumbles.

The problem is the food doesn't distribute properly. I'm trying to feed 15 birds and I would have to build 5 or 6 of your style feeder to accommodate my birds correctly

 

[TexasSam]

I guess i will some 45s or just build several feeders like the other design

 

[hlhutchinson]

I also have this typ works great but wanted something I could mount on the door

 

[rosemarythyme]

I also have this typ works great but wanted something I could mount on the door

I was using a similar shaped pvc feeder and the feed does shift down fairly well, but mine has an extra piece at the end to stop the feed from spilling out. Unfortunately there was no easy way to cover it against rodents because of that so I switched to a more conventional feeder just so I could easily remove it at night.

 

[blackdog043]

You could build a no waste feeder. I made a 5 gallon but you can use a lot of different containers, Totes, barrels, It depends on how much feed you it to hold. They work great!