Keeping animals or birds means taking care of their every need, often putting theirs before your own!
I know that the first line would immediately have you think that I'm talking about pets like dogs and cats. But that's not what I had in mind. Growing up, I visited my aunt Beth a lot, and she had a huge farm with many four and two-legged residents, especially chicken.
Some days I would see her sitting in the shed, making feeders, and I always wondered how but never asked. So a few months ago, I decided to revisit her, and this time I got some details and tips on how to make a homemade chicken feeder.
Hi! I'm Stacy, and I rarely ever buy things that I know I can make myself. Now, I am a DIY enthusiast, so I keep finding ways to get more creative. I had been considering raising chickens and thought, why spend all that money when I can make a feeder at home? If you are in a similar situation, this guide might be helpful.
So, without further ado, let's get creative!
How To Make A Homemade Chicken Feeder
Making The Feed
Now, before we get into making the feeder, let's talk about what to put in it. Aunty Beth was growing everything that her chickens could eat, so she knew it was natural and free from any possible toxins. If that is a possibility for you, I urge you to feed the chickens natural produce.
Usually, chickens eat wheat, field peas, and corn. You can also add some probiotics, kelps, flaxseed, and cultured yeast to their food. The idea is to build their immunity and keep them healthy by feeding them a balanced diet. Making the feed for them is the best way to ensure it is natural, although these feeds are available in the market as well.
Making The Feeder
If you're the kind of person who likes to raise many chickens, buying feeders for all of them in bulk can be a bit expensive. Plus, not all feeders are weather resistant or easy to fill, and these features are essential.
The best way to have a non-expensive feeder that can cater to your needs is by making one. There are plenty of ways to make feeders, but the two most common and popular ones are PVC feeders and recycled plastic bottle feeders. Alternatively, you can also use a 5-gallon bucket for the purpose as well.
1. Recycled Bottle Feeder
This is a very easy method to make a chicken feeder, especially if you have plastic bottles lying around the house. I had seen aunty Beth not only using the bottles in her home but also urging her neighbors to donate their plastic bottles. That way, she could make feeders, and the bottles were being appropriately recycled.
To make a bottle feeder, you will need a plastic bottle (obviously), a serrated knife, paper punchers, and wires. Next, follow this easy 3-step process:
Step 1:
The first thing to do will be to heat the serrated knife and cut the bottle in half. If the feeder is for baby chicks, I suggest cutting it shorter so that they can have access to it. Once cut, if the edges are sharp, use a lighter to smoothen it out. You want to make sure it doesn't harm the chickens.
Step 2:
The next thing to do is punch holes around the top of the half that’s cut and smoothened. Using a paper puncher here is the most convenient way. You can also try using a heated knife or screwdriver.
Step 3:
Finally, put a wire through two holes making a U-shape, and hang it in the chickens’ cage. Just be sure to keep it at a height that is convenient for them.
2. PVC Feeders
If you have PVC pipes lying around, they can be turned into excellent feeders. Such feeders are also quite helpful since they are weather-resistant and the feed does not spill. For this, you will need PVC tubes of three sizes: 20 inches, 6 inches, and 3 inches. Along with that, you’ll also need a Y-connector, two PVC caps, a hacksaw, and PVC cement.
Step 1:
Connect the three holes of the Y-connector with the PVC tubes. The longest one should be on top, the 6 inches one below, and the 3 inches pipe should be attached to the side spout. Use the PVC cement only on the parts attached to the connector. Seal the bottom with one cap and PVC cement and cure the whole thing for about 24 hours.
Step 2:
Attach it to the side of a funnel and put the feed from the top opening. Use the other cap to close it at night. This will keep it weatherproof and free from critters.
3. Bucket Feeder
Lastly, this is another very easy-to-make feeder, especially since 5 gallon buckets are always easy to find. To make the feeder, you will need a bucket with a lid, a drill, and two large roasting pans. Here is how you make it:
Step 1:
Empty and clean out the bucket and drill holes all around the bottom. Keep a space of about two inches between each hole.
Step 2:
Place it on a pan and fill it up with feed. The feed will pour out of the holes and into the pan. And, as the feed is consumed, more will pour out. You can use the lid to keep it covered from the weather and insects at night.
- Chicken feeder - An automatic chicken feeder is the best choice for chicken farmers, the chicken feeder can hold up to 16 pounds of feed, this is especially useful for those who have busy schedules and can't always be around to feed their chickens, the automatic chicken feeder is a great way to make sure that your chickens are always well fed.
- Chicken feeders no waste - The chicken feeder is equipped with a lid, this keeps the feed sanitary. Port feeder also helps to reduce waste, keep your chickens from wasting feed and save your money.
- Chicken cup waterer system - This type of chicken waterer is great for busy chicken owners who don't have time to constantly refill their waterer. Additionally, the chicken waterer can hold up to 3 gallons of water, it provides chickens with access to fresh, clean water at all times.
- Easy Top Fill Feeder: The chick feeder designed with top fill feature,it can be simply remove the lid and filled with chick feed.Make refill the feeder more easier. US Patent: US 11,844,333 B2 Any unauthorized copying or imitation of this BASE FOR PET FEEDER AND PET FEEDER for commercial purposes will result in patent infringement
- Unique Adjustable Design: The chick feeder and chick waterer both designed with 3 easily adjustable legs. You can fold out the legs as your chicks grow and choose different height to keep the water and feed clean. Ensure healthy happy chicks
- Keep Chicks Safe: Our chick feeder and waterer set with anti-tip design,which means your chicks will stay warm and dry that will be most important for their survival. The chick feeder and waterer was made of durable sturdy plastic material
Final Words
There you have it, three super simple ways to make a chicken feeder at home. Aunty Beth used to make it with the bottles and also with buckets. The PVC method is a common one that I have seen very recently but is just as effective.Â
Remember to place the feeder in an enclosed space so that the weather and critters do not get to it. Putting it inside the coop is the most advisable location. Also, remember to keep the chicken feeders clean. On that note, I shall take your leave and be back with more guides and tips.
See you next time!