Automatic feeder for chickens: to keep the birds well-fed. We make a chicken feeder from a sewer, polypropylene, or plastic pipe! Do-it-yourself automatic chicken feeder drawings

Designed only for feeding dry food, which is characterized by flowability. It is possible to pour grain, granules, and mixed feed into the container, but in no case should you add various mash or grated vegetables.

These devices can be of different types, but they are based on the same operating principle.

Thanks to the operation of the feeders, food is given to the chickens automatically, exactly in the volume that was consumed by the birds. Its other part is contained in the individual compartment of the mechanism.

The advantage of an automatic feeder is not only the continuous supply of food to birds, but also its protection from scattering and getting wet during periods of precipitation. Also, these devices save feed well due to correct dosing.

The automatic feeder, which can be programmed and also has a timer, attracts attention. Using the timer, you can set the feeding time. The feeding mechanism has a screw that moves the feed into the tray. Almost all models of devices with a timer have a backup battery and a capacity for storing feed mixture. The frequency of feedings is possible up to eight times, the break between them is also adjustable.

The food compartment is perfectly protected due to the tightly closed lid. Since the tray is removable, it is very easy to clean. The main disadvantage of this device will be the very high price.

Options on sale

In specialized stores and online stores you can buy both simple devices, for example, a bunker, and high-tech devices with a timer and a feed spreading function.

The cost of simple ones varies from five hundred to one and a half thousand rubles, and the second ones will cost five to six times more.

The material of these devices varies: from ABS plastic (costing about six and a half thousand rubles) to powder-coated steel (eight and a half thousand rubles).

Where to begin?

You can really make an automatic feeder with your own hands from a wide variety of materials. Basically, wood, plywood or plastic are used more often.

In order to make your own automatic feeder, you need the following materials and tools:

• plywood sheet;
• wooden bars;
• furniture bolts;
• loops – 2 pcs.;
• wood saw;
• drill, drill bits;
• pencil;
• roulette.

A To make it yourself you need the following materials and tools:

• a plastic container (volume from five to ten liters), while the function of a bunker can be performed by a bucket, bottle or other type of container (read about how to make a chicken feeder yourself from a plastic 5 liter bottle);
• a well-sharpened knife;
• plane with a side;
• nails;
• self-tapping screws;
• wire.

How to do it yourself?

With dispenser

When all the materials are prepared, you can begin manufacturing. The procedure is as follows:

1. It is necessary to draw the design details on a sheet of plywood. There should be seven of them:
   • front part - two rectangles 28*29 centimeters and 7*29 centimeters;
   • cover - rectangle 26*29 centimeters;
   • side walls - two pieces, height 40 centimeters, top edge 26 centimeters and bottom edge 29 centimeters;
   • bottom - rectangle 29*17 centimeters;
   • back wall - 41*29 centimeters.
2. Carefully cut out the parts.
3. Next, use an electric drill to make holes for the screws at the fastening points.
4. To make the surface of the feeder safe for chickens, sand all parts with sandpaper.
5. Assemble the structure. It must be remembered that the front upper and rear walls must be located relative to the horizontal at an angle of 15 degrees.
6. Hinge the top cover to the back of the side walls.

Let's watch a video on how to make an automatic feeder from plywood for chickens with your own hands:

Bunker model

1. First, you need to select the container into which the feed mixture will be added, as well as the lower part.
2. As a tray, you can use a lid that has edges or any container for growing seedlings.

   It is necessary that the diameter of the bottom be 20-30 centimeters larger, in contrast to the bunker with food.

3. Next, you need to cut a semicircular hole, with a radius of about 4-5 centimeters, for each compartment, using a knife.
4. Then use self-tapping screws to connect both parts of the parts.
5. In order for the feeder to have the correct location at the required level and ensure maximum comfort for the birds, you should use nails and long wire. In case of complete absence of need for this, the bird feeder turned out to be quite strong and stable; it is enough to place it in the chicken coop on the floor.

Photo

How to use?

All these devices, made independently or purchased in stores, are designed to supply food to birds when they completely eat it.

The poultry farmer is obliged to constantly add food for his winged pets to a place specially designated for this, that is, to the compartment into which food is added in portions. This place must be tightly closed - this will save all the food from being quickly eaten by all birds, especially violent ones, for example, Andalusian breeds of chickens, and will protect the food from being scattered throughout the chicken coop.

In order for the bird to fly and not gain weight, you should not overfeed it too often. To ensure that the bird does not get sick and is always in excellent condition, it is necessary to follow its correct diet. At the moment There are many different types of poultry food available..

The meat will be juicy and soft, and the eggs will be healthy and rich in microelements if the bird receives proper and healthy nutrition. It is very important to maintain proper nutrition in birds. Although it is necessary to feed the bird all the time, there are still situations when it is necessary to limit the dose of food in chickens. Most often, the need for such a procedure arises when eggs are being formed in chickens.

Young chickens should not be allowed to lay eggs, as these birds may develop serious health problems. If chickens have problems with bones or their structure, this indicates that their diet is of poor quality or monotonous.

Conclusion

Automatic has been very popular and loved among all poultry farmers for a long time. It is better not to use too expensive production models in small business enterprises, as they may turn out to be quite ineffective.

You shouldn't get upset prematurely. You can always make an automatic feeder for your birds yourself at home, and this is done quite simply. There are two advantages to creating it yourself: you can make it to your taste, color, and spend a minimum of money on it.

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Even if you have a small farm, you should always set aside time to care for it. Using automatic feeders, you can save a lot of time and not have to worry about the diet of your poultry. A correctly selected automatic feeder will increase productivity and ensure healthy nutrition for chickens, because contaminated food and water entering the bird’s body provoke various diseases.

What is an automatic feeder with a timer?

Automatic feeders with a timer are designed for precise feeding with dosed feed supply. Only dry food can be loaded into them. The timer sets a specific time for dosing food.

This design includes an auger through which the grains fall into the tray. Often, all models of automatic feeders of this type are equipped with a container for storing feed and a spare battery for the timer. The period for dispensing food can be adjusted independently.

The total number of daily feeds is about 8. A reliable lid tightly covers the entire base of the feeder and protects its contents from foreign substances and moisture. The tray can be easily detached from the common base and cleaned. The only drawback of such a mechanized device is its high cost.

Did you know? Ayam Cemani is a rare Indonesian breed of chickens in which hyperpigmentation has led to the fact that birds with black plumage also have black internal organs and even bones.

In specialized stores you can find a large number of different options for feeders, ranging from bunker feeders to technologically advanced models equipped with a timer and the function of automatically scattering food for chickens.

Simple feeders can be purchased at affordable prices, but mechanized and improved options will be expensive. The material from which the container is made also plays an important role; its type and quality will also affect the prices.

Automatic feeders can be sold ready-made or only in the form of a tray with dividers. In the case of simple trays, you will need to independently find a jar or other container for filling the grain.

It is not advisable to install such feeders for adults, because chickens can easily turn them over. The design of more expensive options includes barrels or bottles with a volume of up to 20 liters. A special device in the form of a timer, which can be powered by batteries or an accumulator, is attached to the bottom of the tray.

DIY plastic bunker feeders

Automatic feeders made of plastic materials are easy to make yourself using available materials. This work is not labor-intensive and will not take much time.

From a plastic bucket

Absolutely everyone who lives in a private house or has a dacha has a plastic bucket in their household. It is this container that will be the basis of the plastic bunker feeder. As a container for directly feeding the bird, you will need a basin, a plastic tray or something similar. To make an automatic feeder of this type, you do not have to draw up a drawing.

The process includes the following steps:

1. In the bottom of the bucket you need to make 4 fairly large holes for filling the feed.
2. Attach the hopper to the tray so that it can be easily removed to remove food debris.
3. After filling the bucket with grain (or other crumbly food), cover the bucket with a lid to prevent debris or other foreign substances from getting into the cavity.

The length of the open container should be at least 8 cm per adult bird (2 cm for chicks). The number of compartments will depend on the number of bird heads.

Important! When making your own automatic feeders, be sure to ensure that their design does not contain sharp or protruding elements that could injure birds.

From plastic bottles

This is the simplest automatic feeder for chickens that you can make with your own hands. To create the design you will need only two bottles.

The process of creating an automatic feeder:

1. One bottle must be cut in half and gaps must be made into which the bird can stick its head to take food.
2. Another bottle with the bottom cut off should be inserted into the first one so that its neck does not contact the bottom of the first one. Otherwise, the food will not fill the space intended for feeding. The optimal distance would be 4–5 cm.
3. Pour grain inside the inverted container, then cover it.

This design is easy to use and portable. In bad weather, it is better to install it in a chicken coop or other room so that the feed does not absorb moisture.

Made of wood or plywood

Hopper feeders made of plywood are characterized by good stability. Materials can be purchased at construction stores. If you have recently done renovations, then finding the necessary elements of the house will not be difficult. By attaching such a structure to the wall in the chicken coop, you can significantly save space and not worry about contamination of the supplied feed. There are 2 main types of such feeders, the manufacture of which will be described below.

Without pedal

This type of structure is a bunker and is characterized by the fact that the birds always have open access to feed.

For the feeder you will need:

• plywood or chipboard;
• slats;
• drill with attachments;
• screwdriver with attachments;
• loops;
• sandpaper;
• saw;
• pencil;
• paper sheets;
• roulette.

Important! The materials from which the feeder is made must be non-toxic. It is better not to use paints and varnishes.

The work is performed in the following sequence:

1. First of all, you should prepare patterns on the basis of which the plywood elements will be cut. On paper draw the side walls (length 40 cm), the top edge (length 26 cm), the bottom edge (length 29 cm), the front part (a pair of rectangles 28 × 29 cm and 7 × 29 cm), the lid (26 × 29 cm) , bottom (29x17 cm) and back wall (41x29 cm). The wood/plywood parameters must correspond to the selected drawing. All drawn parts must be transferred to plywood/wood and carefully cut out.
2. The areas where fastenings will be made must be equipped with holes.
3. Assembly is carried out according to the drawing. The entire structure of the container into which the feed will be poured is installed at an angle of 15°.
4. The lid covering the container with food is placed on hinges and attached to the rear parts of the side supports.
5. Upon completion of complete assembly, the automatic feeder must be sanded with sandpaper and treated with an antiseptic.

Video: Do-it-yourself bunker feeder for chickens

With pedal

The difference between this feeder and the previous one is that the chicken gets access to the feed after stepping on the pedal. If you treat the outer part of the automatic feeder with a waterproof solution, then it can easily be installed in an open space without fear of the influence of moisture.

For an automatic feeder with a pedal you need to have the following materials:

• boards or plywood;
• thin bars of wood;
• fasteners;
• loops;
• electric drill with attachments;
• sandpaper;
• saw;
• pencil for drawing;
• paper;
• tape measure for measurements.

Workflow sequence:

1. Initially, patterns are made: tray cover, side walls, bottom, rear panel (oblique location), front wall, top cover and pedal. The sizes depend on the need and number of chickens, as well as the planned amount of feed.
2. The bars are sawn into 6 pieces. The longest ones are needed to fix the pedal and the container into which the food is lowered. Medium-sized bars will be needed for the lid, which will be located above the tray. The short ones will connect the elements of the lifting mechanism.
3. All elements must be cut with a saw and processed with sandpaper.
4. The walls are tightened with screws. The rear panel should be installed at an angle of 15° to prevent feed residues from stagnating in the filling hopper.
5. The top cover is attached with hinges.
6. Medium length bars are installed on the sides of the tray cover. Gaps should be made in the bars at one end. The hole located closer to the edge should have a larger diameter than the bolt. Using the same principle, holes are made in the side walls of the container. The screws should move easily.
7. The longest beam is attached to the pedal using the same type. The hole connecting the block to the wall is made a fifth of the length of the block. It is important to remember the hole at the end of the beam.
8. The smallest blocks are attached to the holes that remain. Their installation must be strong and rigid, otherwise the pedal will be non-functional. After assembly, you should make sure that the lid lifts up.
9. At the final stage, the feeder should be treated with an antiseptic.

Video: Hopper feeder with pedal

From pipes

With the help of such an installation, you can significantly simplify the work of caring for chickens and provide adequate nutrition for a large flock. Pipes can be used for any purpose.

Made from PVC pipes with a tee

Although the design does not look very aesthetic in appearance, it stands out for its convenience and is a budget option.

Blanks for performing work on creating a feeder:

• 3 pipes, the diameter of which will be the same - 110 mm, and the length of each will be different - 70, 20 and 10 cm;
• tee with an angle of 45˚;
• fastening devices that ensure reliable fixation of the pipe to the wall;
• lid.

Did you know? In one of the collective farms in the Zelenodolsk region, back in the USSR, an unusual case was recorded when a chicken laid an egg with a double shell. There were also two whites, but the yolk- alone and it was inside the “nested” egg.

Stages of manufacturing an automatic feeder from pipes:

1. The main pipe must be attached to the wall and a coupling with three branches must be put on.
2. Make 3-4 feeding holes in the installed branches. The holes on the sides can be left open or closed so that the food does not spill out.

The pipe into which grain or crushed feed mixture will be poured must have a plug to prevent debris from entering. The design of the automatic feeder made of PVC pipe with a tee relates to bunker installations, so grain is poured into it no more than twice a week.

From pipes with elbows

This type of design is considered the most practical among poultry farmers. The only negative is that such feeders are inconvenient to clean. Here you will have to be smart, because constantly dismantling it is very inconvenient.

Materials for workpiece:

• pipe with a diameter of 110 mm and a length of 1.5 m;
• 2 elbows: the first - at an angle of 45°, the second - 90°;
• fastening elements;
• stub.

Manufacturing process:

1. The assembly of the structure at the first stage is carried out as follows: a pipe is taken and first an elbow is attached to it at an angle of 45°, and then 90°.
2. The finished feeder is attached to the wall using a convenient method.
3. The feed is filled in using a can or similar small container, after which the filling hole is closed with a lid or plug.

Automatic bird feeders can be installed both indoors and outdoors. It all depends on the type of feeder chosen and the place where the chickens stay the longest. If the bird spends a lot of time in a special pen, then it is better to install feeding devices there. Floor options can be placed anywhere, but it is advisable to protect them from rain.

Mounted feeders are installed along the entire perimeter of the pen. They are secured using brackets or other home-made devices. If chickens spend most of their time in the chicken coop, it is recommended to install bunker feeders, which are more hygienic and do not take up much space in the house. Automatic feed supply will allow birds to eat when they want.

Each owner chooses the most convenient type of automatic feeder, based on the available space and the needs of the chickens. The main condition that must be observed when making a feeder with your own hands is the strength and safety of the structure.

Are you planning to raise chickens and have already built a chicken coop for them? Then it's time to take care of the rest - in particular, the feeder. It is easy to make, especially since you can use various materials. Let's look at the simplest and most common options for making a chicken feeder with your own hands.

The feeder can be made from anything - for example, from boards, boxes, pipes or plastic bottles. But regardless of the material chosen, one problem always arises - we are talking about mixing the feed. And if you use several feeders at the same time, they will take up too much space. There is a way out of this situation, but we’ll talk about it a little later.

So, in order for the feeder to cope with its functions, you need to prepare for its construction in advance. First, decide on the size of the structure and choose a place for it. It does not matter whether it is located in the chicken coop or in the yard - all birds should have free access to it. Moreover, chickens should not crowd or interfere with each other while feeding.

It should also be remembered that chickens need not only dry, but also wet food (we are talking about mash). In the first case, hopper containers in the form of a cylinder are ideal, in which the volume of feed is replenished automatically. For wet food, a trough-shaped feeder is more suitable, on top of which there is a “spinner” made of timber.

Making a chicken feeder - an overview of popular methods

Of course, the procedure for constructing a trough differs from a bunker-type feeder both in terms of labor costs and the complexity of the work. But modern equipment and materials significantly simplify the process, so there will not be any particular difficulties.

Note! When constructing a feeder, you need to adhere to one important rule: the structure should be stable and food should not spill out of it. Otherwise, not only will there be an overconsumption of feed, but also a violation of sanitary standards.

Option one. Creative feeder made from a cutting board

To make such an unusual bird feeder, you must prepare:

• cutting board;
• funnel;
• a small plastic cup;
• rubber hose (transparent);
• electric drill.

The further algorithm of actions should look something like this.

Table. Making a feeder from a cutting board

Steps, no.	Photo	Description
Step 1		Take a funnel (preferably plastic) and trace its outer contours on the board. Try to do everything as accurately as possible.
Step 2		Drill many holes within the drawn circle. It is important not to overdo it here, since the supply of dry food should be limited.
Step 3		Take a pre-prepared transparent hose of the required diameter. Connect the hose to the end of the funnel; if necessary, you can use additional fasteners (for example, a clamp).
Step 4		Take a plastic cup and make a hole at the bottom as shown in the image. The diameter of the hole should be such that the end of the hose fits tightly and holds well.
Step 5		Take the other end of the hose and place it in the hole you made. If the density is insufficient, treat the edges of the hole and the outer surface of the hose with sealant.
Step 6		Next, you need to glue the bell of the funnel to the cutting board. To do this, treat the contour of the circle with the holes with sealant.
Step 7		Place a funnel on the circle and hold it in this position until the sealant dries.
Step 8		Connect one end of the hose to the cup and the other to the glued funnel. The funnel should end up at the bottom of the board.

When assembled, the feeder described above will look like this. You can add grain.

Note! The grain will be poured through the hose from the watering can into the cup itself. Also make sure the board is stable as chickens are likely to perch on it.

Option two. Hopper feeder made from a plastic bucket

This design can be considered automatic, since your participation in feeding the chickens will be minimal. Such a feeder can be purchased ready-made in a store, but it will not be cheap, so you can try to make it yourself. The manufacturing procedure is quite simple.

Supplies you will need:

• special sectional bowl for animals;
• plastic bucket.

After preparation, follow the instructions below.

Step 1. Take a plastic bucket and make holes in the bottom through which the food will pour out (as shown in the image below).

Step 2. Attach the sectional bowl to the bottom of the bucket using screws.

Step 3. Fill a plastic bucket with grain or any other food and close the lid.

The advantage of this design is that it can be installed in almost any convenient place (stand or hang). As food is consumed, it will be automatically poured into the bowl under the influence of its weight.

Option three. Construction made from plastic bottles

Nowadays, water is often stored in cheap plastic containers. There are probably such bottles in every home and they can be used to build a convenient feeder.

Step 1. Cut the bottle in half and make holes in the bottom half as shown in the image. The size of each hole should be sufficient for the chicken head to fit freely into it (it is advisable to leave a small margin).

Step 2. Take the second bottle, cut out the bottom, then place the neck down inside the prepared cut. As a result, there should be a few centimeters between the neck and the bottom.

Step 3. Pour the grain inside and cover the hole in the top with something. The disadvantage of this design is that in case of bad weather it must be moved indoors, but for placement inside the poultry house this is the best option.

For chickens, you can make a similar design in smaller sizes using regular plastic bottles. The manufacturing technology will be the same.

Option four. Simple wooden feeder (No. 1)

If you don’t have a lot of chickens, and only pieces of wood from scrap materials, then you can make the feeder described below. The latter is great for cases where owners do not have the opportunity to periodically add grain (in other words, this is also a bunker feeder). It is not difficult to make such a design, the main thing is to strictly follow the instructions below.

First, prepare the following supplies and equipment:

• pieces of durable thick plywood or wood;
• electric drill, set of drills;
• a pair of loops;
• sandpaper;
• saw;
• screwdriver;
• pencil;
• roulette.

After this, proceed directly to production.

Step 1. Start by creating a drawing, then transfer it to the tree, drawing out the elements of the required sizes:

• bottom 29x17 centimeters;
• two “sides” 40 centimeters high with an upper edge of 24 and a lower edge of 29 centimeters;
• two rectangles for the front wall - 28x29 and 70x29 centimeters;
• top cover (26x29 centimeters);
• back wall (40x29 centimeters).

Step 2. Carefully cut out all the elements.

Step 3. Make holes for the screws in the required places using an electric drill.

Step 4. Sand all surfaces to ensure they are smooth and safe for birds.

Step 5. Using screws, assemble all the elements into a single structure. To achieve maximum density, you can use a clamp. It is also important that the back and front walls are attached at an angle of 15°.

Step 6. Use the hinges to attach the cover to the back of the side walls.

Step 7. It is also advisable to treat the feeder with an antiseptic. No paints or varnish should be used.

Note! The finished design will be spacious and convenient; food, protected from moisture, will be gradually supplied automatically. Apart from labor costs, no other shortcomings were noticed.

Option five. Simple wooden feeder (No. 2)

Another simple option is a feeder made in the form of a small trough. It is suitable for those who have a large number of chickens and have a shelter in case of precipitation.

To work you will need:

• thick boards or plywood;
• hammer;
• screws (you can use nails instead);
• saw;
• pencil;
• paper;
• ruler.

Step 1. First, make a drawing of the future structure. Determine as accurately as possible all elements, their dimensions and installation locations of fasteners. This is the most critical stage, which will help to avoid possible mistakes and inconsistencies.

• bottom (15x100 centimeters);
• a pair of side walls (8x100 centimeters);
• one beam (HxWxD - 2x3x100 centimeters);
• small end walls 15 centimeters wide and a height corresponding to the long side walls + the thickness of the bottom.

Sawing out the end walls is the most difficult step. For a better idea, we advise you to familiarize yourself with the image below.

Step 3. In accordance with the drawing, cut out each of the elements.

Note! The bottom should be thick and heavy enough to prevent birds from overturning the structure. The height of the walls should be comfortable for the chickens.

Step 4. Connect all the elements together. Try not to leave any gaps, as food can spill out through them. Additional wood processing is not required; moreover, if desired, this design can be modified to suit your own needs.

The advantages of such a feeder include durability and strength, as well as versatility regarding the type of food used (the latter can be either dry or wet). As for the disadvantages, there is only one - the feeder needs minimal care.

Option six. Two-story wooden feeder

The next option is intended primarily for dry food (although various mash can be used). Ideal for small rooms, as the second tier compensates for the lack of free space. For work you will need screws and bars.

Step 1. First, prepare all the elements of the feeder. The main one will be the lower tier, the height of which should be 25 and the width 26 centimeters. As for the length, it depends on the number of birds.

Step 2. Make special grooves into which the damper will be inserted.

Step 3. The second floor will be a small trough with a board height of 10 centimeters. Place the second floor on the ends of the first, then attach with hinges.

Option seven. PVC pipe construction

An easy-to-implement option that requires minimal expense and effort. PVC pipes are sold everywhere and are inexpensive. To make, use one of the methods below.

Method one. With cutouts

To build this structure, take care of the following consumables:

• a pair of PVC pipes (40 and 60 centimeters in length);
• two plugs;
• connecting elbow.

The 60 cm pipe will be installed horizontally and will serve to feed the pizzas. Another pipe is installed vertically and is necessary for feeding grain. Start by making a hole in a longer pipe, although instead they often make one large one, through which the birds will peck the grain.

Step 1. On a 60-centimeter pipe, draw holes with a diameter of 7 centimeters and with the same spacing.

Step 2. Cut out the drawn holes.

Step 3. Place a plug on one end of the pipe.

Step 4. Install an elbow on the other end, and, in turn, insert another pipe into it.

Step 5. Secure the resulting structure in the poultry house, preferably in two or three places at once, so that it holds well.

After each addition of grain, put a second cap on top to prevent debris from getting inside. The described design is also a bunker design, so feed can be added only once or twice a day.

Method two. With tee

In this case, for production you will need:

• PVC pipes selected by size (70, 20 and 10 centimeters);
• two plugs;
• tee with an angle of 45°.

Step 1. Take a 20cm pipe and put a plug on one end. This will be the bottom of the feeder.

Step 2. Place a tee on the other end of this pipe so that the side elbow is directed upward.

Step 3. Insert a small pipe into the side hole.

Step 4. Insert the longest length of pipe into the third hole of the tee. Here, as in the previous method, after each filling of feed the pipe must be closed with a plug.

There are other ways to make a bird feeder from PVC pipes, as experienced poultry farmers talk about in the video below.

Video - Feeder made of pipe

Option eight. Canister construction

A cheap and easy way to make a feeder.

For work, prepare:

• any plastic canister;
• a piece of pipe 10-15 centimeters in length;
• fasteners;

Step 1. Clean and dry the canister thoroughly.

Step 2. Using a knife or any other tool, cut about 5 holes on the sides. The diameter of the holes should be about 6-7 centimeters so that the head of the chickens can fit freely into them.

Step 3. Make a hole in the top for filling grain and attach a pipe on top (the diameters must match). This will prevent birds from getting inside.

To protect against rain and debris, you can additionally take care of the pipe cover.

Option nine. CD container design

Don't throw away your old CD container - you can still use it to feed your chickens!

In order to build such a structure, prepare:

• long container;
• large bowl;

Step 1. Clean and dry the container, then cut three or four 2x2 centimeter holes on its walls near the rim.

Step 2. Fill the container with food and cover the top with a bowl.

Step 3. Turn the container with the bowl over and place it in the desired location.

Note! Make sure that there are no sharp corners in the cut areas that could injure the chickens.

We also note that this design is not durable and is designed for a small number of birds.

Option ten. Automatic design

The video below shows another interesting option - a structure that opens under the weight of the chicken.

Video - Automatic feeder

This is not a complete list of possible options - the article describes only the most popular of them. By showing ingenuity and imagination, you can come up with your own design, the main thing is that the product is durable and safe for feathered pets.

ATTENTION: The solution to the problem of scattering feed can be to purchase or make a specialized feeder for poultry.

This is a product that supplies food to chickens as the tray becomes empty. Any feeder consists of a hopper where food is poured and a tray, where the chickens peck it from. The farmer pours the feed into the bunker, from where it independently moves in portions to the feeding area.

The bin must be tightly closed to prevent the chickens from getting to the feed and eating it all at once or scattering it around the coop.

Having a farmer does not need to monitor feeding time and go to the chicken coop 3-4 times a day to add a new portion.

Kinds

Feeders are divided according to the method of feeding:

Manufacturing requirements

• The feeder should hold enough food to provide enough food for all the birds on the farm. When making a tray feeder, plan the length so that each chicken has 10-15 cm. For chickens, half that amount. There must be an approach to the feeders from any side so that the weaker ones are not pushed aside and are not left without food.
• The feeder must have certain restrictions so that chickens do not have the opportunity to enter the bunker and scatter and dirty the feed.
• It should be mobile, easy to fill, disassemble and clean.

Do-it-yourself feeders are made from plastic buckets and bottles, wood and iron(how, including from a plastic 5 liter bottle?). But the most inexpensive, easy to use and durable feeders are made from plastic PVC or sewer pipes.

Product Description

Advantages:

• A plastic pipe feeder is the most reliable of all. It is attached to the wall and the chickens, in the process of feeding and searching for food, cannot turn it over and scatter the grain. Grain is consumed more economically.
• One feeder made of pipes is enough for 20 chickens.
• The longer the pipe, the more feed can be loaded there. Typically, this design can hold up to 10 kg of dry food and there will be no need to run to the chicken coop several times a day.
• Plastic has no limitation on service life. The product is made in a couple of hours and can last for many decades.
• Plastic pipes are very inexpensive and are available at any hardware store.

IMPORTANT: Disadvantages of pipe feeders: the structure is easy to disassemble, but long pipes are difficult to wash under the tap and disinfect inside.

Feeders made of PVC pipes are available: with holes, with cutouts and with a tee. The choice of feed supply device depends on the size of the chicken coop and the location of the cages with the birds.

Photo

If you are concerned about the question of how to make a feeder with your own hands from polypropylene, plastic and other types of pipes, then you can see the photo:

Can I buy it in stores?

The selection of feeders in stores ranges from the simplest to high-tech devices with a timer and a feed scattering function.

The price for the simplest bunker feeders is approximately 500-1000 rubles, but for high-tech products you will have to pay 5000-6000 rubles. The body material of the feeders also affects the price. A feeder made of ABS plastic costs 6.5 thousand rubles. Made of powder-coated steel 8.5 thousand rubles.

In stores you can find feeders completely ready for installation and use. They immediately have a food container and a tray.

ADVICE: Or you can only purchase a tray divided into sections to which you will need to adapt a bottle or jar. They cost about 100 rubles. and are suitable for farms with a small number of chickens.

It’s even better to make a feeder yourself from scrap materials.. This will cost much less and will correspond to the number of birds.

Where to begin?

In order to make a feeder with cutouts or holes, you will need the following PVC parts and accessories:

• 2 PVC pipes. 60 cm and 80-150 cm with a diameter of 110-150 mm.
• Knee. Accessory connecting pipes at right angles.
• 2 plugs according to the diameter of the pipe.
• Tools.

For a feeder with a tee you should purchase:

A vertical hopper feeder will require fewer materials:

• 1 pipe up to 150 cm long.
• 1 corner at 45 degrees.
• 1 corner per 90 degrees.
• Stub.

Tools you'll need

1. Grinder or hacksaw for cutting pipes.
2. Electric drill with wood drill and bit with a diameter of 70 mm.
3. Jigsaw.
4. File.
5. Marker, pencil, long ruler.

Material prices

• PVC pipe D=110 mm – 160 RUR/m.
• Tee D = 11 mm - 245 rub.
• Cap - 55 rub.
• Knee-50 rub.
• Clamps for fastening to the wall for 40-50 rubles.

How to do it yourself?

The shape of the feeder is similar to the Latin letter L. The vertical pipe serves as a hopper for loading feed. The horizontal pipe will be the feeding place:

1. On a pipe 80 cm long, mark the centers of the holes.
2. We draw holes D=70 mm. Leave the distance between the edges of the holes 70 mm. The holes can be in two rows.
3. Using an electric drill with a circular bit, we make holes in the pipe.
4. We process the holes with a file so that the chickens do not cut themselves on the burrs.
5. We put a plug on one side of the pipe, and an elbow on the other side.
6. We thread a vertical pipe into the elbow.
7. We attach the structure to the wall.

With slots

Watch a video about making chickens from a PVC pipe with slots:

With tee

1. We put a plug on a pipe 20 cm long. This will be the lowest part of the structure.
2. On the other side, we put on the tee so that the outlet faces up.
3. We put a short pipe of 10 cm on the tee outlet.
4. We insert the remaining 150 cm pipe into the upper hole of the tee.
5. We attach the structure to the wall.

After attaching to the wall, any feeder is immediately ready for use.. The required amount of grain or mixed feed is poured on top and the hole is closed with a plug so that debris does not get into the bunker and the feed does not get wet during rain.

Watch a video about a chicken feeder made of PVC pipes with a tee:

The importance of proper poultry feeding

A feeder made of pipes is very easy to use and saves a lot of time on the farm. But they are designed to use grain and feed.

But dry food alone is not enough to provide adequate nutrition for chickens.:

Increased nutrition in winter and moderate nutrition in summer, vegetables, fruits, herbs and mineral supplements are the basis for good health and high egg production of your pets.

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These devices come in different types, but they are based on the same operating principle. With their help, feed is supplied to the birds automatically, and in the quantity that was consumed by the chickens. The rest of it is stored in a separate closed compartment of the structure.

The advantage of an automatic feeder is not only the constant supply of food to chickens, but also its protection from scattering and getting wet during rainfall. In addition, with the help of such devices you can save a lot of money through the correct dosage of feed.

It should be noted that the automatic chicken feeder only serves to supply dry feed (grain, mixed feed). You can make it yourself from a variety of materials. Most often, wood, plywood or plastic are used for these purposes. You can also buy more complex designs that are equipped with a timer or dispenser.

With timer

The programmable automatic feeder with a timer deserves special attention. It is designed for feeding dry food. With the help of such a device, pets will always be fed on time. Feeding the right amount of food will ensure the chickens are properly nourished and the feed is preserved.

Using a timer, you can set the time for food to be served. The feeding mechanism has a screw through which the feed moves into the tray. Almost all models of automatic feeders with a timer are equipped with a backup battery and a reservoir for storing the feed mixture. The number of feedings can be up to eight times, the interval between them is also adjustable.

The feed compartment lid closes tightly so it is well protected. The tray is easily removable, which does not cause any special problems when cleaning it. The only disadvantage of such a device is its fairly high cost.

Making an automatic feeder with your own hands

To save money, you can make an automatic feeder yourself. According to the method of feeding they are of the following types.

1. Tray. These are flat containers equipped with sides to prevent food from spilling out. Most often used to feed chickens.
2. Grooved. In this case, the tray is equipped with a removable grid, and inside there are several reservoirs for mixing different types of food.
3. Bunkers. The dry mixture is poured into the hopper, which enters the tray as needed. The design protects food well from getting wet and dirty.

Let's look at some of the most popular models of automatic feeders for chickens that you can make with your own hands. We invite you to watch one of the manufacturing options in the video from the author Yulia Aksenova.

Feeder with dispenser

This model was invented by an Australian farmer. It is intended for feeding small livestock. If you plan to keep a large number of chickens, then more of these automatic feeders can be made. The peculiarity of this model is to provide access to food by pressing the pedal. Under the weight of the chicken, the lid of the tray opens, where the feed mixture is poured.

Tools and materials

This type of feeder is easy to make with your own hands; for this you will need the following:

• plywood sheet;
• wooden bars;
• furniture bolts;
• loops – 2 pcs.;
• wood file;
• drill.

Step-by-step instruction

If the materials are collected, then you can start working. The algorithm of actions is as follows.

1. It is necessary to draw the design details on a sheet of plywood. There should be ten of them (two covers, two side and one back walls, a bottom, three front bars and a pedal).
2. Next you need to cut the bars. The two elements should be the longest, as they will be required for attaching the pedals. Two more small bars are needed to secure the lid. The last two elements should be the shortest. They will be needed to connect the lid bars.
3. The walls of the feeder should be fastened with your own hands using screws. In this case, the rear panel should be installed at an angle of 15° inward.
4. The top lid is attached with hinges to make it convenient to add food.
5. After the entire structure is assembled, you need to check whether the compartment opens when you press the pedal. If necessary, you can adjust the bolt tension.

After making it yourself, this model can be treated with plaster and antiseptic. It is not recommended to use varnish or paint as this may harm the health of the chickens.

Bunker model

When forming a bunker model with your own hands, it is important to remember that the structure must have a suitable volume. The advantage of such an automatic plastic feeder is that it is easy to clean and simple to operate.

Tools and materials

To make your own bunker feeder, you will need:

• plastic containers, in which the function of a bunker can be performed by a bucket, bottle or other type of container;
• well sharpened knife;
• plane with a side;
• nails, screws and wire.

Step-by-step instruction

1. First you need to select the container where the feed mixture will be poured, and the lower part. For the tray, you can take a lid with sides or a container for seedlings. It is important that the diameter of the lower part is larger than that of the feed bin.
2. Next you need to cut holes for each compartment using a knife.
3. Now the two parts should be fastened with self-tapping screws.
4. To ensure that the feeder is located at the desired level and the chickens are comfortable, you can use nails and wire. If this is not necessary, and the feeder turns out to be quite stable, it can simply be installed on the floor of the chicken coop.

Video “Hopper bird feeder”

In the video (DOM channel) the master demonstrates how you can quickly make a device for a bunker type.