Build an easy, no-waste chicken feeder from scrap materials?

Why Build Your Own No-Waste Feeder?

Raising chickens can be a rewarding experience, but managing feed can sometimes be a messy and expensive affair. Commercial feeders often lead to significant waste as chickens scratch, peck, and scatter their feed. A DIY no-waste chicken feeder, built from readily available scrap materials, offers an ingenious solution. Not only does it drastically reduce feed spillage, saving you money, but it also promotes better hygiene in the coop and contributes to a more sustainable, self-sufficient homestead.

Imagine a feeder that keeps feed dry, clean, and accessible only when your chickens are ready to eat, preventing them from kicking it out onto the ground. This article will guide you through the process of creating such a feeder using common household scraps, proving that functionality doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag.

Understanding the “No-Waste” Principle

The core concept behind a no-waste feeder is to minimize the chickens’ ability to access and scatter large quantities of feed at once. This is typically achieved through gravity-fed designs with restricted feeding ports. When chickens peck at the feed, only a small amount is accessible, preventing them from scooping it out with their beaks or feet. This design also usually incorporates features to protect the feed from rain and rodents, further ensuring that every pellet goes into a happy chicken’s crop.

Gathering Your Scrap Materials

One of the most appealing aspects of this project is its reliance on materials you might already have lying around. Before you start, gather some potential items:

• PVC Pipes: Various diameters (3-inch, 4-inch, or 6-inch) are excellent for the main feed reservoir and delivery chutes.
• Plastic Buckets: Old 5-gallon buckets are perfect for larger reservoirs or protective casings.
• Old Containers: Large plastic storage bins, pet food containers, or even sturdy laundry detergent bottles can be repurposed.
• Wooden Scraps: Plywood offcuts or old fence pickets can be used for building bases or protective covers.
• Tools: A drill, saw (for PVC or wood), measuring tape, markers, and screws/bolts are typically all you’ll need.

Simple Designs to Consider

While many variations exist, two popular scrap-based designs are particularly effective:

1. PVC Feeder: This design uses a vertical PVC pipe as a reservoir, with T-fittings or cut-out ports at the bottom for chickens to access feed. It’s often mounted on a wall.
2. Bucket Feeder: A 5-gallon bucket serves as the main reservoir. Feed ports are cut into the bottom or sides, often combined with a simple tray or trough to catch any minor spillage.

For this guide, we’ll focus on a hybrid design that combines the capacity of a bucket with the controlled access of PVC feeding ports.

Step-by-Step: Building a Bucket/PVC Hybrid Feeder

Materials for this specific design:

• One 5-gallon plastic bucket with a lid
• Two 3-inch PVC elbow fittings (90-degree)
• Two 3-inch PVC caps (optional, for aesthetics/rodent deterrent)
• PVC primer and cement (or screws if you prefer)
• Drill with a 3-inch hole saw bit (or jigsaw)
• Marker, measuring tape

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Bucket: Clean the bucket thoroughly. Decide where you want the feeding ports to be. Typically, these are placed around 2-3 inches from the bottom edge of the bucket, spaced evenly apart. For a 5-gallon bucket, two ports are usually sufficient for 4-6 chickens.
2. Cut the Feeding Ports: Using your 3-inch hole saw bit, drill two clean holes where you marked them on the side of the bucket. If you don’t have a hole saw, you can carefully trace the outer diameter of the PVC elbow and cut it out with a jigsaw or utility knife. Ensure the holes are snug for the PVC elbows.
3. Attach the PVC Elbows: Insert the straight end of each 3-inch PVC elbow into the holes from the outside of the bucket. The angled opening of the elbow should face upwards at an accessible angle for your chickens. Secure them in place. You can use PVC cement for a permanent seal or drill small pilot holes and use screws with washers from the inside of the bucket to hold the elbows firmly. Ensure the seal is watertight.
4. Optional: Add PVC Caps: If desired, you can cap the exposed end of the PVC elbows with 3-inch PVC caps. This creates a slightly deeper well for the feed and can help deter rodents, although it’s not strictly necessary for functionality.
5. Assemble and Test: Once the elbows are secure, place the lid on the bucket. You now have a feeder ready to be filled. The lid protects the feed from rain and keeps pests out.

Tips for a Successful No-Waste Feeder

• Placement Matters: Hang or elevate your feeder slightly off the ground to prevent chickens from scratching dirt into the feed and to deter rodents. Ensure it’s accessible to all your birds.
• Introduce It Slowly: Chickens can be wary of new things. Initially, you might need to scatter some feed on the ground near the new feeder or even in the feeder’s ports to encourage them to investigate.
• Monitor Feed Levels: Check the feeder daily to ensure it’s not empty. A full feeder ensures consistent access to food, which is crucial for healthy birds.
• Consider Weather Protection: If your feeder is outdoors, ensure the bucket lid is snug and consider adding a small overhanging roof or placing it under a shelter to prevent rain from entering the feed ports.
• Rodent Proofing: Elevating the feeder and ensuring snug-fitting lids are key to keeping rodents out. You might also want to ensure the feed ports are not so wide that a rat could easily climb in.

Maintenance and Cleaning

Even a no-waste feeder requires occasional cleaning. Feed can become damp or stale over time, especially in humid conditions. Periodically empty any remaining feed, brush out the interior of the bucket and the PVC ports, and wipe them down. A mild soap and water solution, followed by a thorough rinse and air drying, will keep your feeder hygienic and your flock healthy.

Conclusion: A Smart Investment of Your Time

Building a no-waste chicken feeder from scrap materials is a project that pays dividends quickly. By preventing feed waste, you save money, reduce mess, and contribute to the well-being of your flock. It’s a testament to the power of DIY and upcycling – transforming discarded items into practical, long-lasting solutions for your backyard farm. So gather your scraps, roll up your sleeves, and give your chickens the efficient feeder they deserve!