No-waste, automatic, and trough feeders are some of the types of chicken feeders.If you want to save money, you can make your own chicken feeders.A trough feeder with different lengths of pipes and an elbow pipe joint can be made using buckets and PVC pipes.
Step 1: A 2 in section is cut from the end of a 3 ft pipe.
Take a measurement from the end of the pipe and make a mark on it.Then, use a power saw or hand saw to cut through the pipe.Make 2 more cuts from the end of the pipe.There is a 2 in square section at the end of the pipe.Don't cut out any other sections of the pipe.Don't cut all the way through the pipe.Only cut halfway through it.
Step 2: Attach the pipe back to the bucket.
The uncut, back side of the pipe can be applied with a generous amount of liquid cement.The end of the pipe should be put into the bucket.Press against the inside of the bucket.Hold it in this position for about a minute.The bucket is around 15 cm in height.This will make it easier for the chickens to reach the food.
Step 3: Allow the glue to dry while the feeder is on its side.
The pipe and bucket should be on the ground.You should keep the pipe in its original position.As it dries, make sure it presses against the inside of the bucket.It may take 15 minutes for the liquid cement to dry, but leave it for at least an hour to be sure.Press the bucket and pipe together immediately when liquid cement starts to dry.
Step 4: Allow the chickens to feed on the food that is poured into the top of the pipe.
Chicken feed can be poured into the tube after the pipe has dried.As you fill the pipe, hold it upright.After it is full, the bucket will keep the feeder erect.Don't worry about the bucket being full.There should be no more than 2 in (5.1 cm) of feed in the bucket at all times, because the feeder will only allow food to come out as high as the section you cut.To keep it steady, you may want to tie the filled feeders to a post.If it gets bumped, it may tip over.
Step 5: There are 4 holes in the center of a 1.5 ft plastic pipe.
Choose a pipe that is about 10 cm in diameter.To cut holes in the pipe, use a drill with a hole cutting bit.If you don't have a drill with a hole cutting bit, you can use a power saw or hand saw to cut a section out of the pipe.Don't cut all the way through the pipe.Only cut a 6 in section that goes halfway through the pipe.
Step 6: Attach the elbow pipe piece to the 3 ft PVC pipe.
The 1.5 ft (0.46 m) pipe has an elbow piece on it.You need to connect the 3 ft pipe to the other end of the elbow.The elbow and pipes should be adjusted to form a right angle.Make sure the holes you cut out of the pipe are facing upwards.
Step 7: The shorter pipe has a cap on it.
To prevent chicken feed from spilling out, place an end cap on the other end of the pipe.If the lid doesn't fit tightly, apply liquid cement or another strong glue to the inside of the cap to keep it in place.The end cap needs to be dry before you use the feeder.Wait at least an hour to make sure they are dry.
Step 8: Feed your chickens by pouring food into the opening of a pipe.
The upright tube needs to be in a corner to support it.Chicken feed can be poured into the feeder with the open end of the pipe pointing up.Continue filling until the feed reaches the top of the pipe.Place an end cap on the pipe to protect the food.You will need to remove the end cap each time you feed the chickens, so don't glue it in.