How To Make An EASY Chicken Feeder

Written by Cory Waldal in Raising

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On this page you’ll find easy to follow steps to make a semi auto chicken feeder. Stop refilling your little feeder every day or even multiple times a day. The large container will hold several days worth of feed to save you time and energy.

Materials Needed:

  • Large bucket or garbage can (plastic)
  • 3″ PVC elbows
  • 3″ PVC caps
  • Ruler/Measuring Tape/Etc.
  • Marker
  • Drill (cordless or corded)
  • Hole Saw (make sure it matches the diameter or your PVC elbows)
  • Dremel tool (or similar type saw tool)
  • Bricks/Wood block/Etc.

Instructions:

#1: Mark the locations for your PVC elbows.

Source: YouTube / J&J Acres

Measure from the bottom of your container to where you want the center of your PVC elbow to be and make a mark. This isn’t an exact science but you’ll want them low. Measure and mark for each PVC elbow you are using. To avoid overcrowding (and to satisfy the OCD in some of us), try and space these marks evenly around the container.


#2: Cut holes for PVC elbows.

Source: YouTube / J&J Acres

Align the center drill bit of your hole saw on the marks you made previously. Run your drill to cut out all the holes. (Pro tip: run the drill in reverse for a cleaner cut!)

#3: Cut a notch.

Source: YouTube / J&J Acres

Now you’re going to use a Dremel tool or a similar type saw to cut a notch out of the female end of the PVC elbow. This allows one end of the elbow to support the elbow from below and the notch allows feed to come into the elbow. Again, this isn’t exact science. If you want to use a piece of plastic from the holes you just cut as a template so they’re all the same, you can, or you can freestyle it. Do this to all of your PVC elbows.

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#4: Cut a window out of the PVC cap.

Source: YouTube / J&J Acres

You can look at this as cutting a window or a lip. You’re going to cut out the top 2/3’s or so out of the face of PVC cap. Having this lip will keep the chickens from pulling feed out of the pipe. It will really help you not have feed waste. Do this to all of your PVC caps.

This is how the PVC elbow and cap will look once these two cuts are made.

Source: YouTube / J&J Acres

#5: Assemble.

Source: YouTube / J&J Acres

With your container right side up, put your PVC elbow inside. With the female end facing down, push the male end through the hole. From the outside, push the cap onto the PVC elbow. The cap will hold the elbow tight so you don’t have to use any glues or sealants.

#6: Set in place.

Source: YouTube / J&J Acres

Take your bricks, cinder blocks, or etc. where you want your feeder. If you are using a small container, I’d recommend using wood blocks and securing the container to the wood blocks with screws or bolts. If its a bigger container (like in the pictures), set the container on top of the blocks. The feed will be heavy enough to keep it in place.

#7: Fill and enjoy.

Source: YouTube / J&J Acres

You are done! Fill your container with feed and enjoy not having to fill your chickens feeder every day or multiple times a day.

You can watch the step-by-step video instructions here:

I hope you enjoyed this tutorial. Remember to share this post on social media. Sharing is caring and helps us keep growing here at BackyardChickensHQ.

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