Chicken Coop Automatic Feeders - A Complete Guide

• Introduction
• Types of Automatic Feeders
• Materials List
• Construction Steps
• Maintenance and Tips

Introduction

Automatic feeders are a convenient way to feed chickens, especially if you have a large flock or are unable to feed them at regular intervals. In this guide, we'll discuss the different types of automatic feeders available and provide a step-by-step guide on how to build your own.

Types of Automatic Feeders

There are two main types of automatic feeders: gravity-fed and mechanical.

• Gravity-fed feeders rely on the force of gravity to dispense feed. As the chickens eat, more feed falls down to take its place.
• Mechanical feeders use a motor to dispense a predetermined amount of feed at set intervals.

Materials List

• 5-gallon plastic bucket with lid
• Timer (for mechanical feeders)
• Small motor (for mechanical feeders)
• PVC pipe (2-inch diameter, length depends on the height of your coop)
• PVC end cap (2-inch diameter)
• Drill
• 2-inch hole saw drill bit
• Utility knife
• Measuring tape
• Marker or pen

Construction Steps

Here are the steps to build an automatic feeder:

1. Choose the type of feeder you want to build (gravity-fed or mechanical).
2. Measure the height of your chicken coop and cut the PVC pipe to the appropriate length.
3. Drill a hole in the center of the PVC end cap using the 2-inch hole saw drill bit.
4. Place the PVC end cap on top of the bucket lid and trace around the cap with your marker or pen.
5. Cut out the traced circle on the bucket lid with your utility knife.
6. Insert the PVC pipe through the hole in the end cap and attach the end cap to the bottom of the PVC pipe.
7. For a gravity-fed feeder, fill the bucket with chicken feed. For a mechanical feeder, attach the motor and timer to the bucket and follow the manufacturer's instructions for setting the feeding schedule.
8. Attach the lid to the bucket, making sure the PVC pipe is sticking out of the hole in the lid.
9. Hang the feeder in your chicken coop using a chain or rope.
10. Test the feeder to make sure it is dispensing the appropriate amount of feed (for mechanical feeders) or that the feed is flowing down correctly (for gravity-fed feeders).
11. Adjust the feeding schedule or flow of feed as necessary.

Maintenance and Tips

To keep your automatic feeder working properly, be sure to:

• Clean the feeder regularly to prevent mold and bacteria growth.
• Check the feeding schedule or flow of feed regularly to make sure it is still working correctly.
• Make sure the feeder is securely attached to prevent it from falling and potentially injuring your chickens.
• Consider using a backup feeder in case the automatic feeder malfunctions or runs out of feed.
• Choose the appropriate feeder for your flock size and feeding needs.

Building an automatic feeder for your chicken coop can save you time and effort while ensuring that your chickens always have access to food. With the right materials and construction steps, you can easily create a functional and reliable feeder that will keep your chickens happy and healthy.