Whatever the different options for automatic chicken feeders, they all serve the same important purpose – the regular supply of dry feed for the normal poultry breeding process. Today, models with a hopper or products with a timer are not uncommon.
After all, the main task of using such a feeder model is to ensure the continuity of the feed supply.
Why is regular feeding required?
The automatic chicken feeder has become widespread among poultry breeders. These feeders are convenient in that they provide the biological needs of the birds without requiring cleaning or the direct participation of the farmer. In addition, a well-made feeder can last for many years without loss of functionality.
The automatic feeder model is a special device into which the required amount of feed is supplied at a certain time. The technical sophistication of this device has a positive effect on the egg production of chickens. The system “unties the hands” of the worker, allowing him to leave the cage for a long time. Much depends on the design, when feed can be fed for several days or a week. Hens will not get hungry and will lay eggs.
Modern homemade devices in the form of feeders can be made from anything. Wood and plywood, metal and plastic, pipes, boxes, bottles are used. So, the feeder can be a prefabricated structure using various materials. But mixing feed is not recommended. It is better to install several feeders in one design.
Types of automatic feeders
You can’t do without automatic feeders, they are mounted for constant self-supply of dry feed in the process of breeding poultry. Not everyone is correct and useful. You need to carefully choose fixtures that can last more than one year. Models of automatic feeders can be made of various materials. The simplest model is the bunker. More sophisticated options for feeders are equipped with a timer and the ability to program.
Made from the most durable ABS plastic or made from steel, the feeders are powder coated. The complete set of models includes a stern area and a tray, which, in turn, can be divided into compartments. Some models of feeders require additional capacity, for example, in the form of a large jar or bottle. The simpler the product model, the simpler its design. So, some simple options for feeders are better suited for broiler chickens.
Consider the main types of feeders.
Bunker
The bunker feeder is arranged according to the vacuum principle, when the feed enters a closed container and tray through a small hole. It is important to make sure that the fasteners of this design are reliable, because it will often have to be removed from the wall in order to change the tray.
plastic bucket
This option involves the use of a plastic container. But it can not be left on the street, as moisture will enter the food. It is better to leave the bucket in a closed chicken coop. A plastic bucket with a capacity of 5 to 10 liters is suitable as a feeder. The lid should fit snugly on the container. You can use a bowl or tray as a feeder tray (special devices are sold at the pet store).
Canister
Usually a container of about 5 liters is used here. It can be a plastic canister that is placed inside the chicken coop. The plastic container is cut in half, the lower part with a bottom is used, in which holes the size of a chicken head are cut. The canister is tightly closed by the upper part, filled with food.
In the form of a wooden structure
Wooden models are usually made of wood, chipboard, plywood. Wood is a practical, economical material for household use. However, this capacity is not highly wear resistant. But the model is easy to perform at your discretion – depending on the size and volume of the container.
Pedalless design
For the manufacture of a pedalless feeder with automatic feed supply, wood is best suited as a material. The container is made of two side walls and a lid, the bottom is reinforced with a metal pallet. The finished feeder is treated with emery, but not painted or varnished. The feed is fed through the hole in the container where the feed is poured. Such simple designs do not compete with the pedal mechanism.
Pedal design
This construction option is referred to as more complex and thoughtful mechanisms for automatic feed supply. But the mechanism works quite simply. The bird independently presses the foot on the pedal, after which it receives food. You don’t have to specially teach this – chickens will quickly adapt to the new rules of the game. The main thing is to ensure the tightness of the structure so that it can be left in the yard. For additional processing, any safe and moisture-resistant solution is suitable.
PVC pipe for feeding
This device is a PVC pipe attached to the wall of the bird house. The convenience and practicality of the device is that it is difficult to turn it over when used. The volume of PVC pipes allows you to bring up to 10 kg of feed into the feeder. In this way, poultry feed is provided in large poultry houses. True, you will have to clean the structure (pipe) more often than another device.
Options with timer and dispenser
Automatic feeders with a timer and a dispenser are a new word in the technical equipment of modern poultry houses. Modern designs of this type are needed for supplying a grain mixture and dry feed. The mechanics allows rational use of feed mixtures. The timer helps to regulate the time of serving food, and the mechanism with the feed auger ensures that the food enters the special tray.
Dispenser attachments make the task even easier. Equipped feeders can be floor structures or suspended structures, have different tray filling rates. Those that are placed at a height can be adjusted to the growth of the bird. Feeders with a dispenser are easy to use and are made of high quality and durable plastics with low weight. Any such design includes:
- container for loading bulk feed;
- standard feed tray;
- connection element with the dispenser.
Automation with a dispenser and a timer is convenient because the food arrives at the right time. Feed is fed by the system through the auger directly to the tray. The mechanism with a timer has a spare battery and a separate storage container. A fairly convenient and cheap do-it-yourself smart timer feeder project includes components such as an electric motor, a programmable timer installed on the top bar of the cage.
Many models with automatic feed supply are equipped with backup batteries and a convenient reservoir for the safety of bulk feed.
The device can automatically feed up to 8 times in a row. The device is convenient to use, as here you can adjust the intervals of feed intake using a timer.
How to do it yourself?
Such a convenient and functional device as an automatic feeder can be made by hand for agricultural needs. The traditional automatic feeder is made in the form of a wooden structure equipped with a dispenser.
Materials and tools that you may need to create an auto feeder:
- plywood sheets impregnated with a moisture-resistant agent;
- a set of wooden bars;
- ruler, marker, construction tape measure;
- bolts, screws, hinges;
- wood saw and electric drill.
It is important that all wooden structural elements are treated with a special compound – an eco-friendly antiseptic. There are many variations of drawings of a similar design. Consider the most common version of the manufacture of automatic feeders for chickens.
- On a solid sheet of plywood, you need to place the main elements of the future design: planks for the side and one back walls, bottom and lid, front parts, cover over the feed, pedal.
- From several wooden blocks, make 3 pairs of parts: one will be longer, the other 2 will be shorter. This is an element for connecting slats, an element for fastening a cover, and fixing elements.
- All walls of the structure are fixed with standard screws. The back wall is installed at an angle of 15-17 degrees. The lid is attached with hinges – so it is more convenient to recline it to add food.
- The longest bars are attached on two sides: on the side of the cover, on the opposite side, where there is a hole for the bolts. Fixing the bars is also needed at the place where the pedal is installed.
- Before installing the assembled (bunker) structure, it is equipped with a dispenser.
- Now the device can be tested in working condition.
- When pressing the pedal, the lid should lift easily. You can adjust the degree of tension of the bolts at the joints.
- In finished form, the structure is sanded for a smooth surface, all wooden elements are additionally impregnated with antiseptics.
Convenience of equipment
Original ideas for creating automatic feeders are embodied in bold models of these necessary devices. The main convenience of automatic feeders for poultry is the feed mechanism. At the same time, this mechanism is easily regulated and controlled. As a result, the feeder with a dispenser provides chickens with constant access to feed when the lid is triggered under its own weight.
Some models of the design of such a feeder can be equipped with batteries for longer battery life. Easy to use feeder with replaceable spreaders.
How to make an automatic feeder for chickens with your own hands, see the following video.
