Construction of an auto feeder for chickens

0

1468

Article rating

Most chicken farmers often think about improving their bird feeding system. Thanks to the improvement and bringing the feeding process to automation, you can save your strength and time, but at the same time the birds will not be hungry. The best option for today is an auto feeder for chickens. There is always an opportunity to purchase or do it yourself.

Automatic chicken feeder

How to make a feeder yourself?

An automatic chicken feeder is different in assembly and type, it all depends on which one is most convenient for you. But, the essence of their work is based on the same thing. Thanks to such a feeder, the chickens are fed automatically, exactly in the amount that the chicken can eat. The rest of the food that has not been used is stored in a different compartment, where other food cannot enter or where it does not get wet. The positive side of such a feeder is not only that chickens constantly have access to food, and receive it regularly, but also that it protects the feed from harmful precipitation and pollution.

Also, besides this, you can significantly save time. Instead of calculating the proper dosage of food yourself, the auto feeder will do it. Such an automatic do-it-yourself chicken feeder is only suitable for bulk food (grain or compound feed, which are fed through a special hole).

The automatic feeder for chickens is made of different materials and different feeding systems. Often, for this they choose a wooden base, plywood or plastic, it is best to buy food. In addition, you can purchase a feeder, which will have a built-in timer and a device that measures the required amount of food.

Feeder with timer

Automatic feeder for domestic chickens with a timer, also called autonomous, deserves attention. It is great for giving only dry food on time. The automatic system is made so that the chickens will always have a feed permit and receive the correct dosage of food. Getting the right ration for the day and the required amount of food is the main guarantee of a good keeping of chickens. You can set a timer so that the chickens receive food at the time you and them need.

In the general feeding system there is an auger, it is through it that the feed enters directly to the tray. Usually all models with an automatic mechanism have such a function as a timer, which has a spare battery and a capacity for storing feed. In total, the feeder can serve food eight times, and the timing between meals can be adjusted as can be seen in the video. The lid that covers the feed fits very tightly to the entire base of the trough, so the feed will be reliably protected from everything. The tray itself is very easy to remove, so cleaning it will not bring any worries to anyone. Perhaps the only negative side of this product is the high price for it.The Auto Feeder will help you free up time for other worries.

DIY feeder

If you want to save your money, then there are several options on how to make a feeder and do-it-yourself drinker... They are different in the method of serving food.

1. Troughs are such small, thin containers that have frames so that food does not spill out. Often, this type of drinker is used for chicks.
2. A groove feeder - in this design of the drinkers, a grate is used that can be removed, and in the middle of the drinker there are a couple of indentations so that different types of food can be mixed. It will be convenient for birds to take food.
3. Bunker - dry food is poured into such a drinking bowl, which enters the tray as it becomes necessary. This structure protects food well from dirt and moisture.

All these models can be made with your own hands according to drawings or you can watch a video on the Internet.

How to make a feeder with a dispenser?

This model of an auto feeder was invented in Australia by a farmer. It was invented in order to feed individuals of a small flock. But, if you have a large flock, then you can simply make the design of the feeder more.

The uniqueness of this drinker lies in the fact that the process of feeding food works on the principle that you press the pedal and the food spills out. And under the mass of chicken, the lid of the structure opens, and as a result, the chicken receives food.

Necessary tools and materials, step-by-step instructions

You can make this feeder yourself, but you will need the following elements: one sheet of plywood, small blocks of wood, you will also need bolts for furniture, two hinges, a file for sawing wood and a drill.

If you have purchased and taken everything you need, then you can proceed to the first stage.

1. On a sheet of plywood, you should draw all the details of the structure. There are ten parts in total: 2 covers, 2 side and 1 rear wall, the bottom of the structure, 3 front strips and, of course, the pedal.
2. Then for this you need to cut the suitable bars. The two main parts should be the longest, as they are needed in order to properly secure the pedal. Then you need two more bars in order to secure the lid. And the last two parts should be as short as possible, they are necessary in order to connect the roof bars together.
3. The walls themselves are best fastened with screws, but the back wall should be tilted fifteen degrees inward. This is necessary in order for the food to enter the drinker.
4. The lid is attached with hinges so that you can calmly and deftly add food.
5. After you have assembled the entire system, you need to check whether the compartment opens if you press the pedal. If the cover opens too tight, then the bolt tension can be adjusted. You can watch a video of how to make such feeders with your own hands.

After you have completely assembled such a system and model, you can treat it with wall material and an antiseptic. Experts do not recommend using any varnish or paint, as this can negatively affect the physical health of the chicken.

Bunker model

When you assemble such a system, the main thing is to remember that it must have the volume you need. The positive side of this plastic drinker is that it is very easy to clean and easy to use. In order to assemble such a model, you will need the following:

• containers made of any material, while the role of the "bunker" itself can be played by any container, such as a bucket;
• a very sharp knife (just be careful);
• any container with a border so that food does not spill out, it is best to choose food grade plastic;
• and also, you will need nails, wire.

We will consider the step-by-step steps below in more detail.

1. First you need to choose a container. It must be chosen in order to understand exactly where the food will be poured. Then you need to select the bottom part.For example, for the main container, you can take a lid that has sides, or perhaps you have a container for seedlings. The main thing is that the size of the bottom base is larger than the feed hopper itself.
2. Then you will need to make holes for each compartment. All this can be done with a knife.
3. After that, you need to fasten the 2 parts together with a self-tapping screw.
4. To keep the feeder at a certain distance from the ground, and it is convenient for the chickens to take food, you can attach it with nails and wire. If you do not need this, and the structure itself looks normal and reliable, then it can be installed directly on the floor of the chicken coop.

Based on the above, you can choose the most convenient drinker for you. The larger the flock, the larger the drinker. If you have broilers, many farmers recommend using bunker drinkers. Thanks to them, you can not worry about constantly adding feed for a while. And most importantly, remember that the above models of drinkers can only be used for bulk food.