Last Updated on June 12, 2024 by teamobn
We’ve featured inexpensive DIY chicken feeder solutions from PVC before. Okay, so like, the thought of a super fancy chicken feeder might make you cluck with excitement. But you have to look at all the deets here because there’s no one-size-fits-all answer.
Your feathered friends, coop size, materials, and pesky obstacles all play a role in crafting the ultimate feeding setup. So, hold up before you start getting all hyped up about it. Just make sure you’re giving this decision the proper amount of thought.
So here are some more quick and inexpensive chicken feeder ideas you can create on your own.
Our aspiration is that among these DIY suggestions, you discover a solution that not only reduces your expenses but also simplifies and streamlines the process of raising chickens for you!
Raising chickens is the ultimate hack for honing your skills and unleashing your inner resourceful genius. When you dive into the world of chicken-raising, you’ll discover a whole host of opportunities to get your hands dirty but save some major cash. Say goodbye to pricey services and hello to the satisfaction of doing it yourself.
From crafting ingenious chicken feeder solutions to constructing the coop, tending to house repairs, or even replacing roosting poles, the do-it-yourself approach opens up a world of possibilities for frugal poultry enthusiasts.
Just remember, your pets need a comfy crib, yummy eats and drinks, and a bug-free hangout. That means setting them up with a home that keeps danger at bay, keeping their bellies full and hydrated, and letting them wander in a place without any harmful chemicals.
While exploring cost-saving strategies is undoubtedly valuable, never lose sight of the fundamental needs that must be met to ensure the health and well-being of your feathered friends. Alongside your resourceful endeavors, prioritize the provision of a safe and secure shelter, a consistent supply of fresh, nutritious food, and access to clean, uncontaminated water.
We have collected a list of useful DIY ideas to help you raise your chickens and save money along the way.
6 Chicken Feeder Solutions
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1. Hanging Chicken Feeder With Catch Box
Got an existing poultry feeder? Even though they are designed to be unreachable to pests and to minimize food that falls on the ground, chickens usually still make a huge mess with it. But you don’t have to replace your poultry feeder with another kind of feeder.
You can simply add a catch box under it to gather all the spilled feeds and put them back in the feeder. The plastic grid also prevents rodents from eating all the food on the ground!
2. Gallon Bucket and Relish Tray
This is one of the really cheap chicken feeder solutions you can make — a gallon plastic bucket and a relish tray. Simply put them together to look and function like a store-bought poultry feeder and that’s it!
Just secure the relish tray within the mouth of the plastic bucket, ensuring a snug fit. The individual compartments of the tray will serve as designated feeding stations for your feathered friends, promoting an orderly and mess-free feeding routine.
3. Gallon Bucket Chicken Feeder Solution
If you’re having trouble finding a relish tray, don’t fret – you can skip it altogether and improvise with something as simple as a gallon bucket to serve as an efficient chicken feeder. All you need to do is create holes in the bucket that are large enough for your chickens’ heads to fit through.
However, it’s essential to ensure that the cuts you make in the bucket are clean and smooth to prevent any injuries or discomfort for your feathered friends. This clever DIY approach not only saves you the hassle of searching for a specific feeder but also showcases your resourcefulness in providing for your chickens’ needs. 😉
4. Ladles and Glass Bottle Chicken Feeder Solution
If you really love recycling, repurposing, and upcycling, this idea might inspire you. A small chicken feeder from ladles or even glass bottles for a small coop with just a few occupants… Why not? You can also make a chicken feeder out of an old chandelier!
The idea of repurposing these everyday items into functional feeders not only reduces waste but also adds a charming touch to your chicken’s environment.
5. Goat Proof Chicken Feeder Solution
Do you have other backyard pets that keep on eating your chooks’ meals? You can simply ‘fence’ your chicken feeder with a wire mesh. This feeder that you see below has a number of openings for chickens to gain access to their food. Again, it’s important to make sure the openings are cleanly cut so as not to hurt your chooks!
The idea of this chicken feeder is to save space. There is a level your goats can reach for their food and another place only for chickens. 
6. PVC Chicken Feeder Solution
In case you missed it, the DIY PVC chicken feeder is a great idea to consider especially if you are new to raising chickens. It is easy to make, easy to refill, keeps the food clean all the time, and prevents food waste!
One of its most commendable features is its ability to maintain food hygiene consistently. The feeder design keeps the food protected from contaminants, ensuring that your flock is always supplied with clean and uncontaminated sustenance.
It excels in curbing food wastage, which can be a big concern in poultry keeping. By minimizing spillage and preventing chickens from scattering their food, this feeder also helps you make the most of your feed resources.
You can learn more about it here…
Automated Chicken Feeder Systems
Raising chickens can be a rewarding but demanding endeavor, especially when it comes to feeding. An automated chicken feeder system simplifies this aspect of care by ensuring your chickens are fed on schedule without constant attention. This technology not only saves time but also enhances the feeding process, making it efficient and less labor-intensive.
Here’s a closer look at the benefits and functionality of automated feeder systems for your poultry.
Benefits of Using Automated Feeders
- Consistency and Time Management: Automated feeders dispense food at regular intervals, ensuring that your chickens receive a consistent amount of feed throughout the day. This regularity helps maintain the health and productivity of your flock while freeing up valuable time for other tasks.
- Reduced Waste and Cost Efficiency: These systems are designed to minimize feed spillage, which reduces waste and saves money over time. By controlling the amount of feed dispensed, automated feeders also prevent overfeeding, which can lead to health issues in chickens.
- Prevention of Pest Problems: With traditional feeding methods, spilled feed can attract rodents and other pests. Automated feeders keep the feed contained and only accessible to your chickens, helping to keep unwanted visitors away.
Choosing the Right Automated Feeder
- Capacity and Scale: Consider the size of your flock and the space available in your coop. Automated feeders come in various sizes and capacities, so it’s important to choose one that fits your specific needs.
- Power Source: Some automated feeders are battery-operated, while others may require a mains connection. Evaluate your coop’s setup to decide which power source is more practical for your situation.
- Durability and Weather Resistance: Since feeders are typically placed outdoors, look for models that are durable and can withstand various weather conditions. Materials like high-density polyethylene (HDPE) or metal with a protective coating are often recommended.
Implementing Your Automated Feeder
- Installation: Proper installation is crucial to ensure the feeder operates correctly. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully, and consider securing the feeder to prevent it from tipping over.
- Training Your Chickens: Introduce your chickens to the new feeder gradually. Initially, you may need to guide them to the feeder and show them how it works to ensure they can access the feed comfortably.
- Maintenance: Regular maintenance is essential to keep the feeder functioning efficiently. Check and clean the feeder periodically to prevent clogging and ensure that all mechanical parts are in good working order.
An automated chicken feeder system is a valuable investment for any poultry owner looking to streamline their feeding routine. By automating this daily task, you can focus more on enjoying the pleasures of raising chickens, while also enhancing the health and efficiency of your flock.
Unlocking Chicken Feeding Hacks!
You’ve discovered the secrets to effortless chicken feeding with these six tips for ingenious solutions. These carefully curated tips promise to revolutionize the way you nourish your feathered friends, turning the often mundane task into a seamless and satisfying experience for both you and your cherished flock.
Say goodbye to the hassle and hello to simplicity as you learn to keep your feathered friends well-fed and happy. Your chickens will thank you, and you’ll wonder why you didn’t try these easy feeder hacks sooner!
If you liked this, you will also like viewing these chicken coop ideas.
Looking to build a chicken coop but don’t want to spend a fortune? Check out our free chicken coop plans here…
