You may have already come across instructions on how to make your own chicken feeders from PVC pipe. The instructions can be found on many websites around the world. One thing that I noticed immediately with the other PVC pipe feeders is that they are designed for a small number of chickens. That's no problem at all if you only have a small number of chickens to feed because they can all take turns without any problems. Here is my improved variation of the PVC chicken feeder, which I have named the "Chicken Silo". Using different connecting pieces to that shown in other PVC pipe feeders, I have made a feeder which will allow several birds to feed at once.

Here are the instructions and photos ...

Materials:

• PVC pipe ( I used 90mm UPVC stormwater because I had some left over in the shed )
• Elbow (1)
• End caps (2)
• Self tapper screws (3)
• Electric drill
• Angle grinder (ear muffs & goggles of course)
• Tie wire

Approx costs:

• PVC pipe - left over
• Elbow & end caps - $1.35 each from Reece plumbing (total $4.05 )
• Self tapper screws - already in the shed

Instructions:

The Chicken Silo is L-shaped, I will name the bottom horizontal section the feeder trough and the upright section the chute.

1. Using the angle grinder carefully cut 2 lengths of pipe. 1 length approx. 40cm for the feeder trough, 1 length approx 80cm for the chute.
2. Before cutting the feeder trough piece all the way through, make a cutout approx. 25cm x 5cm along the length of the pipe as pictured.
3. Connect the chute to the feeder trough using the elbow then drill a hole through and secure with one self tapper in each piece. (no glue)
4. Place the lower end cap on the feeder trough then drill a hole through and secure with one self tapper, leaving the other end cap on the chute free for refilling with feed.
5. Drill two holes in the feeder trough for attaching the tie wire, to be used for securing the Chicken Silo to your pen.

Notes:

• I have found the younger chickens will get in and scratch out the food and poop in it, older chickens will keep the feed much cleaner.
• The PVC pipe should be painted if it will be in direct sunlight at any time as the plastic used to make stormwater pipe is not UV stabilised and will become brittle in a couple of years if not painted.
• Refill the chute with feed as required.

Please feel free to leave any comments or suggestions for improvement. ( must be logged in to add a comment to the page )

Sharon, ChookNet Admin

Close up showing placement of self tapper screws:

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