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Is a DIY chicken feeder something you need? If you have a flock of backyard chickens and want a better (or cheaper) feeder than the plastic and metal ones you can buy at the farm store, then the answer is probably yes.
DIY or Do-It-Yourself chicken feeders come in many different shapes and sizes. Some are made from PVC pipe, some are made from gallon plastic buckets, some are made from metal and the list goes on. You might choose to make your own chicken feeder to reduce feed waste, or save money.
DIY Chicken Feeders
Of course one of the main things you need to take care of your chickens is a chicken feeder.
The fact is chicken feeders (especially the plastic ones) don’t always last forever. Sure, there are some store bought chicken feeders that really do a great job. And, quite frankly, if you don’t have a large flock or if you aren’t a builder or don’t have time for extra projects, the store bought feeders work quite well.
However, if you have been raising backyard chickens for a while, you’ve probably made several trips to your local farm store to replace a chicken feeder that has seen better days. Not a big deal at first, but eventually, the cost of all of those feeders starts to add up.
Why Make Your Own Chicken Feeder?
First, they are typically going to be quite a bit less costly than a store bought expensive feeder. Store bought feeders, especially nice metal ones tend to run in the $20 – $50 range. Making your own feeder can sometimes be done for free with things you already have or as little as $10 or so depending on the type you choose.
Homesteading and DIY projects go hand in hand. They are sometimes a little more time consuming than a simple run to the store, but they are almost always cheaper to build and last MUUUUUCH longer. In the long run, most DIY projects are more cost effective.
If you make your own chicken feeder, you can also tailor it to fit your needs.
For example, looking to cut chicken feed costs? Make a no-waste feeder. Looking to spend less time filling feeders with feed? Make one of the large 5 gallon bucket feeders you won’t have to refill everyday. Looking to cut down on rodents in your coop? Make an enclosed feeder that mice can’t easily get into.
What Kinds of DIY feeders are there?
There are all kinds of DIY chicken feeders that can be made. Really, your imagination can be the limit for what you can use to make your chicken feeder.
Some common materials that are used are: Plastic buckets, wood, coffee cans, metal buckets, PVC pipes, Tupperware bins, and even wine bottles!
Looking for other DIY chicken projects? Check out our DIY chicken brooder DIY Feed Bin, and DIY chicken run.
9 of the best DIY chicken feeders your chickens will love!
DIY No-Waste Feeder
Let’s start this list with a double money saver! On top of saving money by building a more durable and longer lasting feeder, this feeder will also save you money on your chicken feed bill.
And we all know, the cost of feeding chickens can add up super quick!
The $2 Five Gallon Chicken Bucket Feeder
Meet the DIY version of the 5 gallon chicken feeder you see lining the aisles of your local farm store (and all you really need is a plastic bucket).
If you don’t like to haul chicken feed out everyday, you can try out this chicken bucket feeder one which holds a TON of food at one time. Unless, of course, chicken math has taken over and you have a super large flock! Then maybe you should make two.
Need some help keeping your chickens health and care taken care of? Check out the Organized Chicken Keeper for an easy to follow system.
The No Spill PVC Feeder
This is another no waste chicken feeder. I love this PVC feeder! This one is a double bonus of being no spill – save money by reducing wasted chicken feed – AND it is large enough that it can store a good amount of feed.
If you get a feeder the right size for your flock, you can fill it once a week and your chickens will never go hungry. That kind of time savings can get you AT LEAST another cup of coffee in the morning.
Also, making a PVC feeder shouldn’t be too terribly costly as the PVC pieces are usually priced pretty reasonably.
The Salad Bar
One of the more unique chicken feeder ideas! Keep your chickens from destroying their leafy greens from scratching the ground but also give them a nutritious snack!
The DIY Wine Bottle Grit & Oyster Shell Feeder
Grit is a necessary part of a chicken’s diet. If your flock does is not able to free range, they may need a grit supplement. Here’s a great way to convert an empty wine bottle into a grit dispenser. Added bonus: you can empty the bottle yourself while you do the project 😉
Through The Wall PVC DIY Chicken Feeder
This is an alternate version of the other PVC chicken feeder. It still retains the no spill qualities but is designed for feeders that are not in an easily accessible location.
Or, if you don’t want to have to do into your chicken coop to dump feed, you can use this through the wall DIY chicken feeder. I know that would make it a little faster and easier for us in the mornings if we didn’t have to go into the coop, but could just dump the chickens food and then check on them later.
An additional bonus to a PVC chicken feeder is there is no real “building” the PVC pieces all fit together making it an easy project for even those of us who are not real builders.
The Hanging Coffee Can
No, this is not specifically for chickens who need an extra little oomph in the morning. It’s for the chicken farmers who need that extra little oomph in the morning! Don’t toss your coffee canisters when you empty them. They can be upcycled into a hanging DIY chicken feeder.
Assuming that you already are drinking the coffee that you use the coffee can of, this one is essentially free! And free is great!
The Metal Canister Gravity Feeder
If you want something a little more heavy duty, here’s a DIY chicken feeder you can make using PVC pipes and a metal trash can.
This feeder is good for big flocks and also if you have a need for your feeder to withstand more wear and tear.
The Automatic DIY Chicken Feeder
This is to feeding chickens what the remote control is for television. I love the idea of a closed chicken feeder that activates and opens when a chicken steps on the pedal.
It ticks all of the boxes for me; keeps out rodents, stores food for longer periods of time, no spill/scratch design, and it looks nice!
Of course this one may take a little more skill than some of the others above, it really is a combination of all of their best qualities! And if it is going to last a long time, you may as well put in a little extra time and money and get the best DIY chicken feeder possible.
Do you have any chicken feeder ideas not listed above? Let us know in the comment section below.
If you need more help with taking care of your chickens, check out The Organized Chicken Keeper for a complete system for managing their health through keeping their supplies stocked and coop clean.
