I am always on the lookout for ways to save money while still giving my flock the best care possible. One of the ways I achieve this is by building my own DIY wood chicken feeder. In this article, I will guide you through the process of building your own DIY wood chicken feeder step by step.
Why Build a DIY Wood Chicken Feeder?
Building your own DIY wood chicken feeder comes with a number of benefits. First, you can customize the feeder to suit your specific needs and the size of your flock. Secondly, it can save you money when compared to buying pre-made feeders. Finally, building your own feeder can be an enjoyable and rewarding project that you can do alone or with family and friends.
Materials Needed to Build a DIY Wood Chicken Feeder
Before you begin building your DIY wood chicken feeder, you will need to gather the necessary materials:
- Wood: You will need either 1×4 inch or 1×6 inch lumber, depending on the size of your feeder.
- Screws: You will need wood screws to assemble the feeder.
- Saw: You will need a saw to cut the lumber to the desired size.
- Drill: You will need a drill to create pilot holes for the screws.
- Tape measure: You will need a tape measure to measure the length and width of the feeder and the distance between the slats.
- Feeder cover: You can purchase a pre-made feeder cover or make your own using plywood and hinges.
| Material | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Wood (1×4 inch or 1×6 inch lumber) | Varies depending on size of feeder |
| Wood screws | Varies depending on size of feeder |
| Saw | 1 |
| Drill | 1 |
| Tape measure | 1 |
| Feeder cover (optional) | 1 plywood sheet and hinges (if making your own) |
Steps to Build a DIY Wood Chicken Feeder
Follow these simple steps to build your own DIY wood chicken feeder:
Step 1: Determine the Size of the Feeder
Start by determining the size of the feeder you want to build. Consider the size of your flock and how much feed they consume daily. A general rule of thumb is to allow for 4 inches of feeder space per bird. Additionally, ensure that you leave enough space between the slats to prevent overcrowding and allow the chickens to access the feed easily.
Step 2: Cut the Lumber to Size
Using a saw, cut the lumber to the desired length for the feeder sides and bottom. If you plan on adding a cover, you will also need to cut a piece of plywood to the same size as the feeder bottom.
Step 3: Drill Pilot Holes for the Screws
Using a drill, create pilot holes for the screws on the lumber. This will help prevent the wood from splitting when you assemble the feeder.
Step 4: Assemble the Feeder
Using wood screws, assemble the feeder by attaching the sides to the bottom. Ensure that you use a level to ensure that the feeder is even and level.
Step 5: Add the Feeder Cover
If you plan on adding a feeder cover, attach the plywood cover to the top of the feeder using hinges. This will allow you to easily lift the cover to refill the feeder.
Step 6: Sand the Edges
Using sandpaper, sand the edges of the feeder to remove any rough edges or splinters.
Step 7: Fill the Feeder with Feed
Once the feeder is assembled and sanded, fill it with your chicken feed of choice. Make sure to place the feeder in a dry, shaded area to prevent the feed from getting wet.
Step 8: Monitor and Maintain the Feeder
Regularly monitor the feeder to ensure that it is functioning properly and that the feed is not getting wet or contaminated. Clean the feeder regularly to prevent mold and bacteria growth.
Conclusion
Building a DIY wood chicken feeder is a fun and rewarding project that can save you money while providing your flock with the best care possible. By following the step-by-step guide outlined in this article, you can easily build a feeder that is tailored to your specific needs and the size of your flock.
