DIY Automatic Chicken Feeder - Holds Over 100 Pounds Of Feed

Need an automatic chicken feeder for your flock? We've used this feeder for the past couple years and our hens love it! I'll teach you how to build this feeder in ten minutes! It holds over 100 pounds of feed and will keep your feed safe from pests, and will even keep it safe in the rain!
The garbage can is a Rubbermade Roughneck 32 gallon garbage can. The PVC are 4" 90-degree plumbing bends. All you need for tools are a black marker and a sharp knife. Add 4x4" support pieces and you're complete! Simple!
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[@Elbalchc]

AMAZING SO SIMPLE …thank you for showing us your idea to eliminate my hen’s WASTE problem n end of my finacial hen feed waste problem frustration… I’d love to go on a trip once in awhile instead of waste on hens👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

This is THE way to go. We have loved these for years. I think we have three of them now. Build one and go take a vacation!! Thanks for stopping by to watch. Cheers!

[@daviddavidd2499]

I came up with an idea. making this feeder, I realized that the feed in the center of the barrel was somewhat out of reach. I took an old funnel and bolted it to the bottom center and it forces the feed toward the eating shoots.

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

You are correct about the middle. There are a few inches my gals can't find. You have a brilliant idea! Thanks for sharing!!

[@aaronmorgan8864]

Do you mount the funnel upside down?

[@daviddavidd2499]

@aaronmorgan8864 yes, it works.

[@sandracollett6549]

I guess there isn’t a way to keep critters from crawling in where the chickens heads go in because no one has posted an answer to that often asked question. Maybe rat wire attached at the other end of the pipe would have large enough holes that allow feed to come through but keep critters out. I wish they would let us know because we all know what a rat, mouse, squirrel, or ground squirrel would do. I guess if they are in an enclosure made of rat wire nothing could get into the chicken lot.

[@rustybarrr]

Great idea. I used my 4” hole saw which is 4” id the elbo is 4”od. Then I just took my torch and softened up the edges of the hole. This allowed me to easily push in the elbo. And it also sealed it after it cooled off.

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

Great idea and I bet it sealed perfectly. Great job of improving on the design! Cheers Rusty!!

[@Stonehound503]

I absolutely love this there’s something about just the simplicity of it and then never make it out of anything for any amount of birds. I’m on my way home right now to make one out of a 5 gallon bucket for my two girls.! But due to availability I’m using four-inch black flexible drainage hose so I can just screw it in with the threads that are on the pipe😅🤔 also, I never have a problem with anything, but whenever I making something I always put myself in the eyes of the critics, I am by toughest credit, and the only thing that I could see that somebody would say negative about. This is the damn rubber, and then gestation of micro plastics over the years 🤷🏻‍♂️ I don’t know I don’t care. I’m making one. I’ll send you a picture of it later.!

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

Keep us posted. This has worked for us for years and I've never had an issue with it (micro plastics or anything). Let us know how it turns out. Cheers!

[@DawnRaeB]

THANK YOU for showing the process and the inside. I thought there needed to be tightening rings of some kind on the inside. And I couldn't imagine how the feed falls down to the opening but I can see it now. I appreciate this! (I'm going to start with a smaller version for the quail!)

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

The quail version would be so cute! I don't really have a feel for how big they are! Glad this helps. Seems like a lot of people are asking about this. Thanks for watching Dawn! Cheers!

[@flowerfolkfarm3553]

This is awesome Rich! Work smarter not harder !! Great little project and so good that it allows you to go away and not have to worry about feed! 🐝💝🌷

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

It really is a great system. We need to make sure the Farm doesn't get in the way of our travel!! Cheers Anita!

[@flowerfolkfarm3553]

@@TheOldSwedesFarm I love it!!! 😆👏💝

[@BoxcarJerry]

Nice and simple feeder and cheap to make. Great tip and thanks for sharing it.

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

For the price, and the time, I am really happy! It really is a winner. Thanks for watching Jerry! Cheers!

[@HomesteadingandHungry]

Thank you for sharing! We are gonna make this!

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

You will love the results. Simple to make and the hens love it! Let us know if you have any questions. Cheers!

[@user-qi4hp7vf8h]

Ror that size of bucket, how many chick's will it feed?

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

WE have two of the feeders in our barn and they handle 50 hens for a week. It holds a LOT of feed! Hope this helps! Cheers!

[@twistyourstitch7371]

What a great idea!!! Love it 😍

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

It works so well and the hens love it! Three of them handle all 80 of our hens! Cheers!

[@BARBSCOUNTRYHOME999]

I love it.. Looks super easy to make.. Nice job Rich Thanks!

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

Thanks Barb! We love it and so do the girls! It lets us travel. Now if I can figure out a waterer that'll hold a weeks worth of water! Cheers!

[@emekasearthgems3376]

Very helpful! Thanks for sharing 💜

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

Glad this was helpful. It's inexpensive, last a long time and is easy to build (and use). Thanks for stopping by! Cheers!

[@AnglesideFarm]

One word sir.....Genius!

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

Thanks Steve! It works well for us! We appreciate you watching and commenting, and your support! Cheers!

[@TiltedKHomestead]

Great homestead hack I think i might use it once we get our flock going. thanks, and be safe.

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

Get moved in, get your garden going and then get your hens! When the time comes, let us know how we can help. Cheers!

[@gardeningmadeeasywiththeol3945]

Hi Rich, what a versatile guy you are - even inventing pieces of chicken feeding equipment now ! Seems like a good idea and that it will work very well. Best Wishes, Paul & Nadj.

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

It works great and keeps the waste to a very minimum. I love that I can fill it and forget it for a while. I hate carrying those 50-pound bags around often!! Thanks for watching! Have a great weekend!

[@mickelsonfamilyhomestead]

This is a brilliant IDEA!

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

Thank you! It works so well for us! The hens love it and so do we! Cheers!

[@jordano10ful]

Thanks for your time is very very good idea

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

Thanks for stopping by to watch and comment. If you've got questions on this design, let us know. Cheers!

[@just_me8796]

This is the best design I've seen

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

Thank you! It's worked for us for many years now. Let us know if you've got any questions. Thanks for stopping by! Cheers!

[@ryandewey7407]

Solid! Going to make one soon.

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

It really holds up well over many years. If you're local to me, I've got three and would be willing to part with one! If not, let us know how your hens like the new feeder! Cheers!

[@CaponeCabin]

This is great solution! Chicken engineering!!

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

Who you calling a chicken?! Thanks for watching Kristen and commenting! I'll be over to you soon. I've been so busy in the garden and I am so far behind on videos! Cheers!

[@diyp8755]

great idea thank you

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

Thanks for watching and commenting! I hope this works well for you! Cheers!

[@jasedrifter]

I like it a lot, I might have to borrow the idea and use it on a smaller scale ( smaller bin or big pail with a lid) Thanks Rich 👍

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

I'm sure you can scale this for smaller birds or less quantity of birds. Thank you for watching! Cheers!

[@curtmorrison7873]

The elbow you created is called a street 90 degree angle. Thank you for the idea. I'm gonna try 3 inch schedule 20 pipe fitting. schedule 40 is much heavier, the type used for plumbing drains in a house. Instead of big can, a bucket with lid. Thank you.

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

Make sure you've got a large enough pipe to let the hens get their heads in. Also, don't go small when you can house a LOT of food. If you go too small, you can't fill it and leave on vacation. We love how we can fill this and be gone for almost a week without refilling. Keep us posted on your progress. Cheers!

[@MykeUrban]

EXCELLENT CONTENT

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

Thanks for watching Mike, and the kind words. We appreciate your support! Cheers!

[@MayfieldRanch]

That is a great idea!

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

It's inexpensive, easy to build and the hens love it! Thanks for watching! Cheers!

[@MinuteontheMountain]

Looks like a great set up. Have a good weekend.

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

It works well and our hens love it! Thanks for watching and have a great weekend!

[@WordsPhotos]

Excellent and thanks for showing it being used by chickens. You saved me a lot of time of not going to buy 6 inch wide pipes etc.

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

I'm not sold on those feeders made of large pipes. I think there is a lot of waste of food with those. This is simple, inexpensive and prevents spillage (and wasted money). Let us know how you did when you make yours. Cheers!

[@northerngirlhobbies]

This is awesome! No waste and you can vacation. Going to make one of these. Thank you for sharing. Be careful with that knife, had me nervous you were going to cut your thumb.

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

That is why I took a break to cut while off camera. I wanted to take my time to be safe. That's why it took seven minutes! Thanks for caring about my thumb Jennifer!!! You will love this!

[@gardentours]

Great idea 🐓🐓👍

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

Thanks for watching and commenting! Our girls love this feeder! Have a great weekend!

[@gbltheolechurch5acrehomestead]

Hey Rich! Watching with great interest. Mrs. Betty and I will be getting chickens next year!

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

You will want to use this type of feeder. So simple and holds a lot of food! Cheers!

[@billstone8451]

Excellent idea thanks for sharing, I have to have heart surgery out of state this will make me feel much better not worrying if taken care of :)

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

This will hold your chickens for a long time! It holds a LOT of feed for them! Good luck with your surgery! Keep us updated of your progress! Prayers for you! Cheers!

[@billstone8451]

Thanks :)

[@LifewithBlindaandChuck]

That's nice Rich and Holly. Anything to keep the mice away sounds great to me.

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

I'd rather feed my girls versus the mice. Have a great weekend Chuck & Blinda!

[@beesandseeds]

This is fantastic!

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

It works so well and is easy to build. Thanks for watching Lisa!

[@beesandseeds]

@@TheOldSwedesFarm I’m making a couple! We do have an issue with rats sometimes so it’ll be interesting if this helps We have ducks too and I think their bills can get it there too with them size.

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

@@beesandseeds On Facebook pages, people have been telling me that these are great for turkeys and ducks too. I've never had either, so I didn't know. Cheers Lisa!

[@tabby2917love]

This is brilliant! What did you do about water during your 10day trip?

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

We had our neighbor come over to refill our two waterers. They had to fill them about every other day. They also came over to retrieve the eggs and open/close the barn door. Free eggs for a small amount of work! Not bad!

[@houseuponthemountain8540]

So cool!

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

Thank you for watching and commenting! Cheers!

[@hardnackfarms1736]

Very cool. Wow look at you! Before you know it you will be at two thousand. I don’t have chickens and don’t know much about them but I do kniw they make some incredible compost for you. I love zero waiste! I am all about that. Very neat feeder. Have a blessed week! Wendy🙏🏻🇺🇸🐞🦋

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

This video just took off! It's fun when a video catches on (I have no idea why!). You're right about the compost and we're looking forward to lots more of their compost in the future! Have a great weekend Wendy!

[@hardnackfarms1736]

@@TheOldSwedesFarm I would have chickens but don’t have anywhere safe to keep them. I would like good compost./ little farm helpers. Someday I hope. Y’all have a great weekend

[@YogiHollowFarm]

Looks great rich! Love it has a cover on it. Hate when they don’t have covers! Haha

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

I don't want the girls climbing in! I had to have a cover! Cheers Lisa!

[@bigtomatoplantslover6205]

Wonderful Chicken Feeder ^^ Like 73 My frind, have a great day~~~

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

Thanks for watching! Cheers from Minnesota!

[@DaveCollierCamping]

Good info

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

Thank you Dave! Cheers!

[@lisaking7934]

What did you do for water. Also we live in NY state. It gets cold her in winter water freezes. And water for cleaning. We have a chicken (1) and ducks (9).

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

Check out our review of our waterer. The video is titled: "Product Review: Farm Innovators 3-Gallon Heated Poultry Waterer" This should give you an idea how we water, even in the winter.

[@Pennies_on_the_dollar]

Got a little wild with the knife there huh 🤣🤣🤣🤦🤦🤦 I would have had half the bottom cut off🤦🤦🤦 Awesome job my friend, very ingenious feeder system there!! Also very detailed explanation of the process as you always do!! That is amazing!!! I did reference back to my childhood watching cartoons though seeing the girls with their heads buried in the feeder!! 🤣🤣🤣 Cheers my friend!! Great video!!

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

Only one bad cut. I was just making sure I didn't lose a finger on camera!! This works so well and the hens love it! Thanks for watching Nelson! As always, we appreciate your support! Cheers!

[@Pennies_on_the_dollar]

@@TheOldSwedesFarm I was wondering, I would have been fingerless on or off camera🤦🤦🤦 Yes sir always my friend!!

[@user-qi4hp7vf8h]

Like this

[@RickyVentures]

Dinner time!

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

Bon Appetite!!

[@LamVuononGiansimplegardening]

very interesting. you share very well. I happened to see your video on the homepage. it's very good. please take advantage of it. you will soon be successful. good luck. good bye and see you again

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

Thank you for watching and for the kind words! I hope our page continues to grow. Take care! Cheers!

[@Pervydachny]

Hello! Thank you for the interesting video. Good luck to you👍👍👍

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

Thank you for watching and commenting! We appreciate your support! Cheers from Minnesota!

[@MyAussieGardenKitchen]

G'day Rich. I'm online at the moment, trying to find elbows big enough for the kids heads. I'm sure it will work. 😁 All the best. Daz.

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

Thanks Daz! You made me laugh out loud! You're the best!!

[@stevesilver7437]

2",3" and 4" all actually work.

[@stevesilver7437]

I used white tile caulk for around the pvc. Chickens never peck at it and it stops the feed from getting wet and mold.

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

I used some caulk the first time I built this. The hens pecked it all out and I feared they were eating it. I make the holes slightly small, and the PVC pipes fit really tight. Seems to work OK. Thanks for watching and adding your experience, Steve! Cheers!

[@johnm2482]

Do you have yours out in the weather? I did something similar with buckets but the driving rains here in Texas ruined the feed…

[@stevesilver7437]

@@johnm2482 I do have to empty it out maybe once a month. Because the stuff way on the bottom never gets eaten.

[@ADEvlogs969]

Cool video 🇬🇧❤️🥰

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

Thanks for watching and commenting! We appreciate your support! Cheers!

[@cecilking3084]

IS it water proof i.e. can it be in an open chicken run

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

We have had ours in an open run although our run has a roof on it. The openings are pointed outward. If there is a driving rain, it could get inside. Like most feeders, I would make sure the feeder is in a covered area. Water intrusion can be a problem with most feeders. Hope this helps.

[@cristinabaskar8331]

Loved it. Liked n subscribed u😊

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

Thank you for watching, commenting and joining us on the channel! We appreciate your support!

[@davidcatton3928]

Super! I was just wondering, do you keep this inside your coop? I was wondering if you had it outside how it stood up to rain.

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

We do not keep this in our coop (or any food in the coop). This is always kept in our run area and is protected. Our runs (in the barn or in the run of the outdoor coop) are all fenced in and covered. Check a few of our other videos to see the barn set-up and our outdoor coop. I wouldn't leave this outside as squirrels, raccoons, etc. could get into it. We don't have issues with mice or rats but all our feeders are protected inside the run. Hope this makes sense.

[@davidcatton3928]

@@TheOldSwedesFarm Thanks for the response, I will check out the other videos.

[@heatherwalker7528]

I only have 3 hens, but need to figure something out for going away. And their house and run is a small space. Is there a smaller version I could make some how?

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

I believe there are smaller garbage cans that might be the right size for your flock. You could use the same size PVC elbows but only use three on a smaller garbage can. It would be perfect for a smaller size run. It would still offer a "no-spill" format but be smaller for your space. Hope this helps Heather!

[@DiggingForHealth]

Thank you for sharing! Looks like a great design! Do you have any smaller breeds? Or do you think this would be best for standard breeds only?

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

I've got standard breeds and some are 13 weeks old. They are not huge and are having no problem getting in. The big girls also get in. I think smaller breeds could get in here too. What breeds do you have that you think might not get in? Thanks for watching Andrea! Cheers!

[@DiggingForHealth]

@@TheOldSwedesFarm D'uccles, they're like pigeon sized, lol.

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

@@DiggingForHealth That may be too small. You might need to make this from a smaller garbage can and smaller fittings.

[@BirdsTV4U]

G R R E E A A T T ♥

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

Thank you!!

[@BroqueCowgirlHomestead]

Isn't that a bit far for the chickens to reach? I've seen 3 inch ones used. We have used pvc pipe for pig waterers, quail feeders etc. They are handy, and so simple to make.

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

Not a problem for our girls. At the end of the video, you can see our (almost) four-month-old girls using it. It's easy for them, even at this age. Cheers Gwen!

[@domidomi7468]

Hi from France, good job 👍are the rats and field mice able to get back in?

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

We have never seen a mouse inside or going inside. I feel that, if a mouse got near it, the hens would eat it! Hope that helps. Cheers!

[@mahnamahna1669]

A cone in the center would help direct the food towards the pipe fittings.

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

Gravity does a great job and with nothing inside, it holds more food. Thanks for watching!

[@Aimsport-video]

Excellent. Any solution for water?

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

Here is a link to the waterers we use. They are awesome and hold up to a harsh Minnesota winter! kzbin.info/www/bejne/r4mzmJ6kmrCghs0

[@JoshDetweiler]

are you using pellets or crumbles ?

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

We have used Purina Layena crumbles since our first day. The hens love it and it's easy to use. Cheers Josh!

[@rosescoggins5003]

would this work for my ducks as well?

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

I've never had ducks. They seem to be ground feeders (aren't they?). I don't think I've ever heard of people using these for ducks. I may be wrong. I don't want to give you bad advice regarding ducks. Sorry that I'm not much help Rose.

[@ayeshasworld5042]

🥰❤️

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

Thanks for watching and commenting! We appreciate your support!

[@nightdiver4309]

Any reason why only 4 feeding pipes instead of more?

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

The garbage can I used is strong plastic. There is a lot of weight inside the feeder, pushing outward. I was thinking about a fifth entrance but I thought it would weaken the plastic. Four is enough for a bunch of hens. They take turns. I have two feeders and that handles a LOT of hens! Hope this makes sense.

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

Need a simple feeder that takes ten minutes to make and provides no waste?! Here is your solution!!

[@TheAzurTim]

Do you have something similer for water?

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

@@TheAzurTim I do not. I use a different waterer that has a heater in it. You can see the review on our channel. Let me know if you can't see it. Take care!

[@annaoneill4769]

How does this prevent rodents from getting in also does rain get in?

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

We have mice around the barn. The holes are high enough (and on 4x4's) so I've never seen a mouse climb in (or out). The hens keep the area clean so there is not much on the ground. I have these inside the barn. I would say to not have any food outside where the elements can get to them. Keep the food in a covered run area (or some covered area). With this, the rain would have to come from an angle to get inside, but it could happen with higher winds.

[@user-or7fz6zs4v]

❤❤❤🔔👉🔔

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

Thank you for watching! We appreciate the support!

[@swatunit419]

Do you ever have any issues with raccoons or other animals getting into it? We have the gravity feeders that we have to close every night because of this.

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

We have three of these. They are either in the run (shown this video) or in the barn. We have the door to the run (and barn) open all day so the hens can free range. At night we lock up the barn and outdoor run. No animals can get to them at night. Maybe you can find a way to lock them in a caged area at night. Let me know if you have other questions.

[@ephjay6t87]

That's about 1 month's supply for 15 chickens.

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

You are correct. It holds a LOT of feed! Thanks for watching and commenting! Cheers!

[@rodricktinapi6185]

Has anyone deployed these to feed 500-700 chickens?

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

I do not know if anyone has used these for a large scale operation. There is no reason who 6 or 8 of these wouldn't handle 500-700 chickens. Let me know if you deploy this method. Cheers!

[@bellyacres3jillyandkerry281]

@CarrieLynnShultzFischer Great Idea!

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

Thanks for watching and commenting, and your support! We appreciate you!! Cheers!

[@user-qi4hp7vf8h]

Like this