The ULTIMATE No-Waste Quail Feeder

We have been raising Coturnix quail for the past 6 months and have noticed how much feed they waste. Today Kevin is making a new feeder that he hopes will significantly reduce the amount of wasted feed from the quail.
#quailfeeder #homeraisedquail #automaticquailfeeder
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[@nshue23]

Great idea! Now that you got the feed situation fixed I have a suggestion for the droppings. I would recommend going to the dollar store and getting some cookie sheets, the ones that are about 1/2 inch deep. Measure your width and length to get enough to cover the bottom of the cage. Looks like you may need about 3. Now make some L brackets on the bottom of your cage out of scrap wood, you can slide the cookie sheets in and out on these brackets. Now you can just slide out a sheet and pour off the droppings or scrape off, but beats having a mess on the floor. Hope this helps.

[@macca9870]

Cheers for the idea mate! Ill be giving her a go for sure.

[@deedahl2866]

I use feed sacks, cut open so they are flat. I can fold the flaps up on the sides/ends and it slides out easily. Also, it's a custom-fit for any size cage! Plus it's affordable - everybody has empty feed sacks!

[@1Ggirl1959]

Thank You so Much! I just made this. We used 3 inch pipe and 4 holes on each side in plastic shoebox. We made 1 hole on each end too. It works awesome. So we made an extra notch so food could flow to the ends too. I looked at a lot of designs and decided this was the best I saw. I'm so glad I found this. Thank You!

[@tamarabutterworth8300]

Wow Kevin, the cage looks great and the no waste feeder is ingenious! I love being able to watch and learn these kinds of things from someone that is always trying to make things better and more efficient while also looking at the cost. Great job!

[@ronstrobel9227]

And this is what we love about homesteaders, so creative to solve a problem! We love how you "think on the fly." Two holes instead of 4 in the 4" PVC; 4 holes on *each* side of the feeder for the quail... and maybe using 3" PVC next time instead of 4". Good job!! ~ Kir and Ron in Tennessee

[@petersburgfc5708]

Hey Kevin have you ever thought of hatching quail and rare breed chickens, making additional money for the homestead selling chicks.

[@dumbbunnie123]

Cutting the waste will be less attractive to mice and rats too! I truly believe Kevin would have done very well during pioneer days...he’s so good at improvising with what is on hand!

[@bt1vn]

I know this is ancient but its more so for any new viewers. Yes end caps are a brilliant way to keep rodents out. But not just that use strong mesh to support the weight of all the birds but then cover the strong mesh with rodent and snake proof mesh. Remember snakes love quail too, so this keeps them safe too. Also foxes and other wild animals could break your fine mesh, thats why for all of my cages i have built for my rabbits in the past and soon fir quails i have always used 2.5 to 3mm 1inch square mesh, then you can use the rodent and snake mesh attached to that. Be prepared and you wont have nasty surprises. Got a problem with flying leaches, i mean mosquitoes,, you could even wrap it with insect mesh to keep them safe from blood borne pathogens. They are your pets (even if that is food source) and so they are your responsibility to keep them as safe as you possibly can

[@kaleygoode1681]

No need to cut holes in the top: grain will pour through the wire easil and if you're pouring from a container with a 1" hole, for example, you'll be able to rest it inverted over the mesh if the big tube inside also touches the mesh. It's mad but fun! So you can invert several feed containers to fill the feeders inside the cages at once and the flow will stop by itself (because particle flow physics says so). Then slide a thin sheet (credit card) between mesh and feed container to get it the right way up again! 😀

[@heatherwatson8273]

wow you solved your wasted food problem, well done Kevin

[@miller17013]

I built a 3 tier coop for my quail and used PVC for a water the same cups they worked so well I switched everything on my property to auto watering. As always enjoyed the video

[@1AcreHomestead]

I mention this one time before and I really hope you remembered to give it a try. When using the holesaw drill the bit into it and then reversed the drill to cut with the hole saw...works awesome. They will leave you a smooth finish.

[@jecriggs]

We made something similar awhile back for our quail - a poor man's version made from dollar store items - and it works very well. We used one feed silo (a plastic drink bottle with the bottom cut off and notches cut on four sides) in the centre of the feeder container lid, then we bent a piece of aluminum into the shape of an inverted vee running the length of the bottom of the feed container and sat the base of the silo on it so that the feed would distribute on both sides. This ensures that there are no areas in the middle of the feeder that the quail can not reach.

[@tonijones8646]

Great idea. I would not cut holes in the cage as it would restrict where you place them. Just use a funnel or a smaller ring placed on top pipes to fill them. The collar you made on the holes with the pipe would reduce waste on the other feeders too.

[@lindacummings6921]

I agree. Do not cut holes in the cage, as small predators or mice would then have access to the interior of the cage. Other that that, you did a great job of designing and building your quail cage. I give it two thumbs up.

[@deedahl2866]

I use another PVC tube with one end closed off. Pour feed in there, carry to cage and pour into the feeder. This helps you reach over a cage too. It's a top feeding feeder system.

[@garyvee6023]

What an awesome design.., well done. I have a setup like the second feeder you had for the chickens and I noticed a lot of waste aswell..., so I bought 2 end caps (one for each) and cut half of the "cap" out, leaving just the collar and a half circle that the chickens have to put their head over.., works perfectly.., now nearly no waste. Necessity is the mother of invention. :)

[@mommadiefendored8458]

I love watching your feeding and watering systems that you keep creating. Once we are able to get quail I will definitely be using both the watering and feeding systems. Thank you for sharing. Glad to see that you have recovered and are back at it.

[@amier7628]

I can't tell you how much I appreciate all of your "How to Make a Gadget" videos. The way you teach is so nice and makes it so easy to learn. 💖👍

[@colleenbishop4380]

You need to start asking people to support your ideas. You have so much to offer!😊

[@willitgrowwillitgrow1637]

looks great kevin...glad to see you back to work...

[@marybrown3132]

Ingenious Kevin. Thanks for sharing!

[@shawnabailes2069]

Great tutorial. You guys are always so clear and concise with your tutorials and explaining what you're doing and why. I love that you admit that you have those uh-oh moments, like when you worried about if it would fit through the greenhouse door! Haha! We all have those kind of moments, don't we? I currently have the store bought trough style feeders for my quail, and while I like it better than the round chick feeders, I'm not a fan of all the waste I see on the trays under the cages. I might have to have hubs help me make something like this. Make sure you update us on how well these new feeders work!

[@caewalker9276]

That looks a good idea Kevin. Put some end caps on the tops of the pipe especially if you cut holes in the cage. Thanks for sharing.

[@naturzbasixfarm8138]

Cae Walker I thought about that too. So mice and other critters can’t get in there and from the top and eat or contaminate the food. This feeder is the BEST IDEA EVER.

[@brianlykins6663]

Great cage watering and feeder idea. I thought the same thing when you installed feeder. Make 4 in. pvc longer ( would be a little harder install ) then you could put a pic cap or the rubber caps , much easier to get on and off. Either way terrific job and great job of explaining the what's and why's. Keep up great work. God bless my friend.

[@donwyates]

My daughter saw something similar on FB (I think) that we made - shoebox size tote, with plastic elbows (maybe 80 degs.?) that have a bit of a lip at the bottom where the bird would stick their head in. They may have been 3D printed (?). The height of the tote JUST fits in our cage with the lid on. Our cage is outside, with a tarp on top. When it's not blowing rain, we can leave the lid off, and just pull the tarp back a little to refill the feeder through the hardware cloth, no vertical PVC fill tubes needed . Absolutely no waste. Best feeder I've seen, so far. I used to dread opening the cage up to refill the trough style feeders because they would rush the doorway - now, they can feed for days, and are super chill.

[@carolhamilton5164]

Good morning and good luck with the new feeders!

[@Bennettfarm]

Love your quail cage and feeder! Looks great. I have used similar style feeders for my quail and loved the results. I was thinking if you are going to cut holes you could make your pvc pipes longer so they hold more food and then you can top them with a cheap cap to keep animals out. I also made a smaller version for my quail chicks in the brooder with a margarine container and a 2” pipe, it works really well!

[@ItllBurnOff]

I made the cage last week, it awesome!!! now I'm making the watering system and the feeder. your designs are excellent!

[@far-maracreshomesteadingan7777]

I'm currently using rabbit cages suspended from the ceiling. There are 4 cages side by side 10' long, they work great for raising my quail. The cages came with feeder boxes already on them but I have noticed alot of wasted feed under the cages. Im going to build a couple of these feeders to save on feed. Great concept Kevin, keep up the awesome ideas.

[@dantem.alonzo3120]

I have been staying up lately watching how to raise / hatchet quail eggs making cages and feeders your idea is great about this feeders it’s amazing and I am going to use that idea when I start to raise them. I’m just gathering more informations how to do it, and make it like a long term commitment to generate some funds or just for a personal meat. Thanks for your ideas.

[@jimmusic7622]

Hay, your video on alternate internet services was out of the ballpark great! good stuff for sure! the cell phone signal enhancer antenna advice was just what I needed at my house. I think that will be one of your best video's ever, at least it was for me, any one having cell phone signal and internet issues at their home or property must see that video!

[@TheInquisitiveFarmwife]

I miss our quail! They are horrible feed wasters! My solution at the time was to allow the chickens to come in and clean up under the cage. If we ever get them again I will try your system!

[@BriseisMusic]

That's not a bad idea, letting the chickens in!

[@carycarcuro20]

Hi Kevin. You guys are quite inspiring. Seems like if you used a slightly smaller scoop you should be able to fill the feeders right through the wire mesh. Great content in all your videos. I always enjoy them.

[@markfinfrock6553]

Great design. You can probably just pour the feed through the wire into the upright pipe, that way no hole in the wire and you can move the feeder around and add another feeder if you need too! Great job Kevin! Glad to see your feeling better!!

[@pjd3028]

Loving your ingenuity! I'll have to bookmark this video for when we get quail!! Thanks for sharing, Kevin and Sarah!

[@MYPERMACULTUREGARDEN]

INGENIOUS !!!!! Very well designed !!!! GO KEVIN !!!!!!!

[@333widowmaker]

A couple of observations I have from my quail. First, you definitely could use a reducer as a funnel (4 to 3") and just hold it over the 4" hole of the pipe so as to not compromise your cage wire by cutting, and you could drill two sets of 2 small holes in the bottom of the plastic tub feeder and run wire through them and make a twist on each end. What this does is keeps the quail from pushing the feeder all over the place and possibly tipping it over. I raise Texas A & M quail and they used to push my feeders all over the place. Just making a pigtail with wire in the bottom on each end of the feeder slowed down them pushing it around. Especially since the feeder goes all the way to the top of the cage.

[@kingsdaughter777smith3]

AWESOME feeder Kevin..

[@JusCrank]

Thank you for your time and ingenuity!! This is genius! I’ve got 30 quail and I swear by the end of the day there’s more feed on the ground than in the feeder…

[@annamarkham-roberts4304]

You guys have the nicest best built fence, cages for you birds, rabbits pigs and all, not just temporary junk thrown together that falls apart in the first storm...

[@tinanuse-tolar4916]

Kevin, thank you for explaining in detail and in simple terms the reason you do what you do. Example you were saying about using the line to cut the feed holes. I was wondering how you were going to cut a half a circle in the bottom. Great job keep up the good work.

[@katim3111]

You are my favorite homestead educator. I learn so much with every video you have and love that your store takes me to the amazon items. Thank you for all you do to help us who are just starting out.

[@laurajean4954]

We raise quail and would like to give some advice. You should put a sand box in the pen with them so they can"dust". They require it for healthy skin and they need to eat it for healthy digestion. Also, some plastics can leech toxins into the food and into your meat and eggs. Food grade is the best #2 and 4. #7 is the worst! Even check your water buckets and I hate to say it, but your Kitchen-ware too! We love your channel and the great advice you both give! Keep it up!

[@lindastrandquist2429]

He had one in the smaller cage. Probably didn't show it in the new cage.

[@ChurchClown7]

The latest studies, according to National Geographic, show ‘minimal effects’ at low dosage to all types of plastic. The key 🔑 is to reduce your exposure to a minimum. Did you know that it’s used in makeup?

[@sweetpea9433]

Glad to see you in good health, I love 💕 your videos thanks for sharing

[@jameshelton8095]

cool project, really like these types of videos. Two suggestions to consider. 1, like some others said, just plan to fill the feeders through the mesh screen (prebly need to make a smaller scoop to keep from spilling). 2. inside the 4" pipes, at the bottom, add an angled piece (think A frame tent like shape) in order to direct the feed out the openings instead of collecting in the center where the critters cant get to it. Thank you for sharing.

[@58Kym]

Thats an excellent suggestion. A plastic cone shape would also work well.

[@roundmott]

That seems to be an excellent design for that feeder, but I wonder about the idea of cutting a hole in the wire to make it easier to fill the tubes. If you cut holes in the wire so you can pour the feed into the 4" tubes you will give snakes an easy way to get to your birds and their eggs. IMO, you should simply pour the feed through the wire by pouring it into a large funnel that you hold over the tubes. An alternative would be to extend the 4" tube through the top wire a few inches and then put a 4" end cap on the tubes when you are not using them. JMHO

[@suzanneleblanc1077]

So beautiful when it's new and clean.

[@conniecrites5148]

We just got our first quail yesterday (your fault from your videos). Lol. These videos are coming at the perfect time. Thank so much for being our tester. Lol You have a awesome imagination and come up with some great ideas. Love you guys. God bless.

[@victordiaz5623]

Kevin, For a prototype its brilliant. God Bless.

[@sherryhawkins2233]

Have been binge watching your channel and just love it! I have learned so much! Thanks for all the great how-tos!

[@gg110888]

Good job Kevin!

[@jmjpowerjoule]

Wow! You ought to patent that idea! Really! That is a really bad-ass feeder!!

[@fyrftr521]

I made this today and love it. Thank you two.

[@toms.3977]

A real DIYer doing something I really miss. Good video!

[@thecopperbroom3657]

Another great video! Thanks and Blessings!

[@johnchase4408]

Excellent! I always appreciate your creativity & ingenuity. Thank You 👍

[@semiajaballi2678]

😊

[@pyr8at40]

how lucky is that.....you get to tinker around while solving problems......every man's dream!

[@Chickmamapalletfarm]

I love how you changed your mind while you were working the project... that is the sign of a true crafter... you are always thinking about how to do the project and how you will use it at the same time. It is important to always be very flexible when doing any project. I think this is very useful to show us how your thinking evolved as you worked the project. I really appreciate that.

[@TheC920996mmkj]

He changed his mind because he didn't bother to think it through. He was just plagiarizing others anyway. Quail Mom did a much better video on this 3 years earlier.

[@brigithouiellebecq1362]

I love watching your films. I learn a lot. The best wishes from the Black Forest Germany - Brigit

[@KarenOliveirajoyful]

That was really neat. Thank you!

[@kidznkiddz07]

Always fun to hang out with you guys. You love your QUAIL. 🙏😁💗

[@paulcourts3627]

Lol that reminded me that my step father built a wood boat in his mom's basement that was too big to get through the door. He had to bust out the basement door to get it outside lol.

[@romoshka1]

Returning to raising quail after a few years and really like this design. Thanks for sharing

[@Tadpole102464]

Good Morning from Cajun Country!! That is so cool, we haven't made our final decision about buying quail, (I am still talking him into it, hahah). But I love the new feeder, definitely less waste. Good Job Kevin!!!

[@haroldbevins393]

Kevin are you sure you are not just an inventor? You come up with some of the greatest ideas I have seen anywhere. They almost always work and they are always the cheapest way to do it.. Great job!

[@northstarprepsteader]

Very clever cage and feeding system!!

[@rezaalavi9452]

It's working fine , good job man.

[@sidneyfranks4334]

I've never seen someone so excited to do chores as Kevin, ha!

[@LatinDanceVideos]

I’m sure a version of this will be suitable for new born chicks and chickens. Thanks for posting

[@mountainsidefarm8357]

Great job!! Thank you for the tutorial!! I use the same shoebox feeder you do - will have to ask hubby to make one of these!!

[@50shadesofgreen]

good day to you Kevin and Sarah !! thanks for sharing another awesome update and adventures on & off the homestead 👨‍🌾🎥👍✝

[@grannybee6805]

Good idea. We will follow your example when we get our start. May be ready in 2 weeks.

[@billiev8705]

Thank you for sharing your experiences with feeders so others can learn from you! A few tips: put a block of wood behind the plastic to stabilize it while drilling. Also, there is special PVC glue that may hold up better than hot glue for people who are keeping their animals outside. It probably won't matter inside, but the hot glue can become brittle if it freezes several times.

[@billiev8705]

That little piece of pvc pipe really seems to be doing the trick! Ingenious.

[@arlynelauro9872]

Looks like the rings are working. If this doesn’t work try something triangle shaped and put in the long way in the middle of the box. Then raise up the large tubes. When you add feed the triangle will always deflect the feed to the sides.

[@kennethmitchell2785]

I get excited about anything that conserves waste and saves money

[@mameboussothiam286]

Àmen

[@crzynrs100]

Nice! Been thinking about getting quail, have been watching to learn. Have learned a lot from you and a couple others. Thank you very much for your experience! I know I will be spared some of the learning curve because you are willing to teach. Thank you

[@lisakukla459]

Kevin! That is fantastic!! What a great design!

[@grsartofworship4352]

Kevin, you're a genius!

[@sandieblack4860]

Great job you have done there, I am impressed.

[@Livingmydreammm]

You two r the best❤❤❤❤. Catching up on alllllll your videos. I am so enjoying them🤗🤗❤❤❤❤

[@jkhenderson1]

Awesome feeder Kevin! Great job!

[@STxFisherman]

Awesome! I have 50 Georgia Gian Bobwhite Quail eggs in an incubator and just after Christmas I will be on my way to having some quail chicks, (I hope). Thanks again for the great videos!

[@SavvyOrganicsFarm]

Love the new quail cage. Nice job. Amazing feeder!

[@aretha511]

AWESOME JOB !!!! Kevin

[@TheStormisComing24]

Absolutely love it Kevin!!

[@snapstring3134]

Awesome 👏. It is good to see you back to constructing.

[@johncrabb4053]

Awesome I can’t wait to add this feeder to my quail pen. Thanks Kevin.

[@kailesancez]

wow nice looking cage. And clever feeder. awesome!

[@jmbo16]

Thanks Kevin , great job , very inspiring

[@ricks2907]

Love it thanks Kevin. Ricky 👩🏻‍🦼🔥💥🇺🇸🥷🏼🎸

[@MrBilld75]

Same story here with the heat gun. Never owned one in my life. Now that I do, I use it for more than I ever thought I would.

[@dawncooper4739]

That is a great set up for the quail.

[@mandylavida]

Good work, Kev!

[@yankeedoodledandeefirecrac7518]

Excellent ideas!!!! Thank you

[@heavenscenthomestead4242]

Good Job. Looks like you got a winner there.

[@magicofoilwithbenlashley8807]

Hello. I raise quail also and wanted to share some things. Those water cups are very difficult for baby quail to actuate. It caused me to have to push them by hand to get water in the cups. And also I have had them drown in those cups. A better system is the dripper. They are cheap as can be and a day old baby quail chick can use it. Also your no waste feeder is ok, but the best way to have zero waste is to simply attach it to the outside of the cage, so they have to reach theu heads outside and reach over to eat. Very simple and they will not waste any at all.

[@GreatGrannyFreeBird]

hes an amazing teacher.

[@henrik8463]

Looks very good. You could also put a triangle plate in the bottom of the feeder, to force the food away from the midle, out to the feedingholes.. :-)

[@MicroFarmStarter]

Oh this is wonderful!!! So glad I found this video!! We plan on getting into quail soon! Kelly

[@theresadavis1834]

Glad and looking good.

[@straubdavid9]

Pretty cool setup Kevin .... best of luck with your quail project. Take care,

[@dondwyer3679]

Kevin, you are very clever! I enjoy your ideas and the way you implement them. Great job and keep it up!

[@bettyjoelauper]

Always so interesting. A learning experience every vlog. Thanks so much for all of your efforts.

[@donnahall3902]

Everytime I watch a video from you guys, I think God is so good.

[@bullfrogswamphomestead9563]

Worked great. That's awesome.

[@naturzbasixfarm8138]

Thankyou SO MUCH for this video. I think I’ll implement this setup when we decide it’s time for quail again. You’re right, they do waste a lot of food.

[@debbiesherrill7228]

Great idea Kevin!

[@alicewhittington5506]

Good work, I love when you guys teach new things. God bless