PVC chicken feeder that's safe for roosters

[Sunshine Flock]

I just learned in another discussion that PVC feeders may not be a safe option for roosters. Not all roosters, but apparently quite a few do experience problems from their wattles and combs getting injured.

As long as I can confirm that PVC pipes are food grade and BPA free (not clear on this yet), I'm considering a modified feeder to accommodate my rooster's large wattle and comb. The design I'm leaning toward is a pipe that hovers an inch or so above a non-PVC tray I'll mount on a wall and that's large enough to allow several inches of space around the pipe.

The tray will be a food grade container, something akin to a lasagne dish with the PVC pipe hovering above it. But deeper and not as big.

Do you have any suggestions, though, on the design? Did you do anything to accommodate your rooster to make it safe?

 

[cavemanrich]

Consider something like this. Or modify it to your needs. Buckets are safe to use.
http://www.backwoodshome.com/build-a-chicken-feeder-on-the-cheep/

 

[Sunshine Flock]

Consider something like this. Or modify it to your needs. Buckets are safe to use.
http://www.backwoodshome.com/build-a-chicken-feeder-on-the-cheep/

That looks like a good option. I'm reading conflicting things about the potential toxicity of PVC pipes and also safety. The feeding access or tray space seems really tight in so many feeders, too tight for roosters to comfortably feed themselves.

 

[aart]

I'm reading conflicting things about the potential toxicity of PVC pipes and also safety.

PVC pipes are used for potable(drinkable) water for humans.
Never cared for the PVC feeders tho, they can still rake feed out of them and large combs are a problem.

This PVC application works for me, I need to update pics, this was during prototyping, it now hangs:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/aarts-almost-waste-free-funnel-bucket-feeder.67218/

 

[Sunshine Flock]

PVC pipes are used for potable(drinkable) water for humans.
Never cared for the PVC feeders tho, they can still rake feed out of them and large combs are a problem.

This PVC application works for me, I need to update pics, this was during prototyping, it now hangs:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/aarts-almost-waste-free-funnel-bucket-feeder.67218/

I get really hung up on decisions, but it's time to make this dang project happen.

So you're using a food grade bucket and a PVC pipe in the middle. Nice and accessible for large wattles and combs. What are you doing for the waterer?

I'm thinking two 2 to 3 gallon matching (for cuteness points) green food grade, BPA-free buckets, and horizontal nipples (how else are nipples supposed to go, unless we're talking udders, I guess) for the waterer, and some version of what you're doing for the feed.

I have a small coop, so I was liking the idea of three side by side tall PVC pipes with food access at the bottom and maybe a 90 degree fitting I slice at a 45 degree angle for food access, and a tray on a stand underneath to catch spillage.

Ugh.

 

[aart]

I don't get hung up on plastics,
and have no idea if that bucket is 'food grade'.

I can see the appeal of the PVC feeders in a small coop,
but, well, they do have problems.

My Waterer is a 3gal kitty litter jug with HN's,
I put a heater inside during winter.

(how else are nipples supposed to go, unless we're talking udders, I guess)

 

[Chickassan]

Food grade is a non factor unless the plastic is subjected to constant heat. Learning alot in here lurking, got a big combed fella so this is helpful stuff.

 

[aart]

Food grade is a non factor unless the plastic is subjected to constant heat

How much heat?

 

[Kusanar]

PVC or Lead are basically your choices for pipes moving water around in your house, so, if you water your birds with water that came out of a pipe, you have already given them all of the toxins they are likely to get from a PVC feeder. If you're really worried about it, get the type of PVC that is rated for hot water, it's a bit more expensive, but it doesn't leach anything out into hot water, so it will be super safe for dry feed at a normal temp.

 

[Chickassan]

It's 195 degrees if I'm not mistaken.

How much heat?