PVC pipe feeder not working

[mamichi]

I got this idea from this forum but all the food gets jammed up, so I still am having to put their feed in the tube every other day. Do you think it's clogging up because it's starter formula? Is the layer stuff in pellets?

If you have this set-up, how did you get your feed to flow?

Oh, and the other problem we're having is that when it rains, water will drip inside the connecting pieces making the food inside turn to mush. You can see in the second pic we've put a bucket on top and a plastic bag around the set-up, but I've seen pics of people's on here and am wondering how they keep the food dry?

TIA,

M

 

[faykokoWV]

I'd be interested in hearing the answer to your question as well. I thinking about this type of set up and I'm sure any advise you get will help me.

So, anyone out there have advice??

 

[Country Living Farm]

I made two like that the other day and I am not having the same problem you are. I will tell you the bottom of mine is much shorter only about a foot long and I do not have the holes in it. I just cut out a large oval in the middle for them to eat out of. By doing so, if the food does get caught in the bend, they peck at it and it will cause it to fall on it's own. Also, I put mine on the inside to keep it out of the weather. Yes defeats the reason of not having to go in, but the food stays dry. I also connected all of the parts with one screw in each section. I have heard of other's using a PVC glue to keep the water getting in. I just did not want to use the glue so I put it on the inside. Hope this helps.

 

[Monk]

I with taztaz31, the distance from the 90° elbow to the first hole is to far. It's gravity feed, but the birds help it along and take care of the clogs. Here's a pic of mine, had no problems. The two up right tubes help a lot too.

As far as rain, try glueing the up right tube and the 90° elbow together??? I don't believe that's the problem though, needs to be move to a more sheltered location.

 

[rancher hicks]

While it looks good, what I'd like to know is, is making these "cheaper than buying a feeder and what's the point if it's not. It looks like it save floor space but is it worth the money? Has anyone written instructions? Oh and don't forget cleanability. Cause I always look to see how easy things are to clean.

 

[jafo]

I'm seeing that you used the schedule 40 pvc for plumbing drainage. The 45 deg fittings make for easier flow but not necessary. I agree with the previuos posts that your bottom tube is way to long. I have'nt made a tube feeder, but if I was gonna, I'd use schedule 10 pvc solid pipe and fittings. cheaper / lighter

 

[briteday]

Getting wet...I had the same problem with mine. Since I made the pvc waterer as well I just picked up extra screw in caps for the feeders, since I was using them for the waterers. Figured out that the rain can get in. So you just need to either keep a bucket over the top or get a cap (goes over the outsdie of the tube) vs the screw in drain cleanout plug

 

[Monk]

Quote:
For me personally it cost about $15 bucks, I had scrapes of pipe left over from another project. My coop is 4'x 6', six birds, space saving is necessary. It does removes easily for cleaning. I had no instructions, the pics is just what it is. Make your own alterations as needed to make it best suited for you, play with it. I do have a little more explaination and additional pic on my BYC page that may be helpful.

 

[RendonRoo]

My pvc feeder just has a 90 degree and 45 degree elbow on the bottom. No flow problems. I have a covered run so rain isn't a problem as long as i don't have it mounted on the outside edge of the run. I have instructions and pic on coop and run designs section. Good Luck

 

[LynneP]

Mine is indoors, I would never trust it outdoors because of water.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/web/viewblog.php?id=7693-diy-hopper-feeder