DIY PVC Chicken Gravity Feeder and Waterer

The old fashioned feeders are quickly becoming a thing of the past.  Although they may still work for some, people are finding themselves frustrated at the fact that their chickens are either pooping or kicking bedding into the feeder, which can quickly spread illness and disease. 

"A properly constructed gravity feeder will be the solution to most feeder problems.  It can contain as much or as little feed as the handler wishes to keep, it prevents any possible ways for your chickens to get waste into their feed, and it will keep the inside contents dry and pest free."

A properly constructed gravity feeder is the solution to most feeder problems.  It can contain as much or as little feed as the handler wishes to keep, it prevents any possible way for chickens to get waste into their food, and it will keep the contents dry and pest free.  If you are looking for an alternative means of providing your girls crushed oyster shell other than in a bowl, this will accommodate that offering as well.

Got ducks? They quickly adapt to this style of feeder too.

All of the materials needed to construct these feeders can be found at your local home improvement store.  The tools required should be available in most everyones home or by borrowing from a neighbor.

Tools needed:

- Tape measure
- Power drill
- 1/4" Drill bit
- 7/16" socket and 7/16" wrench or adjustable wrench
- PVC primer (clear or purple)
- PVC cement
- A hand saw or PVC pipe cutter capable of cutting up to 4" PVC.  

Materials needed:

- 24" of Schedule 35 PVC.  This is a grey pipe and is used as waste pipe. 
  *(Regular Schedule 40 PVC will not work properly as noted in my explanation)

Schedule 35 PVC waste pipe

- (2) 1/4"x 1" length bolts, washers, and nuts

- 4"Black corrugated waste drain cap

Corrugated waste pipe end cap

- PVC fencing post cap

- 4"x 2"x3" waste pipe fitting.  This is found near the corrugated waste pipe and can be used for tying in downspouts. 

PVC fence post cap (left) Downspout adapter (right)

Start out by taking the fence post cap and slipping it over the square end of the waste pipe fitting.  This will be a snug fit.  On the lip of the post cap, measure 1" from the end and mark a dot on either side.  "Carefully" with the 1/4" drill bit, drill a hole thru these marks and slightly ream out to remove any burrs. 

Drill a 1/4" hole on either side 1" in from the corners

Push the 1/4" bolts into each one of these holes, and by reaching into the circular opening of the fitting, slide a washer and thread a nut on each of the two bolts.  Tighten enough where these connected fittings can just barely hinge apart.

Poultry gravity feeder assembly

With the PVC primer, lightly coat one end of the pipe approximately 2" down and the opening side of the fitting you just constructed.  Apply a light coat of PVC cement and firmly slide the fitting over the end of the pipe and hold in place for 10 seconds.  

Slide the black cap over the top, and you are done!

The handy cap keeps out dirt and debris.

Mounting can be done in several different ways.  In my very first picture, you will see I used a chimney pipe bracket, but a couple of heavy duty zip ties will work as well if mounting to a fence post or such.  Be creative!

Build multiple feeders for larger flocks.

Waterer:

Chicken water nipples screwed into PVC cap

The gravity waterer is constructed in almost the exact same manner except with the use of a 4" slip cap and as many water nipples as you would like to use.  I always recommend a minimum of at least two nipples just incase one fails.  Check the operation of this waterer daily.

Fill and ENJOY! 
Cheers ~ Kevin

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