How to Build a Chicken Feeder From a Bucket

Buckets can make suitable chicken feeders. They are easy to clean and often readily available around the farm or house. Choose buckets without any cracks or deep scratches, that were never used for chemicals or other dangerous substances, and that do not have sharp edges. Chickens often toss and sift through their feed but a bucket feeder can hold the food better than a shallow tray, reducing waste. The shape also discourages curious and clever birds from jumping into the feeder. The bucket will need to be seated in a stable frame and must allow for the weight of the bucket and feed.

Things You'll Need

  • Bucket with lid
  • Plastic condiment tray
  • Drill
  • Sandpaper
  • Bolts, nuts, washers
  • Wood (optional)
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Instructions

    • 1

      Choose a small or medium bucket so the feeder is not unwieldy. A three-gallon bucket is perfect and a bucket over five-gallons is too large. Wash the bucket and lid with soap and water. Rinse and dry thoroughly. Mark three or four one-inch holes in the bottom of the bucket for feed to fall through. Space the holes to correspond to the separate compartments in the round condiment tray.

    • 2

      Drill the holes slowly to prevent cracking and splitting. Use coarse sandpaper to file any rough edges or plastic splinters.

    • 3

      Be sure the condiment tray is at least two-inches wider than the bucket. Set the tray centered under the bottom of the bucket. Align the drilled feed holes to the compartments in the tray. Down through the bottom of the bucket, drill a pilot hole through one of the divider ribs of the tray. Secure the tray to the bucket with a bolt up through the tray into the bucket. Attach a washer and nut from inside the bucket. Once this first bolt is affixed, secure two to three more in the same way through other divider ribs.

    • 4

      Fill the bucket with feed and snap the lid into place. The feed is ready to use on the ground or hung by its handle.

    • 5

      Alternatively, you can build a wooden tray instead of purchasing a plastic one. You can also choose to cut feed holes in the sides of the bucket if the tray below the bucket is wide enough to catch feed from these openings.