Cheap. Effective. Easy. One Stop Chicken Shop (Feeder / Water)

One of the many interesting dilemias you will encounter as a new backyard chicken owner is how to keep your chicks, and chickens well fed and watered. You will quickly discover that they make a mess of almost any container you attempt to store their food in. You could always buy a premade solution, but why would you want to do that when a quick, easy and nearly free solution is available?

Step 1: Gather your materials.

You are going to need some basic materials. This is for my version. Having made three generations of the device (a result of my need and want to improve the design not on any particular failing) I know that a lot of creative substitutions can be made.

2 2.5 Gallon Buckets
3 1.0 Gallon Buckets
2 approximately 1 inch by 1/4 inch bolts
2 corresponding nuts, washers
1 Hose Washer
1 Drill
2 Hole Saws (I used a 2" and a 1")
1 Utility knife


For the buckets I always raid my local bakery. With a little effort on your part they will usually set them aside for you. Just be polite and ask. (They are, by the way, great buckets for lots of other uses and projects as well.)

There might be some other incidentals things as well.

Comments

[fetha]

heya, i'm just a bit confused about the assembly and how the reservoir sits with the inner ring? looks good. i want to make one
thanks :)

[cj0252]

im not sure what ur doing here, are you drilling a hole in the bottom of a bucket? which one? are u using 3 buckets cause i cant figure out whats goin on here. more pics of this assembled might help

[TRINIGURU]

Love this idea. I'll try making these for my ducks. I worry that they run out of food and water when i go to work, so with these i'll be able to set out enough for them till i get home. more so the little buggers wont spill anything! Thanks a lot for your instructable

[marvduck]

very nice and usable waterer and feeder. thanks marvin

[pyroal]

I think its an OK idea. but how do the chickens know to stick there head in there.. have you tried it out yet

[ahimsarescue]

there must not be many chicken people here - this looks great and I will be trying it this weekend sometime! I also plan to try a set with shorter buckets for the youngsters! A+++

[smilestill]

I am glad you liked it. My solution for the shorter chicks was just to put a large brick beside the feeder on one side -- easily removable when they grow up. A picture of yours would be fantastic, if you get the chance! Thanks!