After the chicks had moved outside into their coop/run, I realized that it was time to purchase a larger feeder and waterer. We looked at automatic or treadle feeders online and came up with this option. It’s rain and rodent proof, holds about 6 pounds of feed and it’s basically an awesome contraption.
During the construction, we questioned if the chicks would weigh enough to operate the treadle. An adult Buff Orpington weighs about 5 pounds so we put a 2 1/2 pound can of oil on the ramp and it worked! There was also a little concern about whether the flap would come crashing down on their necks, but I tested that also and it didn’t seem to appear to be that lethal.
Until they were big enough to activate the feeder, I placed a brick on the ramp to keep the flap open. At about 10 weeks of age they had reached the required weight, but were they smart enough to figure it out? At first they operated it by chance alone. They would accidentally step on it, see the feed and all the chicks would start eating. It only took a couple of days for them to understand/learn that their actions caused the feeder lid to open, and it didn’t take that long for them to realize that when a another chicken stepped off the ramp — “Get your neck out of the way!” ~ Here’s a video of the girls demonstrating how the feeder works:
The feeder is basically made out of scraps left over from the coop construction … Pressure-treated plywood and siding make up the frame of the feeder. The trim, treadle and flap are made using cedar fence board — only $1.79 a board at your local hardware super store …
I’m including the link to the rough plans/blueprints that the handyman husband drew up of the feeder and also a link to a great instruction guide with detailed explanations on how to construct a feeder similar to ours …
13 Comments
We purchased one of these for our pheasants. We had a problem with mice and squirrels getting into their feed. But unfortunately this didn’t keep them out either. They would wait until the pheasants opened it and jump in, feast away until the pheasants opened it again. We even have some squirrels large enough to open it themselves!! Very discouraging.
Catch them squirrels and make a chicken and squirrel stew! UM-um Good!
I got a good chuckle out of this one!!
Neat device. If this is out where it could get rain on it, I think it would be better if the roof sloped away from the feed dispensing side, maybe with an eve over the feed.
I like this feeder. http://muddyhillfarm.com/product-category/feeders/ 1 hole in a bucket and a few screws- no woodworking skills required! Feed stays dry in the most severe weather conditions
Have you considered selling a precut kit with all the pieces ready to build with the wider treadle board? I don’t have all that equipment. Thanks
hello,
Thanks for your that..
i planned to purchase feeder from this link http://thecarpentershop.net/mediumplywoodchickenfeeder.html but no need but i think no need.. 🙂
I couldn’t wait to try building your treadle chicken feeder, but I really didn’t want my girls (the ones who are the sneaky ‘side feeders’) to get whacked in the head while learning to use it. I knew that if I “thought on it” long enough, I would come up with a solution. And… I did! When I built the feeder, I simply made the “treadle” part 8″ wider than the body of the feed box. In other words, the treadle sticks out 4′ to either side, so those “side feeders” are also standing on the treadle. Now when the chicken in front steps off, the side-feeders are also standing on the treadle. No more whacked heads!
WOW thanks ‘m gonna do this too. 🙂
Does anyone else have concerns about the pressure treated wood being used for this feeder?
I have to wonder how safe this might be…
I’m so very glad you posted this! I have been looking at an automatic feeder but it’s $195 and for three hens, a little pricey; this is a great alternative! I have a very serious problem with the doves in the neighborhood eating most of the girls’ food if they don’t eat it right away.
I think we are going to give this a shot thanks for posting not only the plans but the video of how it works…anything to reduce rodent population is a super thing!!!!
I have a neighbor that has been looking for a good solution to keep the sparrows out of her chicken feeder. I think the treadle feeder is a great idea that could solve her dilemma. Thanks for posting the plans!