Ensuring proper and balanced nutrition of poultry is the main task of any poultry farmer. In the population of chickens there are both weak and strong birds. And special attention in the construction of the feeder should be given to ensure that all birds have constant access to feed. For this purpose, they construct feeders of the flute and trough type. They are simple to build and are quite economical.
Requirements for feeders
Properly made feeding trough provides rational and economical use of food, as well as the convenience of birds. There is a list of rules and recommendations that must be followed.
Did you know? If the egg is fresh, it will sink in a glass of water. Spoiled and old will float.
They will help the container to serve as long as possible, as well as to seek care for it:
- the design should be such that the ears could not get into it and scatter food;
- you need to protect the container from falling into her chicken droppings. This can be done by covering or building bumpers;
- It should be simple in all aspects. It is necessary to provide ease of filling the feeder, as well as cleaning;
- the number of feeding places should depend on the livestock. It is necessary to calculate the size of the dishes so that all birds can eat;
- for maximum comfort you need to place the container so that the birds have access to it from all sides. This will help to get the necessary amount of food, even for weak birds;
- it is desirable to build floor or suspended feeders. Such a container can be easily moved or replaced.
Do-it-yourself broiler chicken feeder
Broilers are grown for later consumption. They should be big, fleshy and well-fed. To ensure this condition, it is necessary from the day of age to feed the chickens correctly and in a timely manner. To do this, the chicken coop can be equipped with special feeders.
Important! Both dry and wet food can be placed in the broiler feeder.
Gutter option
The flute feeder is the easiest to create and is universal. In order to build it, you will need the following materials:
- wooden planochki;
- nails;
- hammer;
- galvanized sheet;
- plywood;
- knife.
We advise you to read about how to make a broiler feeder with your own hands.
The principle of construction is as follows:
- The first thing you need to start with the basics of the future trough. To do this, you need to draw dimensions on a galvanized sheet and draw lines.
- Then follows the contours to bend the material. Thus you need to create a chute, where later feed will be poured.
- The next step will be the creation of the sides of plywood. First, they must be cut, and then nailed to the formed gutter.
- Next, you need to attach two more strips to the side, and on them to place a long bar. The latter should be located along the long walls.
- For greater protection of the food inside, you can cover the feeder with a grid on top and make holes for the heads of birds.
- A good option would be to nail a number of bars alternately at the same distance from each other.
Important! The long upper bar must be made cylindrical or spinning so that the birds cannot climb and sit on it.
It should be such that the chicken could not crawl through, but quietly thrust its head between the wood.
Video: bunker trough manufacturing process
Tray option
The tray version is more difficult to manufacture, as it requires a pipe. If you have found one on your farm, then the creation of the mentioned trough will require a minimum of time and effort.
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For the construction of such containers the necessary materials will be:
- plastic pipe;
- plugs to close the edges;
- planochki to create legs or wire, if you want to create a hanging trough feeder;
- knife for cutting holes.
To build, perform the following steps:
- First you need to make holes in which chickens will stick their heads and eat. It is necessary to cut them at the same distance from each other, with a diameter of 8 to 15 centimeters.
- Next, you should put on the pipe plugs on the sides.
- They need screws to attach strips that will serve as legs. In the case of a suspended version - use wire.
- After fixing and installing the container can be used for feeding birds.
Features of making troughs with their own hands: recommendations of poultry farmers
For many years of working with birds, growing them and feeding, poultry farmers have been able to determine several points, thanks to which the feeding of the klich will become easier and more correct.
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Among them are:
- To make chicks comfortable to eat, and also to avoid damage, when they jump on a large feeder, it is recommended to make structures of various sizes - from very small to large. So as he grows, hen will be able to choose the best option for her.
- If you preferred wooden packaging, it should be sanded and treated with special parasite products. This is necessary so that the birds do not hurt themselves and do not become infected with insect diseases inside the structure.
- Before the construction of the feeder you need to measure the size of the chicken coop. Then choose such dimensions that it does not interfere with chickens and does not take up much space in the room.
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- It is advisable to place the dishes for feeding near the walls of the aviary to ensure the maximum amount of free space.
- It is necessary to make so many feeding places that there is a small stock. If you decide to expand livestock, such a decision would be very helpful.
Properly constructed and placed troughs are very important for growing strong and healthy birds. To create them you will need not a lot of materials and minimal time. But, having built such constructions, you will be able to provide birds with all the conditions for proper and healthy development from a very young age.
Did you know? Chickens lay eggs only in the light. If it is dark, the bird will be waiting for dawn or the inclusion of artificial lighting.