Smart Feeding: Create a Treadle Chicken Feeder in 10 Easy Steps

Treadle Chicken Feeder
Minimize feed waste by building a treadle chicken feeder for your chooks!

It’s no secret that chickens can be messy eaters. More often than not, a good portion of the feed you give them ends up scattered around the yard, rather than actually getting eaten. If you’re finding that your chickens are wasting more feed than they’re eating, it’s likely that your feeder is the problem.

This treadle chicken feeder is an excellent way to minimize food waste and keep your chickens’ feed protected from the elements and unwanted visitors.

The feeder always stays closed, only opening when the chickens step on the treadle. This ensures that the feed stays fresh and protected and that your chickens have access to a nutritious meal at all times.

When selecting a treadle chicken feeder, it’s vital to take into account the size and weight of your chickens. These feeders come in various designs, and their functionality hinges on the chickens’ weight to function effectively. If you’re uncertain about the appropriate size feeder for your flock, opting for a DIY approach lets you tailor it precisely to your chickens’ needs.

Your treadle chicken feeder should be calibrated so that your chooks can easily gain access to it, but not the ‘unwanted visitors. You can do this by simply adding or reducing the weight of the lid connected to the treadle.

If the lid opens too easily, use a heavier board. You can also attach any material that would add weight such as small wood scraps or magnets. You can figure it out and improve it by observing the way your chickens are using it. 🙂

Treadle Chicken Feeder

Yes – this chicken feeder will require training your chooks, which is a fun and easy task! You can start by placing a weight on the treadle so that it is always open first. This is to make them recognize their new feeder. Then bit by bit, adjust the lid, and your chickens will find a way to open their feeder.

Eventually, they will learn that stepping on the treadle will give them access to their food. Chickens are intelligent creatures and will quickly learn to use the feeder. It’s a fun and easy process, and you’ll soon have your chickens eating from it with no problems.

Automatic Chicken Waterer Cups

One of the best things about a treadle chicken feeder is that only those who know how to use it can eat from it! So if you’ve got aggressive critters trespassing in your backyard, then this is the chicken feeder for you! Not only will it keep your chicken’s feed safe, but it will also save you money on chicken feed since the treadle feeder will only dispense food when it’s stepped on.

Do you know anyone who needs a treadle chicken feeder?

How to Make a Treadle Chicken Feeder

Say goodbye to wasted feed and hello to a cleaner coop. With just simple materials and tools, and basic steps, you’ll learn to craft a clever, gravity-powered feeder that keeps your chooks well-fed while minimizing waste.

Ready to explore this innovative solution to tidy up your poultry dining experience? Ensure that every bite counts!

Materials

  • 1 pc 1 x 12 x 10′ Cedar Board
  • 1 pc 5/16″ x 6″ x 30″ Plywood
  • 1/4 lb 1 1/2″ Wood Screws
  • 1/8 lb 3/4″ Wood Screws
  • 1/4 lb 1 1/4″ Kreg Screws (optional)
  • 4 pcs 1/4″ x 20 Hex Bolts with Nuts (4) and Washers (12)
  • 2 pcs 90-degree Hinges
  • Sandpaper

Tools

  • Table Saw
  • Belt Sander or 120 grit sandpaper and a block (320 grit for finish sanding)
  • Tape Measure
  • Pencil
  • Miter Saw
  • Band Saw
  • Power Drill with 9/64 Tapered Bit with Plug Cutter for Pilot Holes
  • Router with Round-over Bit
  • Kreg Jig (optional)
  • Screw Gun
  • Bar Clamps
  • Gripping Clamps

Click on any image to start the lightbox display. Use your Esc key to close the lightbox.8-)

Steps

Step 1: Cut the Cedar Board

Make sure to cut accurately to get the essential pieces:

  • 2 pieces measuring 10″ x 12″ (for the side panels)
  • 1 piece measuring 10″ x 24″ (for the front panel)
  • 1 piece measuring 4 1/2″ x 24″ (for the treadle)
  • 2 pieces measuring 4 1/2″ x 10″ (for the treadle sides)

Step 2: Sand the Wood

Smooth the cut edges and surfaces of the cedar pieces using a belt sander or sandpaper for a neat finish.

Step 3: Mark Treadle Position

On the front panel, mark the position for the treadle where the chickens will step to access the feed.

Step 4: Cut Treadle Opening

Using a band saw or jigsaw, carefully cut out the marked area on the front panel to create the opening for the treadle.

Step 5: Router Edges (Optional)

Round over the edges of the cut opening using a router with a round-over bit for a clean and safe finish. This step is optional but recommended.

Step 6: Assemble Front and Side Panels

Attach the side panels to the front panel using wood screws. Ensure they form a rectangular box-like structure.

Step 7: Attach Hinges

Secure the 90-degree hinges on one side of the feeder to create the top lid. This lid will let you fill the feeder.

Step 8: Create the Treadle

Attach the 4 1/2″ x 10″ cedar pieces to the treadle piece using wood screws to form a U-shaped support.

Step 9: Attach Treadle to Feeder

Connect the treadle to the front panel with hinges, letting it move freely up and down.

Step 10: Pilot Holes and Final Assembly

Use a power drill with a 9/64 tapered bit to create pilot holes for the screws. Assemble the remaining parts, including the plywood back, using wood screws and optional Kreg screws for added strength.

Your DIY treadle chicken feeder is now complete and ready to minimize feed waste while ensuring your chickens have easy access to their meals.

Thanks to Rod’s Woodworking Shop for sharing invaluable insights into the treadle chicken feeder.

Save Time and Money With a DIY Treadle Chicken Feeder

Using readily available materials and straightforward instructions, this DIY project ensures that you can reduce feed wastage while maintaining a tidy coop. Crafted with a cedar frame and featuring a clever treadle mechanism, this feeder encourages your chickens to access their food while keeping unwanted visitors at bay.

Master how to construct this innovative solution in ten simple steps and revolutionize your chicken-keeping experience.

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE

|

Search All Projects:

|

Our Deal For Today!

Your details will never be shared with any third party. Unsubscribe at any time with a single click.

The posts on this site sometimes contain an affiliate link or links to Amazon or other marketplaces. An affiliate link means that this business may earn advertising or referral fees if you make a purchase through those links.