Last Updated on July 3, 2024 by teamobn
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. 🙂
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.
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?
Contents
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.
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.
Training Your Chickens to Use the Treadle Feeder
Training your chickens to use a treadle chicken feeder is a rewarding process that ensures your flock gets the most out of this efficient feeding solution. Following a few simple steps, you can teach your chickens to access their feed while minimizing waste and preventing unwanted visitors. Here’s how to train your chickens to use the treadle chicken feeder effectively.
Introducing the Treadle Feeder
Start by placing the treadle chicken feeder in a familiar area where your chickens usually eat. Leave the treadle open by placing a weight on it so that your chickens can easily see and access the feed inside. This initial step helps them recognize the new feeder and associate it with their food source.
Encouraging Curiosity
Sprinkle a small amount of feed around and on the treadle to attract your chickens’ attention. Chickens are naturally curious, and this will encourage them to explore the new feeder. Observe their behavior and ensure they start pecking at the feed near the treadle. This stage is crucial as it builds their confidence in approaching the feeder.
Gradual Adjustment
Once your chickens are comfortable eating around the treadle, begin adjusting the weight to slowly close the feeder. Do this incrementally over several days, allowing your chickens to get used to the movement. They will start to understand that stepping on the treadle opens the feeder, giving them access to the feed.
Positive Reinforcement
During the training process, positive reinforcement is key. Whenever a chicken successfully uses the treadle chicken feeder, reward them with a small treat. This positive association helps reinforce the behavior, making them more likely to use the feeder consistently.
Patience and Observation
Training your chickens to use the treadle chicken feeder requires patience. Each flock is different, and some chickens may take longer to learn than others. Regularly observe their progress and make necessary adjustments to the treadle mechanism to ensure it operates smoothly and is easy for them to use.
Ensuring Consistency
Consistency is vital for successful training. Make sure the treadle chicken feeder is the primary food source during this period, so your chickens rely on it for their meals. With time and persistence, your chickens will learn to use the treadle feeder efficiently, ensuring a cleaner coop and less wasted feed.
By following these steps, you’ll help your chickens quickly adapt to the treadle chicken feeder, enhancing their feeding experience and keeping your feed costs down.
Benefits of Using a Treadle Chicken Feeder
A treadle chicken feeder is an original idea meant to maximise feeding your flock and reduce waste. This kind of feeder has many benefits for chicken keepers trying to enhance their poultry management techniques.
Reduces Feed Waste
Using a treadle chicken feeder mostly helps with its capacity to drastically cut feed waste. Usually leaving grain uncovered, traditional feeders let chickens disperse food about. But a treadle chicken feeder only releases food when a chicken steps on the treadle, therefore ensuring that food is just accessible as needed. This system helps you reduce feed expenses and stops pointless spillage.
Protects Feed from Pests
A treadle chicken feeder keeps unwelcome guests such wild birds and rats away from your chickens’ feed. Pests find it challenging to reach the food since the feeder stays closed even in non-use. This not only guards against insect consumption of the feed but also lowers contamination risk, so maintaining the health of your flock.
Keeps Feed Clean and Dry
Maintaining the nutritional worth and stopping mould development depend on keeping the meal dry and clean. A treadle chicken feeder’s design guarantees that the food is kept out of the elements. The cover keeps closed to protect the feed from trash, dust, and weather. This protection guarantees your chickens get the best nutrition available and helps preserve the feed’s quality.
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.
