Feeding chickens may seem simple, but the way feed is offered has a direct impact on waste, cleanliness, pest control, and flock health. Many backyard chicken keepers discover that store-bought feeders are either expensive, poorly designed, or inefficient. Learning how to make a chicken feeder gives you control over cost, size, placement, and performance.
Materials and Tools Needed (Beginner-Friendly)
You can build this chicken feeder with common household or hardware store items.
Basic Materials
| Material | Purpose | Notes |
| 5-gallon plastic bucket | Main feeder body | Clean, food-safe bucket recommended |
| Bucket lid | Keeps feed clean | Prevents debris and mess |
| Shallow feeding pan | Feed collection tray | Must fit under bucket |
| Scrap wood piece | Internal stabilizer | Placed at bucket bottom |
| Screws | Securing wood piece | Use with washers |
| Washers | Extra stability | Prevent screw pull-through |
Tools Required
| Tool | Use |
| Cordless drill | Drilling holes |
| 2-inch hole saw | Cutting feed access holes |
| Head bit | Driving screws |
| Marker (Sharpie) | Marking hole placement |
Safety and Prep Before Building
Before starting, ensure:
- Bucket is clean and free from chemical residue
- Plastic edges will be trimmed smooth after cutting
- Work surface is stable and protected
Smooth edges prevent chickens from injuring their beaks while feeding.
How to Build a DIY Chicken Feeder (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Mark and Cut the Feed Holes
- Use a marker to outline 3 holes near the bottom of 5 Gallon Bucket
- Drill each opening using a 2-inch hole saw
- Remove excess plastic from both inside and outside the bucket
Clean cuts ensure smooth feed flow and reduce blockages.
Step 2: Install the Internal Support
- Place a small piece of scrap wood flat inside the bucket bottom
- Center it to allow equal feed distribution
- Drill screws with washers through the bucket base into the wood
Safety tip: Secure the internal wood support firmly so the feeder cannot tilt when chickens lean on it.
Step 3: Position the Feeder Over the Pan
- Set the bucket directly into the centre of the feeding pan
- Turn the bucket upside down so the pan aligns with the bucket base
- Secure the feeding pan by driving screws with washers through the pan and into the wooden support inside the bucket
- Ensure the feed holes sit just above the pan level once upright
Feed should stop flowing naturally once it reaches hole height.
Step 4: Smooth All Cut Edges for Safety
After cutting the feed holes, small plastic burrs or sharp edges often remain.
- Check the inside and outside of each opening by hand
- Trim off excess plastic using a utility knife or sandpaper
- Ensure all feed openings are smooth and rounded
This prevents beak injuries and makes the feeder safer for daily use.
Safety tips: Pay special attention to inside edges, where chickens repeatedly press their heads.
Step 5: Secure the Lid
- Add feed
- This prevents chickens from jumping inside and keeps debris out
- Gently shake to help feed settle into the pan
- Snap the lid tightly onto the bucket
A lid also reduces wasted feed caused by scratching.
Test Feed Flow Before Final Use
Before placing the feeder permanently in the run, test how the feed flows.
- Remove a small amount of feed from pan
- Observe feed movement, confirm feed stops flowing once it reaches the hole level
Testing first helps avoid feed waste and messy adjustments later.
Safety Tip: Test the feeder away from chickens to prevent sudden feed dumps that cause crowding.
Where to Place the Chicken Feeder
Proper feeder height improves comfort and reduces scratching.
- Position the pan at about chest height of your chickens
- Avoid placing the feeder directly on uneven ground
- Use a small wooden block if leveling is needed
Correct height keeps feed clean and accessible for all birds.
Troubleshooting Chicken Feeder Issues & Fixes
| Problem | Likely Cause | Practical Solution |
| Feed not flowing into the pan | Feed holes drilled too high or blocked by plastic | Ensure 2-inch holes are close to the bucket base and remove all plastic residue |
| Too much feed spilling out | Feeder overfilled or uneven placement | Fill feed below hole level and place feeder on flat ground |
| Feeder tipping over | Loose pan attachment or unstable surface | Tighten screws into wooden base and stabilise with a flat support |
| Feed getting wet or dirty | Lid not secured or feeder exposed | Snap lid tightly and place feeder in a sheltered area |
| Chickens avoiding the feeder | Feeder height uncomfortable or unfamiliar | Position feeder at chest height and allow adjustment time |
| Uneven feed distribution | Sloped ground or tilted feeder | Level the feeder using a small board or reposition it |
| Feed clumping inside bucket | Moisture buildup or compacted feed | Keep lid closed and stir feed gently during refills |
How Big Your Chicken Feeder Should Be
Feeder size depends on how many chickens you have and how often you want to refill.
Average Feed Consumption
| Number of Chickens | Daily Feed Use | Recommended Feeder Size |
| 2–4 chickens | 0.5–1 lb/day | 3–5 gallon feeder |
| 5–8 chickens | 1.5–2 lb/day | 5–7 gallon feeder |
| 9–15 chickens | 2.5–4 lb/day | 7–10 gallon feeder |
Larger feeders reduce refill frequency but must be well-designed to avoid stale or damp feed.
DIY Chicken Feeder vs Store-Bought: Which Is Better?
Both options have value, but DIY feeders offer flexibility.
| Feature | DIY Feeder | Store-Bought Feeder |
| Cost | Low | Medium to high |
| Custom sizing | Yes | Limited |
| Repairability | Easy | Often difficult |
| Waste control | High if well-built | Varies |
| Setup time | Moderate | Fast |
For many backyard keepers, a DIY feeder delivers better long-term value with minimal investment.
A properly built bucket feeder delivers steady feed access while limiting waste, mess, and tipping. By paying attention to hole placement, stability, and smooth edges, you create a safer setup that encourages consistent feeding. Once it’s set at the right height and you’ve confirmed the feed flow, it becomes a low-maintenance solution that holds up well in everyday use. If you’d rather skip the DIY route or want a ready-to-use option, you can compare designs here:
FAQs
1. Why do chickens spill so much feed from feeders?
Chickens instinctively scratch the ground while eating, which easily pushes feed out of open feeders. Feeders placed too low allow feet to reach the feed, increasing waste. Wide openings and unstable feeders make spillage even more likely. Proper height and controlled access greatly reduce this problem.
2. How often should a chicken feeder be cleaned?
Chicken feeders should be checked daily to remove spilled feed, dust, or moisture. A thorough cleaning once a week helps prevent mold and bacterial growth. Damp or dirty feeders can contaminate feed quickly. Regular cleaning keeps feed safe and appetizing for the flock.
3. Should chicken feeders be inside the coop or run?
Chicken feeders are better placed in the run rather than inside the coop. Coops contain bedding, droppings, and dust that easily contaminate feed. Feeding in the run keeps the coop cleaner and improves airflow. A sheltered run area protects feed from weather.
4. Can chicken feeders attract rats or mice?
Yes, spilled grain and uncovered feeders can attract rats and mice. Feed left on the ground provides an easy food source for pests. Raising feeders and reducing waste helps limit access. Keeping the area clean further discourages rodent activity.