DIY Automatic Chicken Feeder and Waterer with PVC and 3D Prints
One of the more tedious tasks in chicken keeping is feeding and watering your flock daily. While I love my chickens, I wanted to alleviate the constant in and out of the chicken run, not to mention the wasted feed from using a trough. After doing some research online, I found that many people were using PVC to create feeders and waterers, so I decided to give it a try myself.
For the feeder, I went with 4-inch PVC pipe and a Y-channel design. This allows the chickens easy access to the feed, while the pipe acts like a silo. To minimize waste, I 3D-printed a custom cap with a parapet-like opening that prevents the chickens from spilling feed while they eat. It’s a simple setup, and best of all, I only need to refill the feeder every 10 days or so.
For the waterer, I used the same 4-inch PVC, cut to about a foot long. I capped both ends and installed three auto-fill water cups that I found on Amazon for just $2 each. Inside the pipe, I added a float valve, so when I attach the hose, the water fills the pipe and cups automatically, ensuring the chickens always have access to water. The waterer is positioned inside the run, but I can hose off the cups from outside when they get dirty. This makes maintaining it super easy and convenient.
This setup has been a game-changer for me. Not only does it reduce waste and effort, but it also keeps the chickens well-fed and watered without constant intervention. Plus, the peace of mind knowing they’re taken care of is priceless!
