I used to work on a commercial turkey ranch, our auto feeders worked generally the same as your feeder does, we had a heck of a time with mice getting inside the hoppers & dying until we installed hardware cloth over the openings. Big enough for feed to get out too small for those litter buggers to get in. Thanks for the video will try that for our girls soon, the waterer will be even sooner though lol thanks again for the vlogs.
Lacey, I think it's awesome that you have a caring and loving husband. He has some great ideas for homesteading. I enjoy watching you do creative things with your hands and mind. If the opportunity ever arises to visit with you at your farm, I would love to have a lengthy chat about your homesteading techniques. I think it's quite awesome the way you meet your challenges and change your problems into solutions. I wish you well in all that you do as a family. Grow on folks! We all love you guys.
nice to see someone share this, i have been doing basically the same thing since rubber maid came out with their rubber garbage cans, but i made a wood base and use smaller holes in garbage can. saves a lot of time and energy when feeding over 200 birds a day.
I have 8 meat birds, my husband made a five gallon bucket automatic feeder. Using pvc elbows. I love it and the chickens have wasted hardly any food since we started using it. When i get out of the city and have more chickens ill have him make a big one like this!
My husband did a bird feeder that way, but he put a large funnel in the bottom of the can small end up,to make seeds flow better. Love that feeder. Good for you and good luck. Thanks for the video.
Mike, I really enjoy what you and your family have built together. There isn't anything a strong family unit can't achieve or overcome. Also, don't let the haters rent space in your head. Grow on!
Smart! The chickens watching you work was funny. Your children are so adorable. Love your videos. Learn something new every time I watch them. God bless you and your sweet family.
That was so cute watching the chickens watch Mike while he set up the waterer. They were so interested in what he was doing. Have a Wonderful & Blessed Day!
Who gives Mike a thumbs down? This is a good idea and very scalable. Garden hoses will work for a while, but eventually to will want to run PVC underground to various areas of your farm.
Looks good. You could also get a second lid and cut hole to slide up from bottom and create a cover for the feeder so it can be in the field and not in tractor. Great idea for the cost
I like the feeder concept, Neat Idea! Those water floats really help out a bunch! One suggestion I’d make is Build a small wooden frame for the round rubberized water bowl to sit down inside of. Or a wooden frame to cap over the bowl. This would be to prevent a overturned water bowl from a bunch of chickens or animals from standing on one side & possibly tipping it over. Which could result in prematurely emptying your water barrels. Just a idea 💡. 👍
Safe travel. Prayers as always are being said. So blessed to be going to the Bakers Creek nation heirloom. Not personally but through you and Lacie. Can't wait to see all that is new this year. With God's grace someday I will be able to go there and meet you and others. Be blessed Family and enjoy your time of sharing off the farm. God's blessing to you and yours.
good job mike. one more step to make your homestead more efficient. Hooking up the water gutter to save rain water is a must have. You have a lot of rain there so it's a waste to throw rain water away.
The Fit Farmer - Mike Dickson one thing at a time 😀 you slowly make your homestead more efficient and more beautiful. Maybe an update video in the future about how the automated water and feeder do
You need to put washers on the bottom of the bolts before you put the nuts on to prevent the nuts from wearing their way into the plastic in the future, since the plastic is not rigid. But that is a great idea for bulk feeding a bunch of fowl! I just saw a homesteader use that same automatic waterer device on a large 100 gallon trough for his cow! Great ideas and God Bless!
Not sure if you knew but many hoses state on them they are not safe for drinking water from them. Additionally as they warm up from the sun it leaks toxic chemicals into the water. They have drinking water hoses although a bit more expensive to get the lengths you need. Same with non food grade plastics. Just some FYI for those who are concerned about those kinds of things like me.
We did almost exactly the same feeder but put our garbage cans inside a kiddie pool. And our water source all have 4 way splitters. 🤣 Great minds think alike!
very cool!...I use a 5 gallon pail w/lid and an 6" pvc elbow (the kind with the lip thing)...cut hole bout 4" up from bottom and put in the elbow facing down inside and caulk it in place...the chicken stick their heads into the elbow and eat...they love it...it is water proof and I hang it from the metal handle to keep out rodents....but I don't have 25 chickens...lol... I only have 6.... :)… love your channel and your beautiful family!
Great info!! I already have a very heavy dury trash can so all I need to buy is the pan. I like the water idea also. I already have a 5 gal water bucket, so that will do for now. Thanks so much!!! Will look at your items after paying for 2 vehicle batteties and license for truck. Batteries were a shock!!! Lol
Brilliant Mike! Thanks for the great feeder idea. I need to start lifting weights and get fit just like you because when I feed my 70+ chickens, it gets very labor intensive. And the automatic waterer is awesome too, hopefully I can implement it into my system next year, berrr...cold is coming here in Wisconsin. Thanks again!
Great big feeder. Here in South Louisiana, I had a problem with mice and rats eating my chicken feed. The critters actually ate a hole around the lid handle to get to my feed. We purchased a large galvanized can and keep the feed in the bag in the can. So far the rats have not bothered it and we are feeding them with D-con. Have fun on your trip.
Pro tip: when using a skill-saw, always adjust the depth of so that blade comes just below the material your cutting. Its safer AND gives better control of the saw, making a cleaner cut. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you, Thank you, Thank you, Thank you! I Will be trying this. I have tried several other "automated" water and feeder systems and None of them were successful. This looks simple and straightforward!
I just watched a video of yours for the first time and i love the family videos .you all work together .i ended up watching different videos of yours for 3 hrs straight n still watching thm. I am just starting with chicks for the first time and your videos are so helpful. . I also want to try the wife's baked radishes . I am inspired by you n your family and for sharing all the info you n your wife give.
Very good ideas, I especially like the water tote idea as I have a tote like that, my issue is freezing in the winter ( Michigan), but I’m gonna figure something out, thanks for the ideas
And thank you! You guys are helping others learn to be better farmers and have personal inspired me to sow more seeds of good nature in the world around me. It means a lot!
I like this chicken feeder way better than the ones I’ve seen so far. We’ve tried a couple different kinds but this seems more effective. Thanks bunches!
Have a wonderful time at the BAKER CREEK HEIRLOOM SEED EXPO on Sept 10, 11, and 12! Can't wait to find out all the new things you learn at this event! -- "Lord willin' and the creek don't rise"... I should have enough money saved up to attend next year. Best wishes from Kate in Olympia, WA -- 9/9/2019.
I’m loving the chickens down by the pond. Maybe this winter we can organize a group of people to clean around your pond. Cutting brush and mowing. I’d love to help y’all with some of your hard to get to tasks. 😇if anyone’s interested in sharing some love for these fine people you can reply to this post. Let’s wait until the snakes go into hibernation please and thank you 😊
Great video. Good feeding & watering options. Both easy to do. Glad the run over chicken is doing OK. Have a great time & Baker Creek Expo & safe travels. Love & Hugs from Vicki in Ft. Worth, Texas 🇨🇱🇺🇸
I see this working to feed larger animals also like goats, sheep. Please remember to check your animals every day just for health and safety or have someone do it when gone. But having automatic feeders and waters helps ensure they have the basics if you have an emergency and can’t check them, or you take a vacation and they will be checked at different times of the day.
I love how Lacie seems to be the brains of the operation. (We can do it! 💪) I'd like to see her have a bit more of a co-equal role in front of the camera, or have topics just she would like to cover. If that would be of interest to her of course. Mike, your brawn sure is handy too. I'm a recent fan & am enjoying. Thank you, Cheers!
Since I (Lacie) do a lot of the editing it is hard to find time to be in front of the camera more. This is a team effort. Teamwork makes the dream work!! Thanks so much for watching!!
Love you guys videos. Tip...box razor would work fine with that type plastic for feed holes. Used it for my bucket nest boxes and garbage can compost bin
Hi there im an Australian chook love and have a small flock at the moment but it's growing ,this is one of the best idea I've seen sofar so I'm going to in the new coop use it thx subscribe to your channel and liked thx great idea .
You could also use a pan that goes underneath a water heater for the bottom part of your feeder. There even round. Also some kind of metal cone inside the barrel to divert the food to the outside of edge where the holes are. Hope this is helpful.
Greetings Mike and Lacey..a great dyi..well I still haven't convinced the hubbs to let me have chickens so I'll have to keep this dyi in mind for the future.. blessings to you and your family 😇😇😇
I have recently let all my flock live with my daughter and her family, I had horrible chicken math and grew my flock way past the size of my run and backyard. I made a 5-gal feeder similar to your much larger feeder...I found my birds were so stinking wasteful with brushing out feed with their beaks when my holes were too large and rather free flowing. Also I did upturn a (4 or 5 cup size) plastic bowl inside to direct the feed towards the outer edges of my feeder so all the feed wasn't left piled in the center of my bucket, it acted as a cone and forced the feed to land where they could get it from the edges of the bucket if it didn't completely fall out on its own. They had no problem pecking at the hole if by chance it got a back up and it would dribble out more feed again. On my daughters farm, they are all in a three room area of the barn and free range during the day while safely locked in the barn at night. Her boys are my favorite "Chicken Tenders" and they adore the girls!
Love how those 2 Chickens had to see what you were working on with the automatic waterer.
I used to work on a commercial turkey ranch, our auto feeders worked generally the same as your feeder does, we had a heck of a time with mice getting inside the hoppers & dying until we installed hardware cloth over the openings. Big enough for feed to get out too small for those litter buggers to get in. Thanks for the video will try that for our girls soon, the waterer will be even sooner though lol thanks again for the vlogs.
Lacey, I think it's awesome that you have a caring and loving husband. He has some great ideas for homesteading. I enjoy watching you do creative things with your hands and mind. If the opportunity ever arises to visit with you at your farm, I would love to have a lengthy chat about your homesteading techniques. I think it's quite awesome the way you meet your challenges and change your problems into solutions. I wish you well in all that you do as a family. Grow on folks! We all love you guys.
Thank you Paul!! We really appreciate your encouraging words. Maybe we will meet one day!
I swear Lacey you seem to no how to put just about anything together. Smart and beautiful. You both do a wonderful job Ty you so much.⚘❤
Thanks Shay!! I guess I can just read and follow directions. lol ~ Lacie
The Fit Farmer - Mike Dickson we all no how men r about directions😂
nice to see someone share this, i have been doing basically the same thing since rubber maid came out with their rubber garbage cans, but i made a wood base and use smaller holes in garbage can.
saves a lot of time and energy when feeding over 200 birds a day.
This will help my birds my chickens an ducks! THANK YOU FOR POSTING
I love the look at the hen checking out the float valve, lol. Great systems you've got in place. Thanks for sharing - Jenny
I just love how smart you and your wife are so much knowledge you all are a beautiful family God bless you and keep you safe and give you peace
I have 8 meat birds, my husband made a five gallon bucket automatic feeder. Using pvc elbows. I love it and the chickens have wasted hardly any food since we started using it. When i get out of the city and have more chickens ill have him make a big one like this!
My husband did a bird feeder that way, but he put a large funnel in the bottom of the can small end up,to make seeds flow better. Love that feeder. Good for you and good luck. Thanks for the video.
That was my thought as well 😊 So the feed is directed towards the holes and you don't get a static patch in the middle
Mike, that’s a really creative automatic feeder.
What excellent idea with chicken feeder !!! Also the water plan, that will definitly give peace of mind when going on Holiday.
Mike,
I really enjoy what you and your family have built together. There isn't anything a strong family unit can't achieve or overcome. Also, don't let the haters rent space in your head. Grow on!
Elbert Jackson other way around free rent in the haters head!! Cheers! 😂
Smart! The chickens watching you work was funny. Your children are so adorable. Love your videos. Learn something new every time I watch them. God bless you and your sweet family.
At 11:59, chicken inspector makes hilarious face & movement. LOL!
W Val chickens are funny to watch
Neat feeder... I absolutely adore the family especially Selah she's absolutely a sweetheart of a young lady!!
Thank you!
I would gladly be the adopted auntie 😂😂💕💕
That was so cute watching the chickens watch Mike while he set up the waterer. They were so interested in what he was doing. Have a Wonderful & Blessed Day!
Who gives Mike a thumbs down? This is a good idea and very scalable. Garden hoses will work for a while, but eventually to will want to run PVC underground to various areas of your farm.
Nicely done, and your wife is great, loved how she easily put the automatic part of the water provider together for you. I love time savers.
PUT a fitted layer of screen in the waterer just below the water level . Keep you from loosing chicks and easier to keep any trash cleaned out.
Looks good. You could also get a second lid and cut hole to slide up from bottom and create a cover for the feeder so it can be in the field and not in tractor. Great idea for the cost
I like the feeder concept, Neat Idea! Those water floats really help out a bunch! One suggestion I’d make is Build a small wooden frame for the round rubberized water bowl to sit down inside of. Or a wooden frame to cap over the bowl. This would be to prevent a overturned water bowl from a bunch of chickens or animals from standing on one side & possibly tipping it over. Which could result in prematurely emptying your water barrels. Just a idea 💡. 👍
Im glad you are going to continue sharing what you do. Don't let negative comments bother y'all...i love watching what you do
Wrong name it should be peggy speer. John doss is a inlaw..lol ill get it changed
I went back a ways and found this vlog and I really liked your idea for your chicken feeder and waterer.
Safe travel. Prayers as always are being said. So blessed to be going to the Bakers Creek nation heirloom. Not personally but through you and Lacie. Can't wait to see all that is new this year. With God's grace someday I will be able to go there and meet you and others. Be blessed Family and enjoy your time of sharing off the farm. God's blessing to you and yours.
good job mike. one more step to make your homestead more efficient. Hooking up the water gutter to save rain water is a must have. You have a lot of rain there so it's a waste to throw rain water away.
All in future plans! We need to hang gutters on the building, all we need is time and money. lol
The Fit Farmer - Mike Dickson one thing at a time 😀 you slowly make your homestead more efficient and more beautiful. Maybe an update video in the future about how the automated water and feeder do
You need to put washers on the bottom of the bolts before you put the nuts on to prevent the nuts from wearing their way into the plastic in the future, since the plastic is not rigid. But that is a great idea for bulk feeding a bunch of fowl! I just saw a homesteader use that same automatic waterer device on a large 100 gallon trough for his cow! Great ideas and God Bless!
Thank you my brother for making this video
Not sure if you knew but many hoses state on them they are not safe for drinking water from them. Additionally as they warm up from the sun it leaks toxic chemicals into the water. They have drinking water hoses although a bit more expensive to get the lengths you need. Same with non food grade plastics. Just some FYI for those who are concerned about those kinds of things like me.
I am sure going to try this for my son's chicken pen. This is a great idea thanks you.
We did almost exactly the same feeder but put our garbage cans inside a kiddie pool. And our water source all have 4 way splitters. 🤣 Great minds think alike!
very cool!...I use a 5 gallon pail w/lid and an 6" pvc elbow (the kind with the lip thing)...cut hole bout 4" up from bottom and put in the elbow facing down inside and caulk it in place...the chicken stick their heads into the elbow and eat...they love it...it is water proof and I hang it from the metal handle to keep out rodents....but I don't have 25 chickens...lol... I only have 6.... :)… love your channel and your beautiful family!
Sounds like a great feeder you have there and works great for your set up. Thanks so much for watching!
Washers will help with not cracking the plastic when tightening your bolts.
Great info!! I already have a very heavy dury trash can so all I need to buy is the pan. I like the water idea also. I already have a 5 gal water bucket, so that will do for now. Thanks so much!!! Will look at your items after paying for 2 vehicle batteties and license for truck. Batteries were a shock!!! Lol
I really liked the float setup for the auto waterer. So did the chickens 😁
Lacie you should tell the story of how you know all those skills.
Brilliant Mike! Thanks for the great feeder idea. I need to start lifting weights and get fit just like you because when I feed my 70+ chickens, it gets very labor intensive. And the automatic waterer is awesome too, hopefully I can implement it into my system next year, berrr...cold is coming here in Wisconsin. Thanks again!
Great big feeder. Here in South Louisiana, I had a problem with mice and rats eating my chicken feed. The critters actually ate a hole around the lid handle to get to my feed. We purchased a large galvanized can and keep the feed in the bag in the can. So far the rats have not bothered it and we are feeding them with D-con. Have fun on your trip.
Grateful for your sharing your idea! Thanks
Great camera man shows everything thanks
Great job Team FIT.
Keep up the good work
God bless you
Pro tip: when using a skill-saw, always adjust the depth of so that blade comes just below the material your cutting. Its safer AND gives better control of the saw, making a cleaner cut. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you, Thank you, Thank you, Thank you! I Will be trying this. I have tried several other "automated" water and feeder systems and None of them were successful. This looks simple and straightforward!
Cool channel for homesteaders!
That automatic chicken feeder is a great idea.
Thanks for this video! Ive been searching for a solution and this is so easy and effective. Thank you!!
You're welcome! Glad it helped you!
I just watched a video of yours for the first time and i love the family videos .you all work together .i ended up watching different videos of yours for 3 hrs straight n still watching thm. I am just starting with chicks for the first time and your videos are so helpful. . I also want to try the wife's baked radishes . I am inspired by you n your family and for sharing all the info you n your wife give.
Super smart feeder! Hope ya'll have a wonderful trip! Pleasant Journey!!!😊❤
Clever, economic, quick to assemble and put to work! Nuthin' beats that! : )
That was cool. Thank you for sharing. Loves and hugs from Alamogordo New Mexico USA. May God bless you and your family
Very good ideas, I especially like the water tote idea as I have a tote like that, my issue is freezing in the winter ( Michigan), but I’m gonna figure something out, thanks for the ideas
always amazed at the skills you both have learned. Have fun at the expo
Ha ha! I had to laugh ..the chickens were looking like ... where's the water! 😁😂😂🤣😅🐣🐣🐤🐥🐥
They were definitely ready for a drink. LOL
@@davepelfrey3958 😁😁😁😁
@@davepelfrey3958 I Know!😁😄😃😀
Your subscription numbers are on a serious up tick, Great Job!!!
Thanks!
And thank you! You guys are helping others learn to be better farmers and have personal inspired me to sow more seeds of good nature in the world around me. It means a lot!
Thank y'all
Love the Star Wars reference. "I cant see anything with this blaster shield on". Haha. Great video.
I love inexpensive DIYs
I like this chicken feeder way better than the ones I’ve seen so far. We’ve tried a couple different kinds but this seems more effective. Thanks bunches!
I like to learn about homesteading and you and your wife do a great job of showing how to do things, thanks! Nancy from Canada
Have a wonderful time at the BAKER CREEK HEIRLOOM SEED EXPO on Sept 10, 11, and 12! Can't wait to find out all the new things you learn at this event! -- "Lord willin' and the creek don't rise"... I should have enough money saved up to attend next year. Best wishes from Kate in Olympia, WA -- 9/9/2019.
Thank you! There will be videos to come.
I’m loving the chickens down by the pond. Maybe this winter we can organize a group of people to clean around your pond. Cutting brush and mowing. I’d love to help y’all with some of your hard to get to tasks. 😇if anyone’s interested in sharing some love for these fine people you can reply to this post. Let’s wait until the snakes go into hibernation please and thank you 😊
Thanks Wendy!
I have a 4 hose faucet. So handy.
What a great idea for a chicken feeder. Love your channel. What a wonderful life you live.
I love the chicken that was so curious! I guess it was thirsty 😂
Thanks great idea and simple. Very nice
Good idea Mike and Lacie, I'm going to try it. Thank You and grow on🐔 🐥
Great tips, Thank you both for sharing😃👍🏽❤️
Great video. Good feeding & watering options. Both easy to do. Glad the run over chicken is doing OK. Have a great time & Baker Creek Expo & safe travels. Love & Hugs from Vicki in Ft. Worth, Texas 🇨🇱🇺🇸
I see this working to feed larger animals also like goats, sheep.
Please remember to check your animals every day just for health and safety or have someone do it when gone. But having automatic feeders and waters helps ensure they have the basics if you have an emergency and can’t check them, or you take a vacation and they will be checked at different times of the day.
So glad to find your video! I will subscribe for future DIY's and get more knowledge for our homestead!
Thanks man, you got me in the right direction.
I love how Lacie seems to be the brains of the operation. (We can do it! 💪) I'd like to see her have a bit more of a co-equal role in front of the camera, or have topics just she would like to cover. If that would be of interest to her of course. Mike, your brawn sure is handy too. I'm a recent fan & am enjoying. Thank you, Cheers!
Since I (Lacie) do a lot of the editing it is hard to find time to be in front of the camera more. This is a team effort. Teamwork makes the dream work!! Thanks so much for watching!!
What great ideas to help out when you all are away. God Bless Ya'll.
Good idea!! Thanks and blessings
Thanks So much for this video. I've been trying to figure out a way to automate my chickens/ducks/geese water for a while and this will work great!
Good job Micah 👍
Love you guys videos. Tip...box razor would work fine with that type plastic for feed holes. Used it for my bucket nest boxes and garbage can compost bin
Not tip per se just another option. I hate pulling out my drill and saws
Two great Ideas right there, great video!!!!🍒🍒🍒
Oh, I like this idea for when we are on vacation.🤩 Thank you for this video!!!
Like both of them
Nice. Glad to see it has covering for the weather so as not to waste! I'm going to have to remember that! Blessings from NE Missouri!
Good video thanks 👍
Nice set up! I like it. The way you have your IBC tote up on the blocks is giving me ideas.
Glad we could give you an idea. Hope you guys are doing good out in the desert!
Great Job Mike and Lacey!! That will help me a whole lot with my new setup for feed and water.
Great DIY for the automatic chicken feeder. Thanks!
Hi there im an Australian chook love and have a small flock at the moment but it's growing ,this is one of the best idea I've seen sofar so I'm going to in the new coop use it thx subscribe to your channel and liked thx great idea .
You could also use a pan that goes underneath a water heater for the bottom part of your feeder. There even round. Also some kind of metal cone inside the barrel to divert the food to the outside of edge where the holes are. Hope this is helpful.
That is a good idea!
Greetings Mike and Lacey..a great dyi..well I still haven't convinced the hubbs to let me have chickens so I'll have to keep this dyi in mind for the future.. blessings to you and your family 😇😇😇
I have recently let all my flock live with my daughter and her family, I had horrible chicken math and grew my flock way past the size of my run and backyard. I made a 5-gal feeder similar to your much larger feeder...I found my birds were so stinking wasteful with brushing out feed with their beaks when my holes were too large and rather free flowing. Also I did upturn a (4 or 5 cup size) plastic bowl inside to direct the feed towards the outer edges of my feeder so all the feed wasn't left piled in the center of my bucket, it acted as a cone and forced the feed to land where they could get it from the edges of the bucket if it didn't completely fall out on its own. They had no problem pecking at the hole if by chance it got a back up and it would dribble out more feed again. On my daughters farm, they are all in a three room area of the barn and free range during the day while safely locked in the barn at night. Her boys are my favorite "Chicken Tenders" and they adore the girls!
bye bye birdie.......
Brilliant!! Tfs 😁👍👍
Good stuff! Thanks for sharing.
Clever. I like it! Xoxo
Great video, genius idea ! 🖒🖒🐣🐥
I'm going do your way of feeding it will make it easier for me
Thank you for another awesome video! I really love the feeder and ther waterer! Genius!!!
Great idea for both Watering and Feeder.
Love it! Gonna make one!
Yeah! A Fit Farmer video!
Great ideas!
Deercreek homesteading loves your channel thanks for all the great information
Thank you! We are so glad that you enjoy our channel!