Bulk Chicken Feeder

A bulk feeder for dry feed is made from a plastic, lidded container, six 3-inch 90 degree pvc elbows with one female end and one male end, and a 3.5" hole saw (drill attachment), which makes perfect circles!

I chose a clear container to easily see when a refill of feed is needed.  

Due to the weight of the feed, take the sturdiness of the container and thickness of plastic into consideration  Some people use trash cans or larger storage containers for 100-150#, but I only needed a feeder for 50#.

Step 1  Draw a circle on the plastic container with a marker for the placement of the elbows, tracing the small male end, with the large female end sitting level on the floor of the container.  Put a mark in the center of the circle to align the hole saw.

Step 2  With the hole saw, cut using these tips:  a.  Let the saw spin and warm up the plastic, before slowly and gently pushing through.  b.  On thicker plastics, running the drill backwards may prevent cracking.  c.  Stabilize the plastic surface  while using the hole saw. d.  Clean up the hole using a utility knife if desired.

Step 3  On the small male end of the elbow, make cuts using a dremel or chop saw, using the pictures below as a model.  Caution:  Watch for kick-back if using a chop saw!  

You can cut it like this.....probably more "no waste" 
if using crumble
Figure 1

Or, like this!  My choice.
It is certainly "no waste" with pellets!
Figure 2

I used the second cut [Figure 2] because the pellet feed more easily flows toward the port opening instead of into the cut-out well of the other cut [Figure 1].  

Step 4  Pull the small male end through the cut hole from the outside to the inside until the cut end of the elbow [Figure 1]  sits on the floor of the container, more or less.   Optional: Bead of caulk around the neck of the female end; smooth as needed.  Let this dry overnight. Note:  In case feed becomes packed, having movement in the pvc elbow makes loosening the feed for flow easy, so, I am glad I did not put a bead of caulk around!

Step 5  Place the feeder on concrete block(s) or at the height needed for your flock.  

Step 6  Secure the top and container to the concrete block using bungee cords.  Chickens will jump on top!  And, the bungees might help stabilize it on the blocks during a straight line wind storm or horseplay!

My completed bulk feeder!  I have six ports for 13-19 hens.

They like it!