Trough feeders let more than one animal feed at a time.
Trough feeders come in handy whether you are looking to attract the local deer population or feed livestock such as horses, goats or cows. Hunters use feeders like this to draw game to them, especially on their own land. Store-bought feeders can get expensive, particularly if your livestock have a tendency to damage feeders. These troughs can be made from supplies found at local home improvement, hardware or feed stores.
Instructions
1. Dig two post holes for the posts that hold the feeder up. These posts need to be as far apart as the 55 gallon plastic barrel is tall.
2. Cut the 8-foot long piece of lumber in half so that you have two 4-foot pieces. Fill the holes most of the way full with cement, then place a 4-foot length of lumber in each post hole. Let dry.
3. Cut the barrel in half lengthwise with a reciprocating saw. Lay the barrel on the cut edges so it looks like a dome. Drill 10 holes through the top of this dome. These holes will allow rain water to drain though the feeder. Space the holes evenly. Turn the barrel back over.
4. Drill a 1/2 inch hole on either end of the barrel about four inches from the top edge. Drill a 1/2 inch hole in both of the posts, 12 inches from the top of the post.
5. Lift the barrel so that a hole in one end lines up with the hole in the post. Use a carriage bolt to secure the barrel to the post. Repeat with the other end. Lay a length of wire mesh in the bottom of the barrel. Use the self-tapping screws to secure the mesh into place. The mesh will allow water to run out while holding the feed in. The trough is now ready to be used.
Tags: Drill inch, Drill inch hole, inch hole, inches from, Trough feeders, will allow