Submitted by kekawaka on Thu, 01/14/2016 - 9:56am Tool Concept Stage: DIY Primary problem statement: I am a farmer and I want a tool to feed pigs that is easy to move and reduces food waste because pigs tip everything over, fight over, and spill their food. Read more about this problem statement License: This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. Description: A simple grain/slop feeder that withstands a fair amount of jostling and rooting in the pig pen, and can easily be moved when rotating pasture. Made from a plastic drum, three t-stakes, and simple hardware. Would work well for sheep or goats, etc., too.Add new comment Documentation Image Gallery: Documentation Wiki: Bill of materials 1 50-gallon plastic drum (food grade) 3 5-foot T-stakes 6 large bolts, 6 large washers, 6 large nuts 3 T-stake clips for electric fencing OR 3 U-bolts with top plate and bolts and 6 end caps (to prevent injury on the bolt ends) Other tools needed to build this tool Skil saw Drill Crescent wrench Step-by-step build instructions Cut the drum in two about 24 inches from the bottom. Continue to cut two 8 inch tall bands, from the bottom half, leaving the bottom of the drum (now about 8-inches tall) to use as the feeder bowl. Cut one of the two bands into thirds, and then flip the strips to create the concave triangle divider. Cut three shorter pieces from the remaining band (maybe about 18 inches long, each). Bend the short pieces into a U-shape, and bolt the three dividers into one unit. Leave enough of a loop at each protruding end to slip easily, but snugly, over the t-stakes. If using the U-bolt option, be sure to attach bolt end caps to prevent any injury risk for the animals. You may want to use an adhesive such as Lock-Tite(t) for the end caps to make sure they can't come off in the field. Supporting materials ie. SketchUp files, CAD drawings, photos, video, technical drawings. Add new comment User Manual User Manual Wiki: To assembe the feeder in the field : Place the feeder bowl on the ground Pound three t-stakes snugly around it. Drop the divider unit over the stakes. Secure everything with the fencing clips or U-bolts. (For pigs, I find that U-bolts hold up better than the plastic clips.) Add new comment I like this tool up0 users have voted. I built (or modified) this tool up0 users have voted.
