![3D printed chicken feeder for PVC pipe](https://myprojectcorner.com/3d-printed-chicken-feeder/images/chicken-feeder05_hu16c83d48e65a6c0dc6ecdabcdfd07a1b_205722_800x0_resize_q75_box.jpg)
Hens using the chicken feeder
This is my 3d printed chicken feeder design, it mounts on to standard 100mm PVC pipe and holds up to 5 days of food for my 6 hens.
Design and Printing
Creating the 3d model with TinkerCad
This is the model that I produced using TinkerCad. The idea is to allow the chickens access to a limited amount of food at one time to reduce waste.
The design is available on Tinkercad
The print files and settings can be viewed and downloaded on Thingiverse
![TinkerCad model of my 3D printed chicken feeder for PVC pipe](https://myprojectcorner.com/3d-printed-chicken-feeder/images/chicken-feeder06_hu47c3fce447fa7d2c057790483d13e841_71222_800x0_resize_q75_box.jpg)
TinkerCad model
Printed in Sunlu PLA+, it took in the region of 15 hours using the following settings:
- 0.2 resolution
- 15% infill
Building the feeder
Prepare the PVC pipe
Cut a piece of 100mm PVC pipe to the required length, I made mine 60cm long to allow for it to be suspended under the hen house.
Insert the pipe into the printed feeder part. Drill pilot holes for the 4 screws and screw in place.
Drill 2 holes at the opposite end to accept the wire or string for hanging the feeder.
Installation
The chicken feeder in use
This feeder is made to be suspended in a place where it is protected from to rain. My chicken house is raised 1.4 meters off the ground, so I can hang the feeder underneath. Positioning it under the chicken house also has the advantage of deterring wild birds from ‘stealing’ the chickens’ food.
![The 3d printed chicken feeder hung under the chicken house](https://myprojectcorner.com/3d-printed-chicken-feeder/images/chicken-feeder05_hu16c83d48e65a6c0dc6ecdabcdfd07a1b_205722_800x0_resize_q75_box.jpg)
The hens using the feeder
A short YouTube video of the hens and the feeder
Updated design
After using the chicken feeder with my hens I found that if I filled it with ground grain it worked fine, however if it was used with whole grain it had a tendance to become blocked.
I went back to my Tinkercad design and made a few changes
The changes I made to the design were to reduce the height of the internal cone, removal of internal separations and enlarging the grain feed arches.
![Updated design of 3D printed chicken feeder for PVC pipe](https://myprojectcorner.com/3d-printed-chicken-feeder/images/chicken-feeder07_hubb3f7c2cc824fcf2bba07ca02d302ee2_100964_800x0_resize_q75_box.jpg)
The updated design
These modifications have eliminated the blockage problems and the hens are happier now.