texashuntingforum.com logo
Main Menu
Advertisement
Affiliates
Advertisement
Newest Members
TraeMartin, Beatixre, MooseSteed, Trappernewt, casyoo
71987 Registered Users
Top Posters(All Time)
dogcatcher 110,788
bill oxner 91,416
SnakeWrangler 65,416
stxranchman 60,296
Gravytrain 46,950
RKHarm24 44,585
rifleman 44,461
Stub 43,769
Forum Statistics
Forums46
Topics537,019
Posts9,719,442
Members86,987
Most Online25,604
Feb 12th, 2024
Print Thread
Page 1 of 2 1 2
Homemade protein feeder #6625870 01/10/17 05:46 PM
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 43
D
DTack Offline OP
Light Foot
OP Offline
Light Foot
D
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 43
I know there are some things out on youtube that show people making homemade protein feeders. However, I wanted to ask you guys on here. I was looking into building one out of a 55 gallon drum and then just purchasing a gravity tube feeder from Academy along with the funnel obviously. Any hints from those of you that may have made your own? How long should the legs be and whats the easiest point to attach them (is it better in one place or the other - bottom of barrel, middle)?

I don't feel like spending $200+ for a feeder when i can make one for about $75 or so... any suggestions are appreciated.

Thanks

Re: Homemade protein feeder [Re: DTack] #6625896 01/10/17 06:00 PM
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 5,067
T
titan2232 Offline
THF Trophy Hunter
Offline
THF Trophy Hunter
T
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 5,067
I've been down the "homemade" protein feeder road and wish I wouldn't have wasted my time and energy.

The CLEAR 4" PVC pipe coming down from the barrel was nice on my set-up since my game camera would often capture pictures as the feeder was going empty (easy to tell how long your protein lasts)

FYI: My 85 gallon feeder only lasted an average of two weeks



Re: Homemade protein feeder [Re: DTack] #6625897 01/10/17 06:01 PM
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 5,067
T
titan2232 Offline
THF Trophy Hunter
Offline
THF Trophy Hunter
T
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 5,067
Forgot to mention the funnel hole needs to be at least double the size of a normal broadcast feeder.



Re: Homemade protein feeder [Re: DTack] #6625902 01/10/17 06:03 PM
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 19,212
T
TEXASLEFTY Online Content
THF Whiskey Sommelier
Online Content
THF Whiskey Sommelier
T
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 19,212
I plan to build a ptotein feeder and have ask a few friends that have this style. The bottom of the tube needs to be about 54" to slow down the hogs and.... mix in some corn or the protein will clump up.

I have a 55 drum feeder already and plan to add the hopper academy sells and just try it. I will come back to this bread with any updates.....

Good luck and hope it works out for both of us!


Originally Posted by Chunky Monkey
Never been to a camping world. I prefer Dick's to be honest.
Re: Homemade protein feeder [Re: DTack] #6625918 01/10/17 06:09 PM
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 466
T
ThreePeppers Offline
Bird Dog
Offline
Bird Dog
T
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 466
I made two last year. The best thing to do is find a way to hold up the barrel after you attach the spout. I was able to do that here at work with a forklift. I set the spout about 38-40" off the floor then take the legs and brackets you'll be using and mark where they should go. Middle of the barrel definitely makes for easier access than the bottom. I did one both ways due to the legs I was using. On one I used either 8' or 10' fence poles from home depot and then other was made from the enclosure supports from an old trampoline. On both I used the flat sheet metal funnels that can be formed into a cone. I also went with the Wildgame plastic lids from Academy instead of the locking metal lids I had because condensation would develop due to lack of air flow.





Re: Homemade protein feeder [Re: DTack] #6626018 01/10/17 06:57 PM
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 480
H
Hunter Daddy Online Content
Bird Dog
Online Content
Bird Dog
H
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 480
The pictures above are exactly the way to build your homemade protein feeder. But do put a plastic lid or cover over the top because of your pellets getting the condensation from a "too tight" lid. I would have the spouts about 38" from the ground for a south texas deer or 35" from the ground for a hill country deer. I definitely would surround the protein pellet feeders with 16' long hog panels (at least 8 panels.)

Re: Homemade protein feeder [Re: DTack] #6626087 01/10/17 07:42 PM
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 43
D
DTack Offline OP
Light Foot
OP Offline
Light Foot
D
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 43
Thanks guys for the help. I already have the hog panels set up around my corn feeder - i probably will just expand that feed pen.

Re: Homemade protein feeder [Re: DTack] #6626686 01/11/17 02:04 AM
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 614
N
nehntr Offline
Tracker
Offline
Tracker
N
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 614


Here's a couple I made



Isn't the best way to save face to keep the lower part shut?
Re: Homemade protein feeder [Re: DTack] #6629960 01/13/17 02:10 AM
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 442
N
nocknload Offline
Bird Dog
Offline
Bird Dog
N
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 442
Wondering if the Wildgame plastic lids work. I have an issue with my feeders and humidity inside the feeder.

Re: Homemade protein feeder [Re: nocknload] #6630052 01/13/17 02:48 AM
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 19,212
T
TEXASLEFTY Online Content
THF Whiskey Sommelier
Online Content
THF Whiskey Sommelier
T
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 19,212
Originally Posted By: nocknload
Wondering if the Wildgame plastic lids work. I have an issue with my feeders and humidity inside the feeder.


Never leave looked at the brand but.... I use the lids from academy and have not had problems with them...


Originally Posted by Chunky Monkey
Never been to a camping world. I prefer Dick's to be honest.
Re: Homemade protein feeder [Re: TEXASLEFTY] #6630143 01/13/17 03:42 AM
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 11,573
D
dlrz71 Offline
THF Celebrity
Offline
THF Celebrity
D
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 11,573
Originally Posted By: TEXASLEFTY
Originally Posted By: nocknload
Wondering if the Wildgame plastic lids work. I have an issue with my feeders and humidity inside the feeder.


Never leave looked at the brand but.... I use the lids from academy and have not had problems with them...


2 seasons ago all of our feeders had the galvanized lids except one of my brothers which had the black plastic lid. It was the only feeder that would clog up. We figured it was causing condensation/humidity in the barrel and causing the dust to stick together and clog the funnel.

Re: Homemade protein feeder [Re: DTack] #6634247 01/16/17 01:33 AM
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 19,212
T
TEXASLEFTY Online Content
THF Whiskey Sommelier
Online Content
THF Whiskey Sommelier
T
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 19,212
Picked up a 55 gallon barrel this week and a leg kit from Amazon, a forum member has offered a homemade hopper and used inside funnel. I will keep y'all updated with pics and progress.

https://www.amazon.com/American-Hunter-Adapter-Pound-Feeder/dp/B000FGS1S2

dlrz71, thanks for the heads up!!! I have used them for the last decade or so but... if I EVER get condensation inside one the lid will get replaced first. I have had dirt dobber nests in my funnel causing the feeder to clog but never condensation.


Originally Posted by Chunky Monkey
Never been to a camping world. I prefer Dick's to be honest.
Re: Homemade protein feeder [Re: nehntr] #6636707 01/17/17 07:22 PM
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 55
G
Gobblero Offline
Outdoorsman
Offline
Outdoorsman
G
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 55
Originally Posted By: nehntr


Here's a couple I made


Looks great..What does the 4x4 attach to?

Re: Homemade protein feeder [Re: DTack] #6637325 01/18/17 02:07 AM
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 614
N
nehntr Offline
Tracker
Offline
Tracker
N
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 614
A 10" 1/4" square plate with a welded 6" piece of 4" square tubing bolted to barrel with 4 bolts



Isn't the best way to save face to keep the lower part shut?
Re: Homemade protein feeder [Re: DTack] #6642247 01/21/17 04:20 AM
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 19,212
T
TEXASLEFTY Online Content
THF Whiskey Sommelier
Online Content
THF Whiskey Sommelier
T
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 19,212
Little update thru pics....







Started installing the leg bracket kit, I plan to cut the actual legs too length so the hopper is the correct hieght. Looks like a 55 gallon barrel will hold 400lbs of protein so my plan is 5 50lbs bags of protein and however much corn it will hold.....

Thru in a pic of the lid and funnel AND my 4" hole saw is completely dulled so I need to go get one...


Originally Posted by Chunky Monkey
Never been to a camping world. I prefer Dick's to be honest.
Re: Homemade protein feeder [Re: DTack] #6644675 01/23/17 01:49 PM
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 5,067
T
titan2232 Offline
THF Trophy Hunter
Offline
THF Trophy Hunter
T
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 5,067
A 55 gallon barrel will hold far less than 400 lbs of protein especially with the funnel.

The protein pellets take up a lot more more volume than straight corn.

Example: My 85 gallon corn feeders will hold 11 bags of corn, but only 9 bags of protein with the funnel.



Re: Homemade protein feeder [Re: DTack] #6644927 01/23/17 04:18 PM
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,811
T
TxAg Offline
Extreme Tracker
Offline
Extreme Tracker
T
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,811
Some info in case it's helpful. My first home-built protein feeders were similar to TX Lefty's, learned a few lessons the past few years.

As said above, protein pellets are less dense than corn. So, total capacity is different: 85 to 90% in my experience.

-A standard 55 gal drum with INTERNAL funnel will hold around ~250 to 275lb of protein (depends on funnel)

-A 55 gal drum with NO FUNNEL (not recommended) will hold ~300lb of protein

-A 55gal drum with EXTERNAL welded standard metal funnel will hold ~350lb of protein

-A 55gal drum with custom deep EXTERNAL funnel (what I use) will hold ~400lb of protein.


Couple other suggestions:
-Make sure your drop hole is at least 3.5" in diameter
-Caulk and seal every single penetration in the drum. You will regret it later if not.

Pigs and cows love protein once they taste it, and will wreck shop to get to it. Strong feed pen highly recommended.

Last edited by TxAg; 01/23/17 04:19 PM.
Re: Homemade protein feeder [Re: DTack] #6645089 01/23/17 05:45 PM
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 19,212
T
TEXASLEFTY Online Content
THF Whiskey Sommelier
Online Content
THF Whiskey Sommelier
T
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 19,212
I'm not trying to squat on another members thread, I PM'd him and he never responded.

TxAg, thanks for the response! I will do as you say and seal everything up can you tell me why?

The feed pen will have to wait for those that don't know I'm just a mechanic and DO NOT use credit cards so, if the hogs destroy the feeder I'm out less than $100, looks like a 10 panel pen is going to be about $300 and I hope to have it built but not this weekend.

Thanks again for the responses hopefully this thread will help someone else..


Originally Posted by Chunky Monkey
Never been to a camping world. I prefer Dick's to be honest.
Re: Homemade protein feeder [Re: TEXASLEFTY] #6645100 01/23/17 05:59 PM
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,811
T
TxAg Offline
Extreme Tracker
Offline
Extreme Tracker
T
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,811
Originally Posted By: TEXASLEFTY
TxAg, thanks for the response! I will do as you say and seal everything up can you tell me why?


Yes sir. Protein loves to wick up moisture. Any penetration point that is not sealed will have protein clump up around it due to moisture intrusion. Eventually the clumps break off and you have clogging problems. Also, with enough water, protein pellets turn to mush. And, if enough of the mush collects it can clog the whole feeder as well.

A few mins of effort to caulk and seal now can save a bunch of time and hassle down the road.

Good luck! Looks like you're off to a good start.

Re: Homemade protein feeder [Re: DTack] #6653901 01/30/17 05:05 AM
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 19,212
T
TEXASLEFTY Online Content
THF Whiskey Sommelier
Online Content
THF Whiskey Sommelier
T
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 19,212
It's up, the tube my friend and forum member gave me is pretty nice so I went with a game winner until I can get a pen up. The feeder held 200lbs of protein and 100lbs of corn. I've got $95 in this one the barrel was free and I already had some legs so...




Here is a pic of the height of the hopper and I did not include the spray paint in the price either....



Originally Posted by Chunky Monkey
Never been to a camping world. I prefer Dick's to be honest.
Re: Homemade protein feeder [Re: DTack] #6654279 01/30/17 04:54 PM
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 22,630
Cast Offline
THF Celebrity
Offline
THF Celebrity
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 22,630
Texaslefty's pic -



Cast

[Linked Image]

I have a short attention spa
Re: Homemade protein feeder [Re: DTack] #6654316 01/30/17 05:20 PM
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 19,212
T
TEXASLEFTY Online Content
THF Whiskey Sommelier
Online Content
THF Whiskey Sommelier
T
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 19,212
Thanks Cast!! Could not get the pic to post!! There it is up and running, excited to check the camera!


Originally Posted by Chunky Monkey
Never been to a camping world. I prefer Dick's to be honest.
Re: Homemade protein feeder [Re: DTack] #6655639 01/31/17 02:52 PM
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 5,067
T
titan2232 Offline
THF Trophy Hunter
Offline
THF Trophy Hunter
T
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 5,067
What brand protein did you throw in her?

You'll be over the cost of the feeder in no time if it gets heavy use.



Re: Homemade protein feeder [Re: titan2232] #6655866 01/31/17 05:22 PM
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 19,212
T
TEXASLEFTY Online Content
THF Whiskey Sommelier
Online Content
THF Whiskey Sommelier
T
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 19,212
Originally Posted By: titan2232
What brand protein did you throw in her?

You'll be over the cost of the feeder in no time if it gets heavy use.



http://www.academy.com/shop/pdp/wildgame...ildCatid=500356


This but the bag looks different.


Originally Posted by Chunky Monkey
Never been to a camping world. I prefer Dick's to be honest.
Re: Homemade protein feeder [Re: DTack] #6655968 01/31/17 06:26 PM
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 5,067
T
titan2232 Offline
THF Trophy Hunter
Offline
THF Trophy Hunter
T
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 5,067
Good deal. Give us an update on how they're taking to it when you can.



Page 1 of 2 1 2
Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread

© 2004-2024 OUTDOOR SITES NETWORK all rights reserved USA and Worldwide
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.3