So, I've decided to put my new welder to work and try my hand at building a couple protein feeders. Here's my questions for you guys...

I am using a 55 gallon metal drum I bought and want to attach the following protein tube to it:



I realize I will need to adapt the top of it to attach properly, since this was made to attach to a GameWinner barrel, and the 55 gallon drum has a flat bottom.

My question is this: would you just try to bend the top pieces of metal and weld to the bottom of the drum (that would have the hole cut out in the center) or would you use a funnel? If a funnel, what type would you recommend?

The small funnel (would likely use metal though):


Or the large funnel (again, think metal would be best, right?):


Whatcha think? You're feedback would be greatly appreciated!

I would utilize the large Funnel to maintain positive flow.

STX has stated this on here before and if your using a barrel get the oversized lid that over hangs a tad and use a Rock to hold down so it can breathe..

"The lid will needs to be snug but allow air flow so the feeder can breath. It needs to keep rain out though, so a lip or overhang is ideal."

This^^^^^^^ and then just use self-tapping sheet metal screws to attach the protein tube to the bottom of your barrell. Just make sure the funnel has at least a 1.5" opening, 2" is better yet. You can get by without a funnel but you will have to make sure the clean out the bottom of the feeder every so often. The "fines" and busted pellets from your protein will stay around the edges. Over time it will get bugs in it and turn to mush. Stinky mush.

I defiantly agree with the funnel, it makes it a lot easier. Not too mention the mush is not fun to clean out as I just had to do that to one feeder where the funnel got out of line. I now like to use the metal funnels from boss buck that goes on the bottom of the barrel.

Walter

Large funnel and sheet-metal-screw the tube on. Funnels are so cheap there's no reason not to IMO.

-Mickey

Find you an All Seasons dealer they will have a metal funnel also. They can get you one with a 2" opening or a 4" opening for protein feeders.

Thanks, everyone! I ended up ordering an All Seasons metal funnel with a 4" opening.

Appreciate the feedback!

If you can cut the bottom out of your feeder (check the new funnel to make sure it is the right size for your feeder barrel, not all barrels are the same diameter) then drop the funnel in to the bottom to expand your feeder capacity up to 375# of protein from 300.

Good idea! Once I get out to the property with all parts in hand, I'll test out what will be best (and easiest)!
Thanks again!

I attached one of those feeder tubes to the bottom of a 55 gal barrel. All you do is bend the tabs flat. Worked perfectly. I bought the moultrie leg kit, game winner tube and plastic funnel, all from academy(free shipping) and I had the barrel. Works perfectly!

You don't need a metal funnel for the inside of the barrel. The thick plastic one you show there is perfect. It will not rot and is very very sturdy. Not flimsy at all.

I would recommend getting a metal lid for it. The original lids on the barrel seal too tight and the protein will mold. Mine did. Then I got a metal lid from lyssy and Eckel and now it works great! No mold.

Have you looked at Boss Buck?

Funnel and gravity feeder

Lid

I just built one using the funnel gravity feeder and lid and been very pleased

Just got 2 boss bucks with 4" openings, and also got 2 with 2" openings. Gonna build a couple protein and a couple corn feeders this weekend...will post pics when they are done. I also bought a couple lids as well.

Thanks again for the recommendations. This should be a fun project!
~George

I built a protein feeder with the Gamewinner tube hopper you showed above:



Pretty simple project. I used an large in-drum plastic funnel, then cut the end of the funnel off a bit(to the second level) to increase the diameter to the same as the pipe (~4"). I then attached the hopper tube to the bottom of the drum with self-tapping screws, and reinforced the mount with two angle brackets. Works great. The deer are fans:




If I did it again I would cut out the bottom of the drum and weld a metal funnel on. That would increase my capacity by about 80lbs or so.

I like the Boss buck feed head, but it is $60 more than the game winner. My whole feeder only ran me about $140.

Should have just bought my feeder for $250.

I would just bend the tabs flat and screw to the barrel.

the hogs were bothering my feeder so I took off the spinner plate and made a gravity feeder. I bought a plastic toilet flange and 6 inch plastic pipe from home deport. Put a boss buck feeder tube on te end of it and used sheet metal screws to attach the toilet flange to the bottom of the barrell. Worked great when I figured out the height to make it. Believe it was 42 inches. the deer could eat anytime but the hogs couldnt reach it.