Questions About Bulk Feeder Build and What to Put in It?

[Fishndude]

So here's what I've got. A barrel(yes plastic and I'm aware of all the squirrel possibilities), and three legs(2'). I want to build a bulk feeder for deer. So, my plan is to have a ring with the three legs attached for the barrel to sit in making the barrels bottom about a foot(maybe less) off the ground. Then I will drive rebar through the legs to keep it in place.

My questions...

What kind/size of holes do I make for the deer to feed?

What kind of bulk feed should I use? (not corn as it's gonna be next to a feeder)

Has anyone tried the bulk alfalfa cubes? This is along the lines of what I'm thinking.

Any other recommendations??

Thanks in advance.

[keatonskidmore]

i think your legs need to come up...quite a bit..

[Smart]

Fruity Pebbles....the poor man's Buck Candy...

[Ol Thumper]

Not a clue about that set up but if you need anything fabed up let me know. If you were closer Id give you a nice purdy steel barrell with lid to avoid your future problems

[keatonskidmore]

I'm just confused on what your going for here...free choice??

[Fishndude]

Not a clue about that set up but if you need anything fabed up let me know. If you were closer Id give you a nice purdy steel barrell with lid to avoid your future problems

Very kind offer sir. I may pm ya tomorrow. I think I have what I need but not positive.

KS, I'm trying to have a free choice feeder with some other product besides corn or protein to attract deer. I'm hoping someone has fooled around with the alfalfa cubes or something of that nature. If protein is the best choice then so be it but I'm looking for other options. I enjoy playing around with this kinda thing. Not worried at all about actually shooting something.

[Ol Thumper]

Let me know,

[Fishndude]

Yes sir and thanks again.

[bowhuntntxn]

I would think it needs to be some sort of pelletized feed, because alfalfa cubes are huge. Generally the same size as range cubes for cattle. I have seen low to the ground feeders for quail and turkey filled with milo, but never a gravity based feeder filled with anything other than corn.


Good Luck and I hope someone has a good idea for ya!

[Skinny]

As far as the hole design goes, I would think something like a semi circle shape, but only cut the rounded edge and have the top flat edge serve as a hinge kinda. The flap goes towards the center of the barrel and serves as a restrictor so to speak. I've seen some barrel feeders made of steel with something close to that. I wanna say it was Monarch feeders, but not sure...


Skinny

[wyliescrib]

i have the exact same barrell and i drilled five holes in it about an inch from the bottom(the holes are 5/8 inch..) set it on the ground(no legs) and put maZe in it... the turkey quail and deer love it... this setup must be inside of a pen..

[Mayhem]

thats is so nice of you to build a feeder for the coons jeff.

[Fishndude]

Will coons eat alfalfa cubes?

[talltexasshoote]

Will coons eat alfalfa cubes?

If it annoys us, coons will eat it or mess with it. Thank Gog they don't get any bigger!

[bowhuntntxn]

probably. they will eat everything else, including plastic.

You could make it a bulk corn storage for the hand corn you put out when you hunt.