Modifying a hanging deer feeder?

[Brazman]

Hey guys, I have a question: I have a Moultrie 6.5 gal hanging deer feeder with the batt. powered timer. Right now I have it set to throw enough corn to empty itself about every 2 weeks. My land is about 1 hr away, and though I love to go out there to fish and kick around, it's not always convenient with my job and family situation (got a 13 mo old who wears us out ;-) so I'd like to extend my corn volume without investing too much. I have an idea.

Do you think it would work to take a 5 or 6 gal plastic bucket and stick it down into the top of the metal Moultrie bucket, essentially doubling cargo hold, running a bead of epoxy where the two buckets overlap, and then putting in some screws where they overlap too for added strength. The whole contraption would then hang from the plastic bucket's handle, which I might look into reinforcing with paracord. Any ideas about this?

[txtimetravler]

Build a feeder with a 55 barrel.
Corn should last you 4-6 weeks.

Your contraption sounds like it could fall out of the tree and loose all your time and corn $$.

[TXhoghunter94]

hmmm, if I were you I would buy a 55 gallon barrel($10) locally and either figure out a way to rig it up in the tree or attach some leg stubs(around $20) and find some strong pipe for the legs, laying around. Just use the timer you already have and for about the same amount of work as adding a second bucket(plus spending about $30, you'll easily save that in gas in a month). Plus the corn should last from a month to three months(depending on how much feed you spread out). Hope this helps

[miket]

I know you gotta work with what you have sometimes, and if you are careful when you build and hang it, it will probably work. But I gotta vote for a 30 or 55 gallon barrel if you can swing it. You may be able to find someone that has an old one that they want to get rid of or something. Good luck to you.

[Brazman]

Yeah, trying to keep it on the cheap. We're squeaking along right now although we're tremendously blessed...just not a lot in the budget for playing right now but I can get by with makeshift stuff for now.

Where could I buy a metal 55 gal barrel for $10??

Someone on another site mentioned he might be able to get me a 35 gal plastic one...we'll see if that pans out. If not, I'll think of something. Might supplement my battery feeder bucket with a few On Demand 5 gallon buckets with broom handles sticking down or something. We'll see. Mostly I was just wanting to know if anyone's tried this project before with any success. I still think it could work and may play with it after I have my big barrel in place. If putting the two buckets together works, I could look for a feeder motor on sale this season and start feeding in another place on the land, maybe. Nice to have options!

[Hovey117]

Look on Craigslist.. There will be 55 gallon containers every other week or so....

[TXhoghunter94]

Look on Craigslist.. There will be 55 gallon containers every other week or so....

x2

[SOTXBOWHUNTER]

Used 55 g metal barrel runs $25 in my area. that's would be awesome to get it for $10

[Brazman]

A guy from another forum got me a 30 gal plastic jug for $5. Gonna juryrig it and will work fine for awhile, until I can afford something more permanent. Thanks for chiming in!

[dcw]

There are some plastic 55 gallon barrels on here for $10 right?

[Wood Man]

Brazman, I'm in Nacogdoches and will give you a 55 gallon drum and will help you build a feeder if you are interested. There will be some expense on feeder motors and tripod legs etc. Let me know. I have just built a few feeders and am in the zone. I know how to get it done. In my business I use a lot of 55 gallon drums of chemical. PM me if you are interested. I will be happy to help.

Wood Man

[Maus53]

I went to Kwick Kar and got a couple aft barrels 16 Gal. I think. Put legs on witch were old trampoline encloser. Or you could hang it without alot of trouble I think.It holds about 80lbs lasts about 30 days The barrles were free just had to burn them out or wash them real good. Mines been workin great for about three years.

[Brazman]

Woodman, thanks for the generous offer. I will give a go with the plastic barrel I bought and see how that works. Can I take you up on the offer later on if I can't get things to work right? After my vacation is over I'll be hitting the workshop...

[keddins]

I have done exactly what you are saying with the 5 gallon buckets. Not a problem putting them together and using the origional handle. It is strong enough.

[ted_kennedys_liver]

Little bit of added advice - if you use any type of poly/plastic barrel - wrap it in the 1" x 1" or smaller welded wire screen/fencing. This will prevent coons and squirrels from chewing a hole in it - and yes they will eat a hoel smooth through it in o time (especially in these harsh conditions).

All of my feeders are hanging from trees - I use a homemade hanger (made out of lanscape timbers and 4" x 4" (lloks like a hangmans gallow or upside down capital "L". Got a cheap winch from harbor freight, couple of pulleys and a piece of chain to wrap around the tree to hang the hanger. Works like a champ.

Also - coons will be able to jump from the tree to the feeder motor so have a sturdy varmint cage around the motor/spinner. My trees are loners so I wrap matal flashing around the trees to further keep them out of the tree. They are determined little pests (especially in these conditions).