How To Make A Gravity Deer Feeder

Are you looking to get closer to nature, while also helping out the local deer?
Then building your own gravity deer feeder is a great way to do both.
You will be able to observe the wildlife from the comfort of your own home, while providing them with a steady source of food.
This article will guide you through every step in making your own gravity deer feeder.
It’s an easy and affordable project that you can complete in no time at all.
So let’s get started!

Key Takeaways

– Building a gravity deer feeder is an easy and affordable project that allows you to get closer to nature and help local deer.
– The materials needed for a gravity deer feeder include a 5-gallon bucket, adjustable feeding funnel, PVC pipe, and feed material such as corn or grain pellets.
– Safety precautions should be taken when cutting PVC pipe, including wearing safety glasses and gloves.
– When installing the deer feeder, choose a location with some degree of cover, hang it securely on a sturdy branch or post 6-8 feet above ground level, and regularly check for signs of wear and tear.

Gather the Materials

You’ll need to gather some basic materials before you can start building your gravity deer feeder, so let’s get started!

You’ll first need a 5-gallon bucket, an adjustable feeding funnel design for the bucket top, and some PVC pipe.

The length of the PVC pipe will depend on the size of your feeding area and how far away you’d like to place the feeder.

Additionally, you’ll need to select the right type of feed material. Deer generally eat corn or grain pellets, but you can also use alfalfa cubes or other types of animal food.

These materials should be easily accessible in most farm supply stores or online retailers. Be sure to pick up extra for refilling once your feeder is constructed.

With all these components ready to go, you’re now prepared to cut the PVC pipe and begin assembly!

Cut the PVC Pipe

Cutting the PVC pipe is a crucial step in creating your own wildlife feeder! To ensure accuracy, use a miter saw or hand saw to cut the pipe into four pieces. Make sure you have safety glasses and gloves on when cutting, as small fragments can fly off during the process. Additionally, make sure you measure twice and cut once to save yourself time and energy.

When constructing your feeder, it’s important to pay attention to fastening techniques for durability. Here are some items you’ll need to cut PVC pipes:
* Miter Saw or Hand Saw
* Safety Glasses
* Gloves
* Tape Measure
* Marker

The best way to begin cutting PVC pipes is by measuring out where each piece should be first. Use a tape measure and marker to mark down the length of each piece so that they fit together nicely later on in the constructing process. Once that’s done, line up the measurement from the marker with the blade of your saw and slowly begin cutting through it until all four pieces are ready for assembly.

An experienced handyman could complete this part of the project in less than 15 minutes with minimal effort! In order for your gravity deer feeder to last generations, it’s important that fastening technique is flawless which will be discussed further in our next section.

Attach the Feeding Trough

Now it’s time to attach the feeding trough that will hold the food for wildlife! You’ll need to build the frame of your feeder first. To do this, use a drill and some screws or nails to secure two pieces of plywood together at right angles. Make sure they’re level so the base of your trough is even.

Once you’ve created the frame, attach some plywood sheets to make up the sides and back panels. Secure these panels with more screws or nails. Finally, put in some small brads or nails along the bottom edge of each panel so that when you place your base in position, it won’t move around too much as you fill it with food.

The next step is securing your base to ensure animals can reach their food without any difficulty. Use a hammer and nails to secure four wooden blocks on each corner of the frame, making sure they’re securely attached on both sides of each block. This’ll provide support for the base when filled with food and help keep it from sinking or tipping over due to animal activity underneath it.

Once this is done, place your base into position within the frame and secure it using a few heavy-duty screws at either end of each block you just nailed down – again making sure everything stays in place while filling up with feed later on.

Finally, add some additional supports if needed by nailing them onto either side of each block before adding extra layers of wood around them for added protection against weathering conditions outside – this should complete building your gravity deer feeder! With all components secured properly in their designated areas, now it’s time to attach a hose so that pouring out feed becomes easier once ready for use!

Attach the Hose

Attach the hose to your feeder and get ready to share your outdoor space with wildlife! Before hanging the feeder, there are a few safety considerations and feeding tips that you should keep in mind. It is essential to choose a quality hose that will not break or leak, as this can create an unsafe environment for animals and people alike. Make sure that the hose is securely fastened and tight enough so it doesn’t come loose during use. Additionally, select a length of hose that will reach all corners of your yard where deer may graze.

The next consideration is what type of food you will be providing. The best way to attract deer into your yard is by providing them with a variety of nutritious foods such as grains, nuts, seeds, fruits and vegetables. You can also provide them with protein-rich foods like peanut butter if they are accustomed to eating it already. However, avoid offering unhealthy snacks such as bread or chips as this could lead to health problems in deer populations over time.

Finally, consider how often you plan on refilling the troughs when attaching the hose. While some people prefer to refill their troughs once every day or two others opt for less frequent refills depending on how much time they have available each week. Keeping up with maintenance can help ensure the longevity of both your feeder and its inhabitants; therefore make sure you stick to whatever routine works best for you! Now that everything has been taken care of regarding safety precautions and feeding tips, it’s time to hang the feeder from its chosen spot in your yard.

Hang the Feeder

To hang the feeder, you’ll need to ensure that it is securely affixed to a sturdy branch or post. This will provide stability and prevent the feeder from tipping over if deer approach it aggressively.

Before attaching the feeder, consider the behavior of deer when feeding, as they may be hesitant about approaching an unfamiliar object. The best way to encourage them to use the feeder is by hanging it in an area that offers some degree of cover, such as near shrubs or trees, so they feel safe while eating from it.

Make sure to place it at least 6-8 feet above ground level, since deer prefer higher up feeding stations for safety reasons. Additionally, take into account their natural instinct to move away from potential predators while eating – which means choosing a location far enough away from any residential dwellings or roads.

The height of your gravity deer feeder should also be taken into consideration when hanging it up. You want it high enough so that other animals won’t be able to access its contents but low enough so that gravity can do its job efficiently. Most gravity deer feeders feature adjustable legs, which allows you to easily adjust their height based on your needs and preferences.

Also, make sure there are no exposed edges or sharp points where your deer could get caught on while feeding. Finally, secure all bolts and screws tightly after installation so that nothing comes loose during use, and remember to check in regularly for any signs of wear and tear throughout the year.

By considering these key factors when installing your new gravity deer feeder, you can ensure an optimal experience for both yourself and wildlife alike! With a little bit of thoughtfulness and care put into every step along the way, you can guarantee successful feeding sessions each time – making this DIY project well worth your effort!

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of food should I use in the feeder?

When considering what type of food to use in the feeder, make sure it fits the deer’s dietary needs. Additionally, be sure that you are using a legal source of food for your area. Doing research ahead of time will help ensure you’re providing the right nutrition and staying within the law.

How often should I refill the feeder?

Refill the feeder regularly to attract deer. Depending on local wildlife, you should aim for a frequency of about every two weeks. This will keep the area fresh and inviting to deer.

Does the feeder need to be secured to the ground?

Yes, the feeder should be secured to the ground to keep it from being tipped over and to animal proof it. Proper placement is crucial for successful animal proofing, so make sure you secure your feeder firmly.

Are there any potential safety hazards associated with the feeder?

Yes, there are potential safety hazards with a gravity deer feeder. To ensure animal and weather proofing you’ll need to secure it to the ground and use durable materials. Make sure to check regularly for any damage that could put the animals in danger.

How much weight can the feeder support?

You can build a gravity deer feeder that can support up to 400 lbs of weight. It’s waterproof, so you don’t have to worry about rain or snow ruining your feeding strategies. With this capacity, your feeder will be able to serve an entire herd of deer!

Conclusion

You’re almost done! With just a few final touches, you’ll have your very own gravity deer feeder.

Attach the hose to the feeding trough and hang it from a sturdy tree.

Now comes the fun part: filling it up with corn or other food for deer. They’ll come running when they smell it!

Finally, don’t forget to check it every now and then – like a beacon in the night, you’ll be surprised at how quickly your gravity deer feeder will become their go-to spot for dinner.

So light up your backyard with this easy-to-make feeder and watch as nature takes its course!