How To Make Deer Feeder Out Of 55 Gallon Drum

Imagine the thrill of spotting a doe and her fawns gathered around your homemade deer feeder.
You can make your own deer feeder from a 55-gallon drum, and it’s easier than you think.
With just a few pieces of equipment and some time, you’ll be able to provide food for the neighborhood wildlife in no time at all.
It’s an enjoyable project that brings you closer to nature while providing much-needed nutrition for the animals outside your door.
So grab your materials and get ready to assemble your very own deer feeder!

Key Takeaways

– Use caution when filling the 55-gallon drum to avoid spillage and attracting pests.
– Consider using an auger to efficiently fill the drum from a larger storage container.
– Position yourself in a way that allows easy access to the drum while minimizing food spillage.
– Test the effectiveness of the homemade deer feeder by observing animal behavior and assessing their comfort level with the feeder.

Gather Materials

Gather all the materials you’ll need, so that you can easily make your deer feeder from a 55 gallon drum! Start by sourcing supplies like a power drill with bits, screws, hinges, handles, and other hardware. Also, get some wood boards and planks for building the frame for the feeder.

You’ll also want to have measuring tools like a tape measure or ruler handy so that you can accurately measure dimensions of the parts to cut them correctly. Finally, don’t forget safety items like eye protection and gloves!

Once you have sourced all of the supplies necessary for your project, it’s time to prepare the drum itself. Before separating any pieces of the drum, use your measuring tools to mark out where cuts will need to be made on each piece. This will help ensure all lengths are precise when fitting together later on in construction.

Additionally, use sandpaper or a metal brush along any edges or surfaces that will come into contact with other pieces before assembly so that everything fits securely and tightly together.

Now that you have gathered up all of your supplies and prepped the drum pieces accordingly, you’re ready to begin constructing your homemade deer feeder from a 55 gallon drum!

Prepare the Drum

Remove the lid of the 55-gallon barrel and start your journey to crafting a wildlife haven with a bang! After opening the drum, you’ll need to clean out any residue that may be inside. This is important for maintaining food quality and safety for local wildlife.

To ensure this is done properly, use warm water and soap or an all-purpose cleaner. Make sure you wear protective gloves while doing this to protect yourself from any chemicals in the cleaner.

Next, using a drill with a metal bit, make several holes on both sides of the barrel near the top rim for attaching hooks or clips to hang it up when finished. Also, add two small holes at the bottom corners of one side of the barrel so that you can attach a chain later on which will act as an anchor point when hanging it outdoors.

Finally, paint or stain the entire outside surface of your future feeder if desired; this will help protect it against rusting due to moisture in humid climates. Choose colors that blend into its natural environment – animals like deer are more likely to approach something they feel comfortable with!

With these preparations complete you’re now ready to assemble your deer feeder and provide sustenance for local wildlife in no time flat!

Assemble the Feeder

Now that you have prepared the drum, it’s time to assemble the feeder.
Start by attaching the lid firmly to the top of the drum.
Once securely in place, attach four legs to the bottom of the drum with nuts and bolts.
Finally, secure a feeder tray at an angle so that deer can reach it when they approach your setup.

Attach the Lid

Securely attach the lid to the drum using a few bolts and nuts. To ensure that your feeder is secure, drill appropriate-sized holes in the drum and lid, then use quality fasteners like stainless steel or galvanized screws. Place the lids on top of the barrel and line up the holes, so you can easily insert your fasteners. Make sure to tighten them with a screwdriver or wrench for a snug fit.

Once attached, you can move on to attaching the legs of your feeder. This will make it easier to fill and maintain, as well as provide stability when wild animals come around looking for something tasty! Keep in mind that while adding legs may not be necessary for all types of feeders, it’s a great idea if you want an extra layer of security.

Attach the Legs

Add stability to your feeder by attaching the legs! You’ll need four sturdy, weatherproof legs that can withstand harsh weather conditions. Depending on how much weight you want your feeder to hold, you may opt for legs with more support or those made of a sturdier material.

Consider finding legs that have pre-drilled holes for mounting hardware and measure them against the size of your 55-gallon drum. Once you’ve acquired the necessary parts, use galvanized steel exterior screws and washers to securely attach each leg in place around the bottom edges of the barrel.

This should make it easier for wildlife to access the feeder without having to struggle to reach it from ground level. Securely mount all four legs evenly throughout to ensure an even balance when filled with food or water.

To finish off, use self-tapping sheet metal screws along with screw anchors into the concrete surface where you intend to place it if needed for extra security.

With this step complete, you’ll be ready to move on to attaching the feeder tray!

Attach the Feeder Tray

Attach the feeder tray to complete your 55 gallon drum wildlife feeder project!

Taking into account the size of your barrel, choose a tray that’ll fit snugly over the top and use galvanized steel screws for secure mounting.

Consider mounting options such as hanging or setting the feeder on legs. When making a decision about which design works best for you, weigh factors such as ease of access, convenience, and height of feeding area.

Feeders set too low are prone to spilling and can cause an animal safety hazard. It’s important to find a balance between these elements in order to create an effective feeder system for wildlife.

Your feeder tray should be strong enough to support heavy loads while also providing adequate drainage for moisture control.

Depending on your region’s climate conditions, select materials that are resilient against rusting or warping due to temperature extremes.

With careful consideration and attention to detail, you’ll be able to craft a reliable feeder that’ll last generations!

Hang the Feeder

Hang your feeder securely from a sturdy tree branch using strong rope. Selecting the right location for hanging is important; it should be away from trees that can easily drop branches and out of reach of animals like bears and raccoons. The rope you use should also be durable, so opt for something made of nylon or polyester as opposed to cotton or jute.

Make sure the rope is long enough to allow you to adjust the height of your feeder as needed, depending on how often you plan on refilling it with food.

To hang the feeder, measure out how much rope will be needed before tying a secure knot around the top of your drum. Then tie another knot about three feet further down to create a loop. Fit this loop onto the branch and then pull the other end until your drum reaches its desired height.

To make sure it’s secure, tie one more knot at each end of the rope and tightly wrap them around both sides of the drum. If possible, check that all knots are even and have no loose ends that could cause any wear over time.

Now that you’ve hung up your feeder, it’s time to fill it up with deer food! Take into consideration what type and amount would best suit their dietary needs depending on where you live – consult local wildlife managers if necessary – before adding in some extra treats like apples or nuts if desired.

Fill the Feeder and Test It

Now that you’ve hung your feeder, it’s time to fill it up and see if it works! Before you start filling the drum with deer feed, consider the wildlife impact of feeding patterns. It’s important to be mindful of how much food you put in the drum and when you refill it. You also want to make sure that the feeder is securely mounted so that any animals visiting can’t knock it down.

When filling your 55 gallon drum, be sure not to overfill as this will increase the risk of spillage or attracting unwanted pests. If possible, use an auger to fill the drum from a larger storage container like a hopper bin or large bag of deer feed. As you fill up your drum, position yourself in such a way that allows for easy access while also ensuring that there isn’t too much food spilled onto the ground around it.

Finally, once filled with appropriate amounts of deer feed, test out your new DIY Deer Feeder by watching at a distance from an inconspicuous location – preferably one where wild animals won’t spot you easily – and observing whether or not they’re using it correctly. This will give you an idea as to whether or not they feel comfortable coming up close enough to eat from your new homemade contraption!

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of food can I put in the deer feeder?

You can use a variety of grain types to attract wildlife. Try sunflower seeds, corn, oats, barley and wheat. Be sure to buy these in bulk for the best value!

How often should I refill the feeder?

Refill the feeder every two weeks if you live in an area with a high deer population. Location placement and food variety can make all the difference when it comes to attracting deer. Give them plenty of places to find food, and switch up the types of food you offer regularly for optimal results.

How long will the feeder last?

Refilling your feeder regularly will depend on the nutrition you want to provide for deer and predator deterrence. Consider how much wildlife visits your area and adjust accordingly. With proper care, your feeder should last a long time!

How much food should I put in the feeder at one time?

Attracting deer and promoting wildlife diversity? Aim to fill your feeder with around 10 lbs of food each time. This will ensure that there’s enough for all animals visiting, without overfeeding them.

Is there a way to protect the feeder from weather damage?

You can weatherproof the feeder to protect it and the wildlife from damage. Try using a sealant or varnish to coat the exterior of your feeder for maximum protection.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You’ve just made a feeder that is sure to attract deer from miles around.

Your 55 gallon drum feeder will be the talk of the town.

Of course, you should keep an eye on it to make sure it’s working properly and filled with enough food – nothing can ruin a hunting trip like an empty feeder!

But by following these steps, you’re now ready to sit back, relax, and watch the deer come trotting in.

Now all that’s left is firing up your rifle and hitting your target!