With the doelings getting bigger, and Ivan getting bigger, room at the trough has become a little sparce. In true homesteader fashion we are building a second bunk feeder for feeding hay and fodder. This one is almost like the first one the guys built last fall and it has held up really well; it is easy to clean and with the tombstones the animals don't waste food when they shake the mats of fodder.
We are using a food grade 45 gallon barrel and slab wood we get from a neighbour's sawmill.
We are using a food grade 45 gallon barrel and slab wood we get from a neighbour's sawmill.
First thing to do is mark the cut lines on the barrel, you need to cut at the point where the barrel starts to narrow at the top and split it down the middle lengthways.
Next, line up the barrel so the bottom of the barrel forms the outside of the trough. To build the frame for the trough, screw 2X4's, or reasonable approximation, along the upper edge of each side of the barrel and one along. the bottom. These should be slightly longer that the barrel.
Attach a side slab at each end by nailing through the trough and the support pieces between bottom. and top rail. Leave enough room at the bottom to attach a frame that will support the tombstones.
Now it is simply a matter of sorting through the slabs and choosing the pieces yu will use to make the tombstones.
When using rough lumber some "finish" carpentry may be required!
Once all of the tombstone pieces have been chosen, simply nail or screw them to the top and bottom rails. Be sure to leave enough space between the tombstones so that your animal can get it's neck between them, and trim them off so that smaller animals can get their heads over the tops.
When all the pieces are attached, it is a time to trim the sides to create the room for animals to get their heads in at the tops of the tombstones.
When all the pieces are attached, it is a time to trim the sides to create the room for animals to get their heads in at the tops of the tombstones.
That's it. If you do not require tombstones you can just fill in between the top and bottom rails. So for an afternoons work and less than $20, we have a second feeder for hay and fodder. Most importantly no more fighting at the goat / steer dinner table!
On a completely different note. Two of my laying hen chicks, who are a ripe old age of 1 month, decided that with the pigs area expanded again to work their leveling magic on the bottom part of the future access road, today would be a good time to take it upon themselves to become "free range" birds. Not too bad. They spent the entire day cleaning up the bug and worm bits the pigs left behind. Pretty smart for chickens!
Have a great day everyone! No post tomorrow but I'll be back on Monday.
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