Mini Horses
Sustainability Master
Cool to see -- and copy -- others ideas. Barrels aren't cheap but far less than some of the feeders we buy!!
Interesting pics on the barrel feeders... I liked the pig ones with the pipe to run the feed down into... kinda like the one @baymule used for her "pig palace" when she fed out the hogs...
The one thing to think about is if it is a simple feeder for out in the field, you want it to not be so cumbersome that you can't flip it over to dump water out or when they will inevitably poop in it... the more wood you use the heavier it is and the harder to move unless you put a rope loop to pull it... The one with the little roof is nice... but it doesn't rain just straight down... we get lots of blowing rain... so how heavy would it be to dump it...
That's what we used to do. Not only is it lighter, it's just as efficient and with the price of wood today it's a lot cheaper build. You can usually find a 2x4 or 2x6 long enough for the feet and do it for the price of screws.All we do with the 55 gal barrels we cut longways, is to screw a couple of 2x6's to the ends like feet... not underneath but to the ends... stabilizes the whole thing from tipping over BUT is lighter and easier to move and tip over to clean with just 2x6's on the ends... couple feet long
It looks good although I'd add some cross braces so it last longer. More weight but sturdier.Here's what I came up with using 55 gallon plastic drum and some scavenged 2 by and reused wood screws.. I cut the barrel off center a few inches so the waterer has more capacity than the feeder.
I also placed bung holes at the bottom for ease of draining / cleaning. Waterer bung had a crack, so I gooped the inside up with silicone. As soon as it sets, I'll screw in the bung and check for leaks. Width of the barrel is 24 inches, but you can make it fit tight at 23 inches.
I rate this approximately 1 hour cattle feeder/waterer project easy. Plus the materials were free. Can't beat that price It would have taken me a good two hours to go buy one from rural king. So there's the time saved also.
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Jesus is Lord and Christ
Thanks Water 8lbs per gallon. Say 30 gallons to be safe. 240 lbs I think the woodscrews will hold it. If not I'll reenforce.Water is heavy. Will you need bottom support? Maybe a steel strap?
Otherwise looks good...that would be my only concern...lotta water will fit in there.