How to Make a Hog Feeder

Hogs have been a stable of many societies for hundreds of years. Hogs are still useful today, with everything from pork chops to lard coming from these porcine creatures. Feeding hogs can be a timely venture, but making a few simple feeders can greatly reduce a farmer's time and effort.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Plastic 55-gallon barrel
• 4 four-foot PVC pipe sections
• Measuring tape
• Power saw
• Large bolts
• Drill
• Permanent marker
• Soap
• Stiff brush

1. Cut the 55 gallon barrel in half lengthwise to form two long trough-like containers. Be sure the barrel you use never held any liquids such as oil that make sicken your hogs. Scrub your barrel halves thoroughly with soap and rinse well to remove any last bits of residue.

2. Turn your barrels cut-side down and, using your measuring tape, place a mark 6 inches in from either side. These marks indicate where the barrel's feet will go, so be sure they are straight and even.

3. Place your PVC pipe on your first barrel section and mark two drill holes on both your pipe and your barrel. Remove the pipe and drill holes in your pipe and PVC sections separately. Drill carefully to keep the holes aligned.

4. Turn your barrel over and bolt your pipe sections to the rounded outside of the barrels. Place the flat side of your bolts inside the feeder to keep your hogs from injuring themselves on any exposed metal surfaces. Secure the bolts firmly as hogs are enthusiastic eaters and can shake apart even the sturdiest feeder if not properly constructed.

5. Repeat this process on your remaining barrel section, and set both feeders on a flat surface. Make sure that the feet are even and that the feeders do not tip to keep your hogs from dumping their feed.

6. Turn the feeders over and rinse them out every few days to avoid an excess buildup of rotten feed. This decomposition will draw in flies and can drive your hogs away if it is too severe.

Tips & Warnings

• Look over your troughs carefully for any rough edges that might injure your hogs. You can run medium-grit sandpaper over the edges if they are too rough.
• Never feed your hogs anything that might make them ill. Hogs may be known for eating nearly anything, but they can become ill from spoiled food just as other animals can.