11
Barrel Feeder for Wildlife
A simple feeder can be constructed from a
55 or 30 gallon steel barrel which can often
be acquired for little or no cost. This type
of feeder can be filled with any grain,
including black oil sunflower, corn, oats, or a
mixture of grains. It serves as a ground
feeder and is excellent for deer, turkeys, and
other upland birds.
Instructions
Find a barrel which did not contain pesticides or
other toxic chemicals. The barrels most commonly
available are those which contained petroleum
products. Ensure any residue is washed from the
inside of such barrels.
Remove one end of the barrel. This will become the
top end into which grain is poured. Do not
attempt cutting out the end with a cutting
torch as vapors within the barrel may be
explosive. Instead, use a saber saw with a metal
cutting blade or a large hammer and metal cutting
chisel.
Make a 12" cut lengthwise along the bottom edge
of the barrel about 2" above the bottom base ring.
The cut should be started by first drilling a 3/8"
hole where the cut will begin. Cut 12" across the
bottom beginning at the 3/8" hole with a saber
saw and fine metal cutting blade.
Pound in the metal above the 12" cut. The result
should be a half-moon shaped opening that will
release grain as it is taken from the small tray
opening below.
If the barrel did not come with a lid, cut a section
of exterior plywood slightly larger than the opening
in the top of the barrel. Secure this lid to the
barrel using tarp straps. Eye bolts can be
fastened to both the barrel and the plywood for
points to hook the straps. As an alternate and
more simple method, nail three small blocks of
wood on the bottom side of the lid just inside the
top edge of the barrel and place a brick or other
heavy object on top to hold the lid in place.
