The Ultimate Guide to Gravity Fed Feeders
The Ultimate Guide to Gravity Fed Feeders: Benefits, Setup, and Maintenance
When feeding livestock or wildlife, efficiency and consistency are key. One of the best solutions to ensure that animals have access to food without constant human intervention is the gravity-fed feeder. These feeders are designed to use the force of gravity to dispense feed gradually, ensuring a steady supply of food over time. In this blog post, we’ll explore the benefits, setup, and maintenance of gravity-fed feeders, helping you make the most of this practical feeding solution.
What is a Gravity Fed Feeder?
A gravity-fed feeder relies on gravity to dispense food. The feeder typically consists of a hopper or container that holds the feed, which then flows down into a feeding tray or trough as animals consume it. This simple yet effective design ensures a continuous feed supply without the need for mechanical or electronic components.
Benefits of Gravity Fed Feeders
1. Consistent Food Supply
One of the primary benefits of gravity-fed feeders is their ability to provide a consistent food supply. As animals eat from the feeding tray, more food automatically flows down from the hopper, ensuring the tray remains filled. This is particularly useful for making sure that animals have access to food even when you’re not around.
2. Reduced Labor
Gravity-fed feeders significantly reduce the amount of labor required for feeding. With our 150lb capacity hopper, these feeders can hold several days’ worth of food, minimizing the need for daily refills. This is especially beneficial for farmers and wildlife enthusiasts who have busy schedules or need to be away for extended periods, after all, who wants to spend their time managing feed when you can fill it up and let it roll. MAG Feeders do the work for you without wasting time or feed.
3. Cost-Effective
MAG Outdoors feeders are more cost-effective compared to automated or electronic feeders. With minimal parts, you’ll have lower maintenance costs and a longer lifespan. Additionally, the simplicity of the design means that our gravity-fed feeders are less expensive over the life of the feeder. No more wasted feed spread on the ground for varmints. No more clogs. No more trips to replace batteries or fix damaged solar components.
4. Minimized Waste
Gravity-fed feeders help to minimize feed waste. The controlled dispensing mechanism ensures that only a small amount of food is available at any given time, reducing the chances of spillage and spoilage. This is crucial for maintaining a clean feeding area and ensuring that animals have access to fresh, uncontaminated food.
Setting Up a Gravity Fed Feeder
Setting up a gravity-fed feeder is straightforward, but there are a few key steps to ensure optimal performance:
1. Choose the Right Location
Select a location that is easily accessible for the animals but protected from harsh weather conditions. A covered area or a spot with natural shade can help protect the feed from rain and excessive sunlight. Our exclusive drip edge keeps the elements out and the feed fresh. Choose a clearing away from trees so the coons can’t jump over and snatch up your feed.
2. Assemble the Feeder
Watch these videos to help assemble the feeder. Ensure that all parts are securely attached and that the hopper is stable. The feeding tray should be positioned at a height that is comfortable for the animals to access.
3. Fill the Hopper
Fill the hopper with the appropriate type of feed for your animals. Be sure not to overfill, as this can cause the feed to become compacted and hinder the flow. Check the hopper regularly to ensure that the feed is flowing freely into the tray. You can adjust the hopper from 0” to 2” to accommodate the size of the feed you are using. From corn to pellets, the MAG Feeder can handle it all.
4. Monitor the Feed Level
Regularly monitor the feed level in the hopper and the feeding tray. While gravity-fed feeders reduce the need for constant refilling, it’s still important to ensure that the hopper does not run empty. You’ll notice a huge difference in the amount of feed used and the frequency of trips to your plot to fill it up if you use the MAG Feeder.
Maintaining Your Gravity-Fed Feeder
Proper maintenance is essential for ensuring the longevity and effectiveness of your gravity-fed feeder:
1. Clean Regularly
Clean the feeder regularly to prevent the buildup of mold, mildew, and pests. Remove any old or spoiled feed from the hopper and tray, and wash all parts with mild soap and water. Rinse thoroughly and allow to dry completely before refilling with fresh feed.
2. Inspect for Damage
Inspect the feeder for any signs of damage, such as cracks or loose parts. Repair or replace any damaged components promptly to prevent feed contamination and ensure the feeder continues to function properly.
3. Protect from Pests
Take steps to protect the feeder from pests such as rodents and insects. Ensure that the feeder is properly sealed, and consider using a pest deterrent if necessary. Keeping the feeding area clean and free from spilled feed will also help to minimize pest problems.
Conclusion
Gravity-fed feeders are a practical and efficient solution for providing a consistent food supply to livestock and wildlife. With its simple design, cost-effectiveness, and ease of use, the MAG Feeder is an excellent choice for anyone looking to reduce labor and ensure their animals are well-fed. By choosing the right location, setting it up properly, and maintaining it regularly, you can maximize the benefits of your gravity-fed feeder and enjoy peace of mind knowing that your animals are always taken care of and that you’re not feeding the critters along the way.