RE: Deer Feeders
I just bought one for my wife recently so that she can watch the wildlife at our new home .
There are many different types of feeders out there , ours is one of the most common , a barrel fed grain flinger . It uses a timer to release feed and a spinning disc to discharge it . Most are battery operated , ours has a rechargeable battery and solar panel . This type normally stores and dispenses 25# or more of feed , ours holds 225#.
Another type is the bucket feeder , it holds a small supply of feed and dispenses it into a tray via gravity . This kind must be monitored frequently since it has no way to regulate consumption , and is subject to spoilage from rain . A variant of this design uses a dangling lever that the animal must rub against to dispense the feed . Yet another variant is constructed from 6" or larger PVC tubing and dispenses onto a tray via gravity . This model can be constructed easily and inexpensively from commonly available materials , and is limited only by the imagination of the builder .
Cattle feeders from farm supply stores can be pressed into service , as can PVC tubs from the dollar store as long as the feed is protected from rain and has adequate drainage .