Wi-Fi chicken feeder

[AlanM52]

This feeder uses the same Smart Valve aka Wi-Fi Water Valve as my Wi-Fi Chicken Door.

This device clamps to a water line and can remotely open/close a ball valve via the servo actuator arm.

Our chooks are out all day free to roam both front and back yards with high fence all around and this feeder is usually setup in the carport area. Still wondering why they spend a lot of time on the front doormat.

Install the Smart Life app on phone or tablet. The Smart Valve is also compatible with Amazon/Google, I use Android and have Alexa on phones, tablets, Amazon Fire TV & Cube, Echo Show 8 and Windows PCs. Alexa... open chicken feeder.

I also have the latest Google TV Streamer with Google Home, Hey Google... open chicken feeder.

Materials

Smart Valve (Wi-Fi Water Valve).

https://tinyurl.com/35ckknj5

5 x Fence palings (0120259)

Stainless Steel Chain (0358129)

2 x Metal pet bowls with rim lip.

Optional-

Standalone battery.

https://www.woolworths.com.au/shop/productdetails/1096102091

Solar panel kit.

https://tinyurl.com/2acfw6mv

Battery adaptor cable.

https://tinyurl.com/5n8wr7sb

5m 12V 5V DC Power Supply Extension Cable

https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/314730716363

Tools

Mitre Saw

Cordless drill + bit set.

Sander 1/3 sheet or palm sander.

Assorted hardware.

Steps

Step 1

  

Start making the box, here I am simply using palings from another project.

  

I usually run the palings through my planer-thicknesser which spits out presentable dressed pine.

  
Rip some strips to make the hinged cover frame.

My 'hinges' are simply countersunk wood screws with washers on the inside to space off the side.

Step 2

  

The servo actuator is mounted on the right back corner of the box. I measured up and made a base to which the servo actuator is bolted. The bracket will secure the assembly to the back corner.

  

We also need to make a plywood extension arm that does the actual lifting to raise the feeder cover.

Checking that the servo actuator opens and closes the feeder cover. Note the connection between the arm and the feeder cover - there is no direct connection! - I used two brackets to mitigate jamming. I also fitted a plywood cover.

Step 3

  

Dividing the box into three compartments, the front half is for the two feed bowls and the back for standalone battery or battery with solar controller.

  

  

  

The standalone battery needs a power adaptor cable with spade connectors.

  

For the solar option the bare ends of the battery adaptor cable are connected to the controller.

Step 4

With the servo actuator and battery connected to the controller we are checking everything is working - all OK.

  

Once again from another past project I used a rabbit hutch door to make a A-Frame.

  

I used a length of hanging pot plant chain and the hook allows for adjustment to catch the rays at the best angle.

Step 5

Step 6

UPDATE-

I upgraded from the standard controller to a Bluetooth & Wi-Fi 30A controller.

https://tinyurl.com/3vat9fj8

Nice to be able to remotely connect to check the battery charge condition in particular during cloudy weather conditions.

[EricL]

Hello @AlanM52 

Thank you so much for sharing your clever WiFi operated chicken feeder. I don't think I've ever seen avian accessories this integrated with the internet. This must be so convenient, have you ever considered attaching a proximity sensor so that when they walk up to it, it opens automatically, or will it scare them too much? 

Again, thanks you for sharing such a fantastic project.

Eric

[AlanM52]

Hi @EricL 

I came in for a break, I.need to get back out and continue with the backyard pod foundations while the weather is good.

I'll be back later to give a overview of my retirement activities.

Cheers

[AlanM52]

@EricL  RE: proximity sensor

Yes... I tried several wi-fi motion sensors and even a IR beam setup.

Problem is the birds hang around the feeder all the time and even roost on the cover.

I bought a pressure mat but never did anything with it because there are screens/monitors around the house and someone usually notices they are near the feeder and can say - Alexa...open chicken feeder.

I forgot to mention a feature I added using a wi-fi switch that has a Inching feature so you can issue a voice command like - Alexa... open chicken feeder for 5mins.

Cheers

[EricL]

Hi @AlanM52 

Thanks for that extra information, there are just so many things you can do with WiFi switches these days.

Eric