Build cheap, no-waste Georgia jumbo quail feeders and waterers using 2-inch to 3-inch black PVC pipe, vertical mounting, and specialized poultry cups to prevent mess and drowning. Essential components include 2-inch diameter holes for feeding, screw-in poultry drinking cups, and PVC end caps for cleaning.
1. No-Waste Black PVC Feeder
Using 2-inch or 3-inch black PVC, create a hanging or wall-mounted feeder that prevents waste by restricting access to the feed.
- Materials: 3-foot section of 3-inch black PVC pipe, (2) 3-inch end caps, (1) 3-inch T-fitting (optional), drill, 1.5-inch hole saw, zip ties.
- Construction:
- Cut Holes: Use a 1.5-inch to 2-inch hole saw to drill holes along one side of the pipe, spaced about 3–4 inches apart.
- Mounting: Cap both ends. Use zip ties or wire to attach the pipe to the hutch wall, with the holes facing inward and positioned at the birds’ chest height.
- Alternative: A “T” fitting can be used at the bottom for better access, with the top capped for filling.
- Why it works: Georgia Jumbo quail are large; 1.5-inch to 2-inch holes allow them to eat without tossing feed everywhere.
2. Automatic PVC Waterer
A gravity-fed system using cups prevents the drowning risks associated with open dishes and keeps bedding dry.
- Materials: 3-inch PVC pipe (length depends on flock size), (2) 3-inch caps, automatic poultry drinking cups (threaded), PVC cement, Teflon tape, drill.
- Construction:
- Prepare Pipe: Drill holes in the side of the 3-inch pipe to fit the threaded automatic cups.
- Install Cups: Apply Teflon tape to the cup threads and screw them directly into the PVC pipe, or use T-fittings for a more robust setup.
- Assemble: Cement end caps on. Hang the PVC pipe vertically.
- Fill: Fill the pipe from the top; gravity feeds the cups.
- Waterer Tips: Install cups 2–3 inches off the ground to prevent them from being filled with bedding.
3. Sized Plugs for Georgia Jumbo Quail
For capping, cleaning, and managing the feeders:
- Feeder Top/Bottom: Standard 3-inch PVC socket caps (black) are ideal for closing off the top to keep feed clean and the bottom for cleanout.
- Waterer Cleanout: Use a 3-inch threaded cleanout adapter and plug on the bottom of the waterer, allowing for easy cleaning of algae.
- Alternative Caps: Wood plugs can be custom-cut to fit tightly into the ends of 3-inch pipe if PVC caps are not available.
Pro Tips for Georgia Jumbo Quail:
- Cleanliness: Ensure the PVC is thoroughly cleaned and sanded to remove any sharp plastic burs that could hurt the birds.
- Avoid Drowning: Only use cups with yellow or red triggers, which prevent deep water buildup.
