Bird Seed Storage Bin -- NEED PLANS

[gilamonster]

Anyone here ever made a hopper-style storage bin for something like birdseed?

I am tired of scooping the seed out of storage buckets, into my modified milk jugs, to carry it up to the feeders for refilling.

I'd like to construct a storage bin with a sort of hopper-gate at the bottom, so I can just set down the jug, open the gate, close the gate.

Anyone know of a source for a set of plans... or at least some detail on how to make a working gate for the hopper

thanks,

[osx-addict]

Without knowing how much you put into your modified milk jugs, but a large sized rice dispenser sounds like it might be in the right ball park.. It's got a large hopper at the top (gravity feed) and one or more buttons to select the amount of rice to dispense into a pull-out drawer. Some mechanical mechanism might be needed if you wanted to fab your own.. Checkout any asian market to see one for yourself..

[foxtrapper]

Don't forget, if you want the milk jug conveniently located height wise, you're going to be lifting the bags that much higher to fill the hopper. Mice gnaw wood and such nicely. Don't forget that either.

Easiest way is to use a trash can and put a spigot on it. A 2" gate valve will work well. This lets you put a nozzle or downspout on it, making the seed flow into the milk jug nicely. You can also use a simple vent or slip gate, but you'll want a flow channel under it.

[gilamonster]

good suggestions, trapper.

I should not have forgotten about the field mice. first winter we lived here, the sunflower seeds were still in the bag... which the mice would get through easily. Come spring, we cranked up my wifes Harley, and about 2 lbs of seeds spewed out of the tailpipe!! :o

I was thinking, like most woodworkers, to construct something of wood, but a plastic bin might be a better idea!