Build a raised feed trough (or container garden) from a plastic barrel.

We wanted to change our method of graining the horses from buckets to a trough. I priced feed troughs at the feed stores. They all were around $100, more than I wanted to spend! Being a homesteader, I decided to make one. I found closed end white plastic barrels for $10 each in our local penny saver advertiser that comes in the mail. By cutting them in hall I can get two feed troughs from each barrel. Perfect!

My little herd of two ponies, one horse, and a donkey put their feet into everything so I have to make legs for the trough so it is high enough that they don't step in it. I decided to use 2 x 6's so it will be sturdy.

I cut the barrels in half the long way, using a circular saw with a normal wood cutting blade. Using the 2 x 6's I cut four legs 46" long with a 30-degree angle at each end. I also cut two pieces 25" long that I screwed directly to the ends of the barrel with 3" wood screws from inside the barrel into the wood. Then I attached the legs to the 25" pieces making an A-frame shape. Finally I added a few support pieces to the legs for added strength. (See the pictures.)

My oldest son helped me screw the whole thing together. The whole project took about three hours. I did end up having to bury the legs about six inches so the ponies can't push it around. Then I put a four-foot post on the short side to stabilize the trough. I buried the post about two feet so the top of the post ends up being even with the cross piece of the legs. Now, when they use the trough as a scratching post it won't give way. It has worked out perfect and I love it.

I should have made the change 10 years ago. I just walk out with one bucket of feed and dump it in. I still have to stand there for a few minutes so the "pig" pony won't eat it all, but that's easy and it gives me a chance to give them a good look over. The other half of the barrel is being used as a container garden on the ground, which I love. I did drill two holes in the bottom for drainage on both the trough and garden.

I hope this gives you inspiration for your homestead.

If you would like to see Becky making the barrel feed trough from start to finish visit her website: www.BeckysHomestead.com. You can also e-mail her at: beckyshomestead@gmail.com.