Tube feeders for controlled feeding in poultry houses
Tube feeders are a practical way to distribute dry feed across a poultry house without constant manual carrying and spillage. Feed drops from the tube into pans or ring trays at set points, so birds can eat evenly and stockmanship is simpler. For broilers, growers and rearing flocks, that means better access to feed, less wastage at the trough edge and easier house walking during inspections.
We supply suspended tube feeders for houses with overhead support points, and ground tube feeders where the house setup or flock stage calls for a lower profile system. The right choice depends on bird age, house width, feeder line spacing and whether the flock is on litter, slats or a combination. In dusty conditions or coastal humidity, the materials and fixings need to be selected properly so the system keeps working and does not warp, rust or jam.
- Suitable for broilers, growers and rearing birds
- Can be used in new houses or retrofit projects
- Helps reduce feed waste and uneven consumption
- Works with house layouts that need simple daily servicing
Size options and build details that matter on farm
Tube feeders are normally specified by tube diameter, feed drop pattern, pan spacing and the height adjustment method. Common tube sizes are 50 mm, 60 mm and 75 mm, with overall line lengths set to suit the house width and number of birds. Feed pans or tray points are spaced to suit flock age and stocking density, so chicks can reach the feed early and older birds still have enough access without crowding.
For suspended systems, the line is supported from the roof structure or a purpose made hanging frame. That helps with cleaning under the line and gives room for litter management. Ground mounted options are useful where roof loading is limited, or where the house uses a simpler build and you want a feeder line that sits lower and is easier to access during first stage rearing.
- Tube diameters typically from 50 mm to 75 mm
- Feed pan spacing set to flock age and house density
- Suspended or ground mounted configurations
- Galvanised or corrosion resistant fittings available for tougher conditions
Where tube feeders suit best in South Africa
These feeders suit houses across Gauteng, Mpumalanga, Limpopo, North West, Free State and KwaZulu-Natal, especially where labour has to be used carefully and feed movement must be predictable. In hotter inland areas, a feeder line that is easy to adjust and clean helps with daily routines. In humid coastal conditions, we pay close attention to corrosion control and parts selection because weak fittings do not last long.
Tube feeders are commonly used in broiler growing houses, replacement rearing houses and smaller integrated operations that want a simple feeding system with decent control. They also suit projects where one team handles multiple houses and needs a layout that is easy to learn. If your operation is expanding in stages, feeder lines can be planned house by house so you do not over spend on day one.
- Broiler houses with high turnover cycles
- Grower and rearing houses needing even access to feed
- New builds and expansion upgrades
- Farms looking to reduce manual feeding work
Installation, power and house integration
Suspended tube feeders need proper support points, a straight line run and enough working space for filling and maintenance. We look at roof trusses, wall clearances, door positions and the path workers use when entering the house. If the line is too low, people will catch on it. If it is too high, birds struggle to reach feed at the right stage, so setting the correct height matters from day one.
Depending on the feeder configuration, power may be required for an auger drive or feed delivery system feeding the tube line. Some setups are simple and mainly gravity assisted, while others are tied into a fuller automated house layout. If there is no reliable mains supply, or load-shedding affects daily operation, the project needs a realistic plan for power backup and safe start up after outages. We also consider local municipal and fire compliance where a house forms part of a larger processing or agricultural site.
- Check roof structure and hanging points before ordering
- Confirm power needs for feed delivery equipment
- Allow safe access for operators during filling and cleaning
- Plan for backup where load-shedding interrupts normal routines
Care, cleaning and routine servicing
Tube feeders work best when they are kept clean and aligned. Feed dust builds up inside the tube, around the pan edges and at joints, so a regular wash down and dry inspection is needed between flocks. On wet or coastal sites, it is also worth checking for early rust on brackets, springs and fasteners before small issues become expensive repairs. A slipped line can cause uneven feeding and bird bunching pretty quickly.
Our service team can help set a maintenance programme that fits your production schedule. That can include spare pans, suspension parts, drive components and wear items so you are not waiting for a small part while the house stands idle. For clients with multiple sites, especially where staff turnover is high, operator training makes a real difference because the best feeder system will still give trouble if it is not adjusted properly.
- Clean feed dust and fines from tubes and pans regularly
- Check line height after each flock change
- Inspect brackets, clips and drive parts for wear
- Keep a small spares stock on site for fast repairs
What to confirm before placing an order
Before ordering, we need the house dimensions, bird type, target flock size and the feed system you are working with. It helps to know whether the house is new or existing, whether the line will hang from the roof or stand on the ground, and whether you want a single line or multiple lines per house. If the project forms part of a larger poultry development, we can also look at site planning and future expansion so you do not install a system that becomes awkward later.
Please check the following details before you send through an order or quotation request.
- House length, width and roof type
- Broiler, grower or rearing flock stage
- Suspended or ground mounted feeder preference
- Available power and any backup supply arrangement
- Cleaning method and wash down frequency
- Need for installation supervision, operator training or spares supply
John F Marshall has worked on poultry projects from Jet Park, Boksburg into farms and processing sites across South Africa since 2009. If you need tube feeders matched to a new house, an upgrade or a phased expansion, we can help with equipment selection, installation supervision and after sales support without making the setup more complicated than it needs to be.
Key facts
| Feed system type | Suspended and ground tube feeders |
|---|---|
| Suitable birds | Broilers, growers and rearing flocks |
| Tube sizes | Typically 50 mm, 60 mm and 75 mm |
| Materials | Galvanised or corrosion resistant components |
| Installation | Roof suspended or ground mounted |
| Support | Planning, commissioning, training and spares supply |
