Mandy
Like Pete, I understand and appreciate your points and like Pete, I have someone who will check welfare, water, etc but not necessarily at feeding times. No fear, I've been involved with livestock long enough to know the potential pitfalls
I'm really looking for something to cover those days when I'm working away and not getting back til 8 or 9pm, or those odd weekends when my relief pigman isn't available to cover. I'm not looking for something to feed them 6 days a week and me just cast an eye over them on Sunday's .
Ben
Yes, ad lib is one possible solution but these traditional breeds will soon pile on the fat if fed ad lib. Weaners up to 10 weeks maybe, but adult pigs ?
Willie
I've just looked at the game feeder via the link you provided. Game feed tends to be whole cereal or small pellets. My girls are getting sow rolls and I'm not sure the game feeder would be man enough. However, the idea of a revolving disc under a hopper calibrated by measuring how much food it dispensed per minute (or along those lines),and then linked to a timer, might have some design potential (somewhat similar to the old fertiliser spinners)
Pete
Keep me posted on any design thoughts. I'll do likewise. I'm guessing it will need to be 12volt power in order to facilitate mains with battery back up ? 12 volts does present limitations as I'm sure you'll appreciate
In the meantime any other contributions welcomed
Harry