Feeding Brains instead of Chickens: Chicken Feeder Forward Facing Bookshelves

These galvanized troughs were once chicken feeders.  Now they’re feeding my childrens’ brains (with books!) instead of feeding chickens.



This project is part of a complete makeover for this room.  The makeover started when I spontaneously painted the room dark brown this summer, in a desperate attempt to get my 3 year old to nap better. (I thought a darker room would help.  It didn’t.)

A few weeks later, I found bunk beds at a garage sale for $40.  Have I ever told you how much I LOVE garage sales?  I mean, really, $40?  Amazing, right?

But I didn’t want to bunk the beds right away. Why? Because I’ve always loved rooms with matching twin beds, like this one.  Or this one.  Or even this one.  And this was my chance to decorate a room that way.

And so, dark brown walls, garage sale bunk beds, and gingham sheets on clearance for $3 (yes! $3!) started this room on the path towards rustic & reclaimed.

One of my favorite projects in this room so far is the Chicken Feeder Forward Facing Bookshelves behind the door.  I found these chicken feeders in an old barn and have always wanted to use them in my house somewhere.  I LOVE the rusty galvanized patina, and the contrast with the brown walls so so perfect in person.

How to Install Chicken Feeder Forward Facing Bookshelves:

Supplies:

• metal chicken feeders
• stud finder (Optional)
• pencil/chalk/sharpies
• level
• hammer
• 2 inch screws

Step 1: Locate studs on the wall.  This is so important whenever you’re going to hang something heavy on the wall.  Ask me how I know this.  Use a stud finder or tap gently on the wall in a horizontal line, listening for a different sound (hollow vs. solid.) Mark the studs with a pencil or chalk.

Step 2: Hold up your chicken feeder where you want it and mark two spots for screws inside the feeder, one on each stud line.

Step 3: Start a pilot hole in the metal chicken feeder.  I tried to drill a pilot hole, but the drill bit kept slipping.  So, I used a screw and hammer to start the hole.  Hold the screw (or big nail – that might have worked better, but I didn’t have any handy) where you want the hole, and hit it hard with the hammer.

Step 4: Using long screws (I think mine were 2 inches), screw the chicken feeder to the wall.

Step 5: Repeat with the other two chicken feeders.  I used a level to follow the line of the studs AND make sure that the chicken feeders were straight on the wall.


I used a book to space out the chicken feeders – they are about 12 inches apart, just like the forward facing bookshelves on Adam’s dresser.



There’s still a long to-do list for this room, including (but not limited to):

• Custom shelving/wall art above each bed
• Wall art by Adam’s bed
• Toy storage under the beds
• New rug
• Repaint floor or put down new flooring.
• Window coverings
• Something awesome on the north wall
• Paint trim
• Nightstands
• Lamps

Be sure to follow along by email to see full tutorials on all the projects in this room, and facebook and instagram for regular room updates!



Shared at: Funky Junk Interiors, Motivational Monday, Blue i Style