A group of sixth graders from Winfried Bryant Middle School in Lebanon, Tennessee, has developed an innovative solution for chicken feeders, addressing a common problem faced by poultry owners. Their invention, the Chick Chick Food chicken feeder system, aims to prevent feed clumping, which can lead to spoilage and health issues in chickens.

The students began their project by interviewing teachers who owned chickens, discovering that many struggled with feed clumping in traditional feeders. Their initial prototype utilized a five-gallon bucket with four poultry feeders attached, featuring a PVC pipe for easy feed access. However, they soon realized the need for a stirring mechanism to keep the feed fresh and prevent clumping.

After competing at the state level, the team made significant improvements to their design. They eliminated spray paint to avoid potential health risks for chickens and opted for a red color scheme, as research indicated that chickens are attracted to this hue. Additionally, they replaced the wooden dowel with a metal rod to prevent rot and mold, and redesigned the feeder to be airtight, ensuring the feed remains dry and safe from botulism—a leading cause of chicken mortality.

The new prototype incorporates an aluminum fan blade for effective stirring, allowing even the finest feed to be mixed thoroughly. Feedback from local farms has been positive, with farmers expressing enthusiasm for the feeder's ability to keep feed fresh and reduce maintenance efforts.

The production cost of the improved feeder is approximately $49.94, with plans to sell it for $85.99. The students conducted thorough research to confirm that their design is unique in the market, aiming to benefit farmers and chicken enthusiasts alike by simplifying the feeding process and enhancing the health of their flocks.