Cows and goats require copper in their diet, but sheep and llamas will suffer fatal copper toxicity from it. To prevent deadly cross-contamination, the sanctuary needs isolated, weather-resistant loose mineral feeding stations installed across 6 separate pasture pens. Commercial units are cost-prohibitive, making this an ideal low-cost, high-impact DIY build for a scout patrol.
BUILD OPTIONS (Choose the approach best suited for your crew):
1. PVC Gravity Feeders: 4-inch PVC pipe with a Wye fitting at the base, rain-cap at the top, strapped securely to paddock fence posts.
2. 5-Gallon Bucket Hack: Heavy-duty recycled buckets with a lower access opening and weather-tight rain hood, bracket-mounted to fence posts.
3. Sheltered Pan Mounts: Heavy-duty rubber mineral pans bolted elevated off the ground beneath existing barn run-in shelters.
EDUCATIONAL & ADVANCEMENT BENEFIT:
Scouts learn direct animal husbandry and veterinary nutrition (species-specific trace mineral requirements and toxicity management), construction fabrication, and non-profit budget resourcefulness.