Our Guide to Feeder Motor Kits

Deer Feeder All in one Kit

Guide to Feeder Motor Kits

Teaser: If you’re looking to upgrade your deer feeder or build your own, a high-quality feeder motor kit is essential. Whether you're a seasoned hunter or new to land management, understanding the types of feeder kits available and what makes them effective can help you attract more wildlife to your property. 

What Is a Feeder Motor Kit?

feeder motor kit is the working component that turns a hopper, barrel, or bucket into an automatic feeder that’s responsible for dispensing feed at controlled intervals. Most motorized kits include a motor, a spinner plate or dispensing mechanism, an internal funnel or chute, and a programmable feeder control unit (timer). 

Moultrie organizes its kits into four primary categories: Gravity, Broadcast, Directional, and Auger. You can explore the full lineup of Moultrie feeder kits or browse the broader feeder lineup. If you're building your own or modifying an existing setup, Moultrie feeder kits are designed to mount easily to standard barrels or buckets using a Quick-Lock system 

Types of Feeder Kits

When choosing between deer feeder kits, the biggest differences come down to how feed is distributed, how much control you want over timing, and how you plan to power the system. 

Gravity Feeder Kits 

A gravity feeder kit is the simplest option available. It does not require batteries, motors, or electronics. Feed dispenses naturally as animals eat from the trough. Gravity feeders are ideal for protein feeding during spring and summer, remote properties, low-maintenance setups, and landowners who want zero electronics. 

The Gravity Feeder Kit features tool-free Quick-Lock installation and three adjustable troughs designed for corn or protein pellets. If your goal is a basic, hands-off feeding solution, especially for protein supplementation, a gravity feeder kit is often the best choice. 

Broadcast Feeder Kits (Spincast) 

Broadcast feeder kits are the most common type of deer feeder motor kit. They distribute feed in a full 360-degree pattern, creating a wide feeding zone that works well in open food plots and clearings. 

During a feed cycle, feed drops onto a spinning plate and is cast outward to create a consistent feeding area. This wide coverage makes broadcast feeders ideal for attracting deer from multiple directions and reinforcing regular feeding patterns. 

A great example of this style is the ALL-IN-ONE II Feeder Kit. Designed for simplicity and convenience, it offers 360-degree feed coverage and Bluetooth control through the Moultrie App (no subscription required), allowing you to adjust feed settings without disturbing the area. 

The ALL-IN-ONE II supports 0–4 feed times per day with adjustable 1–20 second run times per feeding. It operates on AA batteries, making it lightweight and easy to manage compared to larger 6V systems. 

Directional Feeder Kits 

Directional feeder kits are designed for targeted feeding. Instead of spreading feed in all directions, they cast it in a narrow 30-degree path. This focused placement is useful near roads, trails, pond edges, or property boundaries. 

The Quick-Lock Directional Feeder Kit casts feed in a controlled path and includes an agitating spin plate to help prevent clumping. It runs on a 6V battery and supports programmable feeding schedules.  

For greater precision and connectivity, the Pro Hunter III Directional Feeder Kit adds Bluetooth control through the Moultrie App along with enhanced scheduling features. Directional kits are ideal when you want feed to land in a defined zone without scattering across a large area. 

Auger Feeder Kits 

Auger feeder kits use a heavy-duty auger system to move feed through an adjustable chute rather than relying on a spinner plate. These kits are typically designed for heavier-duty applications or for handling a wider variety of feed types. 

Feeder Control Units

If your motor is functioning properly but your timer needs an upgrade, replacing the feeder control unit can be a cost-effective solution. A new timer can modernize your feeding schedule without requiring a full feeder replacement. 

The Universal Digital Timer II supports 6V and 12V feeders and allows programmable scheduling with multiple feed times per day and adjustable run durations.  

For Bluetooth app-based control, the Universal Digital Timer III provides upgraded scheduling features through the Moultrie App. With the app connectivity it’s easy to set up feed schedules to sunrise and sunset 

For hunters who prefer automatic dawn-and-dusk feeding without complicated programming, the Lumen Photocell Feeder Kit offers a different style of control. Instead of setting specific clock times, the built-in photocell sensor detects light levels and automatically feeds twice per day, once at dawn and once at dusk. There’s no need to adjust for daylight saving time, and setup is simplified with switch-based duration settings. 

Power Options: Batteries and Solar 

A feeder motor kit is only as dependable as its power source. Different kits use different battery systems, so it’s important to match the correct battery to your feeder model. 

Some kits, like the ALL-IN-ONE II Feeder Kitoperate on standard AA batteries. Others, such as the Pro Hunter III models, use a rechargeable 6V tab-top battery. For longer runtime and fewer maintenance trips, many hunters add a 6V Feeder Solar Panel 

Gravity Feeder Kits vs. Motorized Feeder Kits: Which Is Right for You? 

For hunters and landowners who want greater visibility and control, connected feeding systems offer a modern approach to wildlife management. 

Moultrie’s FEED HUB platform is designed to help reduce unnecessary trips while providing greater insight into your feeding program.  

Feature 

Gravity Feeder Kit 

Feeder Motor Kit 

Power Source 

No power required 

Requires battery power 

Feed Control 

Passive, animals control feed access 

Programmable feed times and duration 

Noise Level 

Completely silent 

Audible motor sound during feed dispersal 

Maintenance 

Minimal (no electronics) 

Occasional battery and timer checks 

Best For 

Remote areas or low-traffic zones 

Targeted feeding schedules and herd patterns 

Weather Resistance 

Simple design, fewer failure points 

Weather-sealed components protect electronics 

Feed Usage Efficiency 

Less controlled, potential for waste 

Highly efficient and customizable 

 

If you're looking for a hands-off solution with minimal upkeep, a gravity feeder is ideal. But if you want precise control over feeding times and amounts, a motorized feeder kit is the way to go. 

Experience the Future with Moultrie Connected Feeders

For hunters and landowners who want complete control over their feeding programs, Moultrie Connected Feeders offer the latest in smart wildlife management. These feeders combine durable construction with wireless technology, allowing you to operate, monitor, and adjust your feeding schedule remotely through the Moultrie app. 

With cellular connectivity, users can: 

  • Schedule and automate up to 10 feed times per day

  • Monitor feed levels and battery status in real time

  • Manually activate feedings from anywhere

  • Integrate the feeder with Moultrie trail cameras for complete oversight 

 The result is less time spent checking feeders and more confidence that your wildlife is being consistently fed, even when you’re not in the field. 

“That excitement was valid because the 250‑pound connected feeder is a game‑changer. Not only because it doesn’t involve us trekking through the field for hours, but because it connects to cellular networks so you can control it from anywhere via your phone.” 
— Field & Stream 

This kind of remote feeding control is revolutionizing how hunters manage their land. As Field & Stream points out, Moultrie’s app‑controlled feeders are as efficient as they are innovative, offering unmatched convenience during both the prep season and peak hunting months.