7 Best Poultry Feeders for Backyard Chickens That Prevent Common Issues
Discover the 7 best chicken feeders that reduce waste, deter pests, and keep your backyard flock healthy. Find the perfect feeder for your setup—from automatic to DIY options!
Choosing the right feeder for your backyard chickens can dramatically improve their health while reducing waste and deterring pests. The perfect poultry feeder provides consistent access to food, minimizes spillage, and keeps feed dry and clean regardless of weather conditions. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the seven best poultry feeders that combine durability, functionality, and value to keep your flock happy and well-fed.
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, this site earns from qualifying purchases. Thank you!
Understanding Different Types of Chicken Feeders
Choosing the right feeder for your backyard chickens requires understanding the different options available and how they suit various needs. Each type offers distinct advantages that can impact your flock’s health and your maintenance routine.
Gravity Feeders vs. Treadle Feeders
Gravity feeders work by allowing feed to flow downward as chickens eat, providing continuous access to food. Common types include plastic bell feeders that hang from chains and space-efficient tube feeders that minimize waste. Treadle feeders, on the other hand, operate with a weight-activated mechanism that opens only when chickens step on a platform. These feeders excel at preventing pest access, with models like Grandpa’s Feeders offering durable galvanized steel construction and anti-scratch features to reduce wastage.
Automatic vs. Manual Feeding Systems
Automatic feeders like treadle systems and timer-controlled PVC pipe setups reduce your daily maintenance by storing larger quantities of feed and controlling access. They’re ideal if you’re away from home frequently or manage a larger flock. Manual options such as open dish feeders and basic bell feeders require regular refilling and monitoring but are typically more affordable and simpler to set up. The choice between automatic and manual systems often comes down to balancing your time constraints against your budget and specific flock needs.
1. The Hanging Feeder: Harris Farms Plastic Poultry Feeder
Features and Benefits
The Harris Farms Plastic Poultry Feeder is designed with a convenient hanging system that keeps feed elevated off the ground. It features a protective moat around the feeding area that significantly minimizes waste and prevents rodents and bugs from accessing your chickens’ feed. The durable plastic construction makes it weather-resistant and easy to clean, while its simple design allows for quick refilling when feed runs low.
Ideal For Small to Medium Flocks
This hanging feeder is perfectly sized for backyard flocks of 5-15 chickens, providing adequate feeding space without overwhelming smaller coops. You’ll appreciate how it can be hung at adjustable heights using a chain or hook system, allowing you to customize the positioning as your chickens grow. The elevated design prevents chickens from scratching through their feed, making it an economical choice for maintaining healthy feeding habits in your small to medium flock.
2. The Treadle Feeder: Grandpa’s Feeders Automatic Chicken Feeder
Pest-Proof Design Advantages
Grandpa’s Feeders feature an ingenious treadle system where chickens must stand on a platform to access their feed. This weight-activated mechanism effectively keeps rodents, wild birds, and other pests out of your chicken feed. Constructed from high-quality galvanized steel, these feeders resist both weather damage and determined rodents that might try to gnaw through them. The waterproof design ensures feed stays dry and fresh, even during rainy conditions.
Reducing Feed Waste and Saving Money
The clever anti-scratch bar and protective side panels prevent chickens from scratching feed onto the ground, dramatically reducing waste compared to traditional feeders. Feed is dispensed only when needed, eliminating spillage and contamination issues common with open feeders. While the initial investment is higher than basic feeders, many farmers report the Grandpa’s Feeder pays for itself within months through reduced feed waste – especially valuable with today’s rising feed costs.
3. The Wall-Mounted Option: RentACoop Horizontal Feeder
The RentACoop Horizontal Feeder stands out as an innovative solution for backyard chicken keepers looking to maximize their coop space while minimizing feed waste.
Space-Saving Benefits
The wall-mounted design of the RentACoop Horizontal Feeder is a game-changer for small coops and limited space setups. By attaching directly to your coop wall, this feeder eliminates the need for floor space entirely. Your chickens can access their feed without navigating around bulky ground feeders, creating a more efficient feeding area that leaves more room for other essentials like nesting boxes and roosts.
Easy Maintenance and Cleaning
Maintaining the RentACoop Horizontal Feeder is remarkably straightforward compared to traditional feeders. Its horizontal configuration allows you to quickly wipe down the feed tray without disassembling the entire unit. The elevated design keeps feed off the ground, significantly reducing contamination from droppings and bedding material. When it’s time for a deep clean, the simple wall-mount system lets you detach the feeder with minimal effort.
4. The Automatic Solution: PetSafe Smart Feed Automatic Feeder
While typically marketed for pets, the PetSafe Smart Feed Automatic Feeder has become a game-changer for tech-savvy chicken owners looking to streamline their feeding routine.
Tech Features for Busy Chicken Owners
The PetSafe Smart Feed connects to your home Wi-Fi network, allowing you to control feeding schedules remotely through a smartphone app. You’ll appreciate the ability to monitor feed levels and dispensing activity when you’re away from home. This smart technology sends notifications when feed runs low or if there’s a dispensing issue, giving you peace of mind even during extended absences.
Programming Options for Optimal Feeding
You can program up to 12 customized meals per day with precise portion control, ensuring your chickens maintain consistent feeding patterns. The slow-feed option prevents aggressive feeding behaviors by dispensing food gradually over a 15-minute period. Settings can be adjusted seasonally to accommodate your flock’s changing nutritional needs throughout the year, making this automatic feeder a versatile solution for maintaining healthy chickens with minimal daily intervention.
5. The Heavy-Duty Choice: Blenheim Chicken Feeder
Weather-Resistant Construction
The Blenheim Chicken Feeder features exceptional weather-resistant construction that keeps feed dry in all conditions. Made from galvanized steel, this feeder effectively withstands rain, snow, and harsh sunlight without rusting or deteriorating. Its robust design includes a protective overhang that shields feed from moisture, ensuring your chickens always have access to dry, uncontaminated food regardless of outdoor conditions.
Capacity for Larger Flocks
With its substantial feed capacity, the Blenheim Chicken Feeder is perfectly suited for larger backyard flocks. The generous storage compartment means less frequent refilling, saving you valuable time and effort in your daily chicken care routine. This feeder accommodates multiple birds feeding simultaneously, reducing competition and ensuring that all your chickens—even those lower in the pecking order—can access nutrition without stress or conflict.
6. The Budget-Friendly Pick: Little Giant Plastic Hanging Feeder
Affordable Without Compromising Quality
The Little Giant Plastic Hanging Feeder stands out as the most economical option without sacrificing functionality. This bell-shaped plastic feeder features a protective moat design that minimizes feed waste while keeping pests at bay. Priced significantly lower than automated options, it’s perfect for backyard chicken keepers on a budget who still want reliable performance. The simple yet effective design accommodates most standard chicken feeds and serves small to medium flocks efficiently.
Best Practices for Extended Durability
Hang this feeder properly using an ‘S’ hook and chain about 25-30cm from the ground for medium-sized hens. This height keeps their backs parallel to the ground, reducing wastage while preventing pest access. Adjust the feed flow settings when switching between different feed consistencies for optimal distribution. Clean the feeder regularly with mild detergent to prevent mold growth. For maximum efficiency, calculate your feed requirements—a 5kg feeder typically sustains two actively laying hens for approximately 20 days.
7. The DIY Option: PVC Pipe Feeder System
For budget-conscious chicken keepers, a DIY PVC pipe feeder offers an economical and customizable solution that can be tailored to your specific coop setup.
Materials and Construction Guide
To build your PVC feeder, you’ll need:
- PVC pipes and fittings (elbows, tees, couplers)
- PVC end caps
- Drill with appropriate bits
- Wire mesh (for pest protection)
- Basic tools for cutting PVC
The construction process involves cutting pipes to your desired length, assembling with fittings, and creating feeding access points along the pipe’s length. Secure end caps to prevent feed spillage and wrap with wire mesh to deter unwanted visitors.
Customization for Your Specific Needs
The beauty of a PVC feeder system lies in its versatility. Create an adjustable height design to accommodate chickens of different sizes or add a feed flow control mechanism to prevent overfeeding. You can build multiple feeding stations connected to a central reservoir for larger flocks, or design removable components for easier cleaning. This system saves money while addressing common feeding challenges like waste reduction and pest prevention.
How to Choose the Perfect Poultry Feeder for Your Backyard Chickens
Flock Size Considerations
For larger flocks, automatic treadle feeders like Grandpa’s Feeders are ideal as they prevent feed waste and keep pests away. The weight-activated platform allows only chickens to access the feed, making them cost-effective for 10+ birds. Tube feeders work well for smaller coops with limited space, offering extended feed capacity while minimizing mess. If you’re raising just 3-5 chickens, plastic bell feeders provide an affordable solution that includes anti-waste features like protective moats.
Weather and Environmental Factors
Your feeder’s material directly impacts its longevity in outdoor conditions. Galvanized steel options resist rust and withstand harsh elements better than aluminum or plastic alternatives. Look for feeders with protective overhangs or rain shields that keep feed dry during wet weather. Pest-resistant designs are crucial—treadle mechanisms prevent rodents and wild birds from stealing feed and potentially spreading disease. Prioritize feeders that disassemble easily for regular cleaning, as accumulated moisture and old feed can quickly become breeding grounds for harmful bacteria.
Maintaining Your Poultry Feeders for Longevity and Chicken Health
Selecting the right poultry feeder from our top seven options will transform your backyard chicken experience. The perfect feeder matches your specific flock size while addressing weather conditions and pest concerns in your area.
Remember that even the best feeders require regular maintenance. Clean your feeder weekly to prevent mold and bacteria buildup that could harm your flock. Consider rotating between two feeders to ensure continuous access to food during cleaning days.
Your choice ultimately impacts not just feed conservation but your chickens’ overall health and happiness. Whether you opt for the budget-friendly Harris Farms model or invest in the tech-savvy PetSafe Smart Feed system you’ll quickly notice less waste fewer pests and healthier birds.
Your backyard flock deserves the best feeding solution possible. Make your selection with confidence and enjoy the rewards of happier more productive chickens.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best type of chicken feeder for a small backyard flock?
For small backyard flocks (5-15 chickens), the Harris Farms Plastic Hanging Poultry Feeder is an excellent option. It’s affordable, keeps feed elevated off the ground, and features a protective moat to minimize waste. The Little Giant Plastic Hanging Feeder is another budget-friendly alternative that doesn’t compromise on quality. Both options are made of durable plastic that withstands various weather conditions.
How do automatic chicken feeders work?
Automatic chicken feeders, like the Grandpa’s Feeders model, use a treadle (weight-activated) system where chickens stand on a platform to access food. When the chicken steps on the platform, the lid opens, providing access to feed. Once the chicken steps off, the lid closes automatically. This design prevents rodents and wild birds from stealing feed while reducing waste, ultimately saving money on feed costs.
Can chicken feeders help prevent rodent problems?
Yes, the right chicken feeder can significantly reduce rodent problems. Treadle feeders like the Grandpa’s Feeders Automatic Chicken Feeder and RentACoop Treadle Feeder prevent rodent access because the mechanism requires the weight of a chicken to open. Hanging feeders also help by keeping feed off the ground. Additionally, removing feeders at night when rodents are most active can further reduce pest issues.
How often should I clean my chicken feeder?
Clean your chicken feeder thoroughly at least once a week to prevent bacteria growth and feed contamination. However, during rainy or humid conditions, you may need to clean it more frequently. Remove all old feed, wash with mild soap and water, rinse thoroughly, and allow to dry completely before refilling. Regular cleaning prevents mold growth and keeps your chickens healthy.
Are plastic or metal chicken feeders better?
Both materials have advantages. Plastic feeders like the Harris Farms model are lightweight, affordable, and won’t rust. Metal feeders, particularly galvanized steel ones like the Blenheim Outdoor Galvanized Feeder, offer superior durability, better pest resistance, and can withstand pecking and scratching. For long-term use in outdoor conditions, galvanized metal feeders typically outlast plastic, though they’re usually more expensive initially.
How can I reduce feed waste with my chicken feeder?
To reduce feed waste, choose feeders with anti-waste features like protective lips, troughs, or moats that catch scattered feed. Treadle feeders like Grandpa’s Feeders significantly reduce waste by preventing chickens from scratching through feed. Hanging feeders at the right height (level with chickens’ backs) discourages scratching behavior. For additional savings, consider feeders with anti-scratch bars or rain covers to keep feed dry and contained.
What size feeder do I need for my chickens?
The appropriate feeder size depends on your flock size. For 1-5 chickens, a small 5-pound capacity feeder is sufficient. Medium flocks (6-15 chickens) need 10-20 pound capacity feeders like the Harris Farms model. Large flocks (16+ birds) require high-capacity options like the Blenheim Galvanized Feeder. Provide at least 1-2 inches of feeder space per bird to reduce competition and ensure all chickens can access food.
Can I build my own chicken feeder?
Yes, DIY chicken feeders can be economical and effective. PVC pipe feeders are popular DIY options requiring basic materials like PVC pipes, end caps, and T-joints. These systems can be customized to your coop size and are particularly good at reducing waste. While homemade feeders may lack some features of commercial options, they can be an excellent budget-friendly solution that addresses your specific needs.
