{"id":40894,"date":"2022-11-30T16:51:55","date_gmt":"2022-11-30T06:51:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/project.theownerbuildernetwork.co\/?p=40894"},"modified":"2025-10-28T14:02:55","modified_gmt":"2025-10-28T04:02:55","slug":"best-chicken-feeders","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/theownerbuildernetwork.co\/project\/2022\/11\/30\/best-chicken-feeders\/","title":{"rendered":"The Best Chicken Feeder: 10 Excellent Feeders for Your Flock"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"A<\/a>
A chicken feeder can either make your life easy or turn your days into an endless cycle of cleaning chores. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Chicken feeders can either make your life easy or turn your days into an endless cycle of cleaning chores. The goal behind choosing the right feeder is simple. You just want a safe, healthy, cost-effective <\/a>way to feed your chickens and promote egg production.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The problem is that chickens are extremely messy eaters. They flick, peck, and spill feed everywhere. The wayward specks attract rats and other pests that can lead to a wide range of problems for you and your feathery wards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The pests not only eat the chicken feed, but they also contaminate it and spread diseases<\/a> and parasites. The result is stressed chickens – and stressed chickens mean reduced egg production.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

10 Best Chicken Feeders for the Backyard Chicken Farmer<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Choosing the right chicken feeder<\/strong> isn\u2019t so simple. You\u2019ve got a vast array of choices out there but not all of them will suit your needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you need a new chicken feeder, you can use this article to determine the best one for you and your plucky little friends. You should be able to find a feeder that fits the bill among the 10 best available online.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We have based our selections for this list on the opinion of established experts. Of course, having raised backyard chickens ourselves, we\u2019ve had the pleasure of using these products on our birds. Rest assured, each one of them has received our stamp of approval.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Free<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

1. Chicken Feeder – Holds 20 lbs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If your foremost concerns are waste and rodents, then this Chicken Feeder<\/a> will put your mind at ease. By ensuring that the feed remains inside the feeder, the manufacturers designed both the receptacle and the feeding system for protection and zero feed loss.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This American-made, high-quality plastic feeding system has a holding capacity of 20 lbs. and is good for six birds. You will need more if you have a bigger flock.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You do not need to worry about where to situate this feeder. It will fit inside the coop or the middle of your yard. However, you should know that this chicken feeder is not for chicks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"If<\/a>
If your foremost concerns are waste and rodents, then this 20 lb. chicken feeder should put your mind at ease. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

2. Grandpa\u2019s Feeders Automated Chicken Feeder<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Grandpa\u2019s Feeders Automated Chicken Feeder<\/a> holds 20 lbs. of feed. With dimensions of 17 X 15 X 12 inches, it will hold enough for six birds for 10 days. What we liked about this feeder is that it does a good job keeping the feed inside even while we were away on extended trips.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Made of tough, galvanized steel, this automated model is built to last while protecting your feed against rodents. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The automated system on this feeder will feed your chickens on demand. The unit uses a gravity-driven feeding mechanism. Your birds will need around two weeks to learn how to open the feeder when they are hungry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The top part of the feeder is covered with an anti-flick grill. This prevents your birds from flicking the feed out. The feeder tray has side guards so that all your birds feed on the same side on the stepping plate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Don\u2019t worry about your birds getting their heads stuck under the feeder lid. The design protects against such an accident.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But chickens being chickens, we noticed that our birds had a tendency to stand on top of the feeder.  The result was they spoiled the feed with their droppings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Grandpa\u2019s<\/a>
Grandpa\u2019s Feeders Automated Chicken Feeder holds 20 lbs. of feed. With dimensions of 17 X 15 X 12 inches, it will hold enough for six birds for 10 days.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

3. Over EZ Chicken Feeder<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Over EZ chicken feeder<\/a> is a premium feeder that can hold fifty pounds of feed. You can situate it indoors or outdoors. Yes, it\u2019s a bit pricey. But this feeder will save you a good deal of money on feed over the long run. Indoors or outdoors, either way, you can be sure there won\u2019t be a waste.            <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Depending on the number of chickens you happen to be raising, you can leave for weeks without having to refill. The food will stay dry with the port overhang and the recessed channel. These prevent water from sneaking in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is a gravity-fed unit, so as the chickens eat, more food will flow down. The system is easy, foolproof, and simple. When it does come time to refill, simply remove the lid and replace it when you\u2019re done.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Over EZ works well for large flocks of chickens twelve weeks and older. But because your chickens need to put their heads into the feeder to eat, it will not work for younger birds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"The<\/a>
The Over EZ is a premium chicken feeder that can hold fifty pounds of feed. You can situate it indoors or outdoors<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

4. Little Giant Large Steel Poultry Feeder<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Little Giant Large Steel Poultry Feeder<\/a> will hold up to 25 lbs of feed and can be either wall-mounted or used as a stand-alone feeder. This feeder is made of galvanized metal and resists rust. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The feed-saver grid on this feeder is designed to reduce food waste by preventing the chickens from kicking the food out of the feeder. The same system protects the feed from contamination and soiling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The design of the feeder keeps the rain off the feed, reducing food waste, spoilage, and the risk of contamination. We like that this feeder is sturdy and solid. However, you should note that this feeder will not work for chicks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

5. Little Giant Baby Chicken Feeder<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This feeder is a low-maintenance and low-cost solution for feeding chicks. The Little Giant Baby Chicken Feeder<\/a> is made of heavy-gauged, rust-proof galvanized steel and is small enough at 6 X 6 X 2.5 inches to fit into a cramped space.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The receptacle\u2019s rounded, embossed edges reduce chafing and the risk of injury. The feeder has eight feeding holes that allow multiple chicks to feed at once.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What we like about this feeder is that it allows for an ordinary mason jar to be fitted on top to make a gravity feeder. Just fill the jar with starter feed and your chicks can feed off it for days without a refill.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"The<\/a>
The Little Giant Baby Chicken Feeder is made of heavy-gauged, rust-proof galvanized steel and is small enough at 6 X 6 X 2.5 inches to fit into a cramped space.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

6. Miller 9112 12lb Galvanized Hanging Poultry Feeder<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Miller 9112 12lb. Galvanized Hanging Poultry Feeder<\/a> holds enough feed for 12 birds for 12 days. It\u2019s easy to use and \u2013 given its capacity \u2013 compact enough at 12 X 10.1 X 12 inches so that you can hang it just about anywhere.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This feeder – which is apparently manufactured by an affiliate of Little Giant – is an excellent option if you happen to be raising a small flock that\u2019s usually kept in coops.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This moderately-priced feeder works on a gravity-driven mechanism to keep feed trickling into the feeding trough with minimal loss and spoilage. It also allows both chickens and chicks easy access to feed. However, we recommend that you monitor feeding to ensure that feed flows evenly into the trough.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There will be times when your birds will stand on the cylinder to access the feed from the top. They can spoil their feed with their droppings this way as the feeder does not come with a lid to cover the top.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The lack of a lid \u2013 which the designers appear to have overlooked \u2013 also increases the risk of attracting pests. This is why we suggest that you hang this chicken feeder high enough to keep rodents away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

7. Harris Farms Hanging Poultry Feeder<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Harris Farms Hanging Poultry Feeder<\/a> is an adjustable chicken feeder that can hold 15 lbs. of feed. This is an excellent purchase for anyone with a flock of 15 to 30 birds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We liked this feeder\u2019s adjustable functions. At 11.6 X 11.6 X 11 inches, the feeder is fitted with a three-point height modification utility, which allows you to control how much food flows into the feeding trough.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some birds tend to get their beaks stuck in the adjustment holes so we suggest that you cover these. The feeding trough is embossed to prevent feed loss when your birds are feeding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The feeder is easy to use. When you need to refill the receptacle, you simply pour the feed at the top.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, you should note that the feeder does not come with a lid to cover the top. We found that this exposes the feed to dirt and contamination. We used a simple makeshift lid to protect the feed from exposure to contaminants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

8. Royal Rooster Chicken Feeder and Drinker<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Royal Rooster Chicken Feeder and Drinker<\/a> is a high-end, rust-proof feeder made from durable, lightweight PVC and ABS plastic. This feeder is designed with unique divisions that discourage chickens from swiping the feed to the ground.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Each unit of the set measures 20 inches tall, 5 inches wide, and 5 inches deep. The feeder holds 6.5 lbs of feed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This feeder comes with a drinker which holds up to a gallon of water – sufficient for six birds for a week. The drinker is valve-operated and activates when the chickens drink. This keeps the rest of the water clean and fresh. Still, we suggest that you closely monitor the water in the drinker to ensure quality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What we liked the most about this feeder is that is the feeder tray and rain cover which keeps feeding protected from the weather and pests.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To use the feeder, you need to mount it on the walls of your coop at a height that suits your flock. Mounting the feeder on the walls of the coop also keeps the feeder away from rodents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"The<\/a>
The Royal Rooster Chicken Feeder and Drinker is a high-end, rust-proof feeder made from durable, lightweight PVC and ABS plastic.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

9. Roamwild Rat Proof Chicken Feeder kit – Rat Proof Poultry Feeder<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Roamwild Rat Proof Chicken Feeder<\/a> kit eliminates the need for rat poison and traps around your property. The system’s anti-spill design and patented pest-repelling technology allow you to feed your chickens without wasting any of your valuable feed on pests.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This simple, rat-proof poultry feeding system permits the hatch to deny pests access to the grain. After the frustrated rat gives up and leaves, the hatch automatically goes back to its normal position, waiting for the next chicken to come and feed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This ensures that your chickens are fed but not the rats. This ingenious device is ideal for backyard chicken farmers who are dealing with a problematic pest infestation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"The<\/a>
The Roamwild Rat Proof Chicken Feeder kit eliminates the need for rat poison and traps around your property.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

10. Ware Manufacturing Chicken Feeder Troughs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Ware Manufacturing\u2019s Chicken Feeder Troughs<\/a> consists of two simple and inexpensive feeders made of galvanized metal that prevents rusting. The design of the feeders features protective wires over the top of the troughs. The wires prevent chickens from scratching and flicking their food, which can be wasteful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The troughs are easy to maintain but they tip over quite easily and can be prone to pests. Because the troughs can only hold a small amount of feed, you will need to refill them every day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

How to Choose the Right Feeder for Your Flock<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Most retail feeders these days are built to withstand some misuse and abuse \u2013 but not much. The best ones feature sturdy, well-designed parts with metal reinforcements when such are needed. Unlike many cheap, poor-quality feeders, the best modern retail feeders usually include spill shields or grates. This help to stop your birds from pulling feed out of the feeder without eating it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This can happen when your feeders are not set at the correct height, or you have different heights of birds in your flock. The spill shield or grate should help keep the feed in the pan and off the floor of your coop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When looking for top-shelf retail equipment, always choose the best, tried-and-tested brands. That may sound snobbish, but we\u2019ve thrown away so many feeders over the years that we\u2019ve come to appreciate the quality offered by good brands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Consider the size and age of your flock and where you intend to situate the feeder, as well. Do you need a hanging feeder or do you need a feeder that can be mounted on the wall of your chicken coop? Will a standalone feeder be ideal?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cleaning is another important consideration. Designs that don\u2019t disassemble for cleaning, or include porous materials like wood, are a real challenge when it comes to cleaning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Plan on purchasing feeders made from plastics, PVC tubes, galvanized metal – or at the very least \u2013 well-painted or sealed wood. The paint or seal should deny bacteria or other disease-causing organisms a place to hide and thrive on the feeder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Of course, each of these materials has its pros and cons. Galvanized metal can be prone to rust. Rust reduces the life span of a chicken feeder. In some cases, rust can even cause the contamination of feed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On the other hand, plastic feeders – which eliminate the risk of rusting and feed contamination \u2013 can at times be so light that mature chickens will often tip them over.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Feeder Placement Strategies<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When setting up a chicken feeder<\/a>, choosing the right location is as crucial as selecting the feeder itself. The placement can significantly influence the ease of access for your chickens, the cleanliness of the feeding area, and the overall efficiency of your feeding strategy. Here are some strategic tips for positioning your chicken feeder to maximize benefits for both you and your flock.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Optimal Positioning Within the Coop<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The interior of the chicken coop is a common place to set up the feeder. It protects the feed from the elements and keeps it clean and dry. However, it\u2019s essential to place the feeder in a spot that doesn\u2019t obstruct the movement within the coop. A corner that is easily accessible to the chickens but out of the main traffic area is ideal. This placement helps reduce feed spillage and keeps the coop tidy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Elevated Feeding Stations<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Raising the feeder off the ground is an effective way to prevent pest access and reduce debris contamination. An elevated feeder also encourages a more natural feeding posture for your chickens. You can use a sturdy platform or hang the feeder at the height of your chickens\u2019 backs. This not only helps keep the feed clean but also discourages rodents and other pests from pilfering the feed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Protection from the Elements<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you prefer to place your chicken feeder outdoors, it\u2019s crucial to consider shelter from weather conditions. Positioning the feeder under a coop overhang or inside a sheltered enclosure can prevent rainwater from spoiling the feed. Moreover, it reduces the risk of feed contamination from bird droppings or falling debris, ensuring that your chickens have access to clean and dry feed at all times.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ensuring Accessibility and Visibility<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Every chicken in the flock should have simple access to the feeder free from crowding or competition. Setting the feeder in a clear, open space helps to avoid bullying and guarantees that every chicken gets their fair part of food. This arrangement helps the flock’s health and output as well as creates a harmonic feeding environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your feeding schedule will be more efficient if you carefully arrange your chicken feeder, therefore preserving a neat, ordered, and productive chicken coop. Correct feeder placement not only helps your chickens’ general health but also makes everyday tasks more doable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do you have a favorite chicken feeder and waterer for your backyard chickens? Let us know in the comments section below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Need a new chicken feeder? Use this article to determine the best one for you and your plucky little friends. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":13557,"featured_media":40906,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_seopress_titles_title":"%%post_title%%","_seopress_titles_desc":"If you need a new chicken feeder, you can use this article to determine the best one for you and your plucky little friends. Visit us today!","_seopress_robots_index":"","_seopress_robots_follow":"","_seopress_robots_imageindex":"","_seopress_robots_snippet":"","_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"none","_seopress_robots_breadcrumbs":"","_seopress_robots_freeze_modified_date":"","_seopress_robots_custom_modified_date":"","_seopress_robots_canonical":"","_seopress_social_fb_title":"","_seopress_social_fb_desc":"","_seopress_social_fb_img":"","_seopress_social_fb_img_attachment_id":0,"_seopress_social_fb_img_width":0,"_seopress_social_fb_img_height":0,"_seopress_social_twitter_title":"","_seopress_social_twitter_desc":"","_seopress_social_twitter_img":"","_seopress_social_twitter_img_attachment_id":0,"_seopress_social_twitter_img_width":0,"_seopress_social_twitter_img_height":0,"_seopress_redirections_value":"","_seopress_redirections_enabled":"","_seopress_redirections_enabled_regex":"","_seopress_redirections_logged_status":"both","_seopress_redirections_param":"","_seopress_redirections_type":301,"_seopress_analysis_target_kw":"chicken feeder","_seopress_news_disabled":"","_seopress_video_disabled":"","_seopress_video":[{"url":"","title":"","desc":"","thumbnail":"","duration":"","rating":"","view_count":"","tag":""}],"_seopress_pro_schemas_manual":[],"_seopress_pro_rich_snippets_disable_all":"","_seopress_pro_rich_snippets_disable":[],"_seopress_pro_schemas":[],"_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","sma_last_campaign_date":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[22,23],"tags":[721],"class_list":["post-40894","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-aviary","category-pets_and_livestock","tag-chicken-feeder"],"modified_by":"julian","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/theownerbuildernetwork.co\/project\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/40894","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/theownerbuildernetwork.co\/project\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/theownerbuildernetwork.co\/project\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/theownerbuildernetwork.co\/project\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/13557"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/theownerbuildernetwork.co\/project\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=40894"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/theownerbuildernetwork.co\/project\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/40894\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/theownerbuildernetwork.co\/project\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/40906"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/theownerbuildernetwork.co\/project\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=40894"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/theownerbuildernetwork.co\/project\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=40894"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/theownerbuildernetwork.co\/project\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=40894"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}