Best Chicken Feeder What to Look For and Top Options
The Best Chicken Feeders: What to Look For and Top Options
A good chicken feeder is an essential part of your chicken-keeping setup. Not only does it help ensure your chickens are well-fed, but it also reduces waste, keeps feed clean, and makes your life easier. There are many types of chicken feeders available, and choosing the best one depends on the size of your flock, the type of feed you use, and your specific needs. Here’s a breakdown of what to look for in a chicken feeder, along with some of the best options available.
Key Features to Look for in a Chicken Feeder
1. Capacity
- How many chickens do you have? Choose a feeder with the capacity to hold enough food for your flock’s daily needs. A larger feeder is helpful for larger flocks as it reduces the frequency of refilling.
- Tip: For a small flock of 2–6 chickens, a feeder with a 5-10 lb capacity should be sufficient. For larger flocks, consider a 20 lb or larger capacity.
2. Durability
- Materials: Look for a feeder made from durable, weather-resistant materials such as plastic, metal, or galvanized steel. These materials will hold up better over time, especially if you have outdoor feeders exposed to the elements.
- Tip: Metal feeders, though more expensive, are highly durable and long-lasting compared to plastic.
3. Ease of Cleaning
Feeders need regular cleaning to prevent mold, bacteria, and pests from contaminating the feed. Opt for a feeder that is easy to disassemble and clean. Some models are designed with smooth, non-porous surfaces that make cleaning simpler.
- Tip: Look for feeders with a smooth, removable base and fewer crevices where feed can get stuck.
4. Weather Resistance
If you plan to keep the feeder outdoors, choose one that is weatherproof and able to withstand rain, snow, and humidity. A roofed feeder or rain cover will protect your feed from getting soggy and contaminated in wet weather.
5. Minimizing Waste
Many chickens are messy eaters, and it’s easy for feed to spill or get wasted. Some feeders are designed to reduce waste by preventing chickens from scattering the feed all over the place. These feeders are typically enclosed or have a small feeding area to control access.
- Tip: Look for trough-style feeders with edges or hanging feeders that reduce feed spillage.
6. Anti-Rat and Pest Features
Rats and other pests are attracted to chicken feed, and they can be a significant problem if you’re feeding outside. A sealed or enclosed feeder with a silo design can keep rodents and other pests from getting into the feed.
Top Chicken Feeders to Consider
Here are some of the best chicken feeders on the market, based on their features, user reviews, and overall quality:
1. Grandpa’s Feeders (Automatic Hanging Feeder)
Best For: Large Flocks & Low-Waste Feeding
Capacity: Holds up to 25 lbs of feed.
Material: Galvanized steel.
Key Features:
- This hanging feeder automatically dispenses feed, which means less mess and minimal waste.
- The feed is dispensed as chickens peck at it, so there is little opportunity for the food to get spilled or wasted.
- Weather-resistant and can be used outdoors year-round.
Why it’s great: Grandpa’s Feeders are durable, highly efficient, and perfect for larger flocks. They’re also low-maintenance, as you don’t need to refill them daily.
2. PoultryCare Chicken Feeder (Trough-Style)
Best For: Small to Medium Flocks
Capacity: Holds 10 lbs of feed.
Material: Durable plastic.
Key Features:
- This trough-style feeder is designed to minimize feed waste.
- It’s made of sturdy plastic, which makes it lightweight and easy to move.
- It has multiple feeding ports, so it’s ideal for a small-to-medium flock.
- Easy to clean and assemble.
Why it’s great: This feeder is ideal for smaller flocks of backyard chickens. The design reduces waste, and the plastic construction ensures it’s lightweight and easy to clean.
3. RentACoop Automatic Chicken Feeder (Bowl-style)
Best For: Rain Protection & Long-Term Feed Storage
Capacity: Holds up to 20 lbs of feed.
Material: Galvanized steel with a plastic bowl.
Key Features:
- This auto-feeder design prevents feed from being wasted by chickens kicking it out.
- It is also rain-resistant, keeping food dry during wet weather.
- Its adjustable settings control how much feed is dispensed at once, reducing waste.
- The galvanized steel construction ensures it’s durable and long-lasting.
Why it’s great: If you need a sturdy, reliable feeder that can withstand harsh weather conditions and keep your feed dry, this model is an excellent option. It’s particularly great for wet climates.
4. Little Giant Plastic Hanging Feeder
Best For: Budget-Friendly & Beginner Chicken Keepers
Capacity: Holds 5-10 lbs of feed.
Material: Plastic.
Key Features:
- This hanging feeder is simple but effective for small-to-medium flocks.
- The red plastic construction is easy to clean and lightweight.
- It has easy-to-fill capabilities, and the hanging design reduces waste.
- Features a wide, accessible feeding area for multiple chickens.
Why it’s great: For those starting with chickens, the Little Giant Hanging Feeder is a great budget-friendly option. It’s straightforward, functional, and easy to maintain.
5. Tough-Tek Poultry Silo Feeder
Best For: Preventing Rodents & Free-Feeding
Capacity: Holds 50 lbs of feed.
Material: Heavy-duty plastic.
Key Features:
- The silo design keeps feed secure, minimizing waste and pest access.
- It holds up to 50 lbs of feed, making it great for larger flocks.
- Features a non-stick interior that prevents feed from clumping and getting stuck.
- Ideal for free-feeding as it allows chickens to eat at their own pace.
Why it’s great: If you’re looking for a large-capacity feeder that prevents rodents and pests from getting into the feed, this silo-style feeder is perfect for you. It’s a reliable, weather-resistant option for larger flocks.
Conclusion
The best chicken feeder for you will depend on your flock size, whether your chickens free-range, and your climate. Automatic or hanging feeders are excellent for larger flocks, while trough-style or bowl feeders are more suitable for smaller numbers of chickens. Features like capacity, ease of cleaning, waste reduction, and weather resistance are all key factors to consider when choosing the right feeder. Any of the top options above can help keep your chickens well-fed and make your life as a chicken keeper easier!
