When it comes to feeding your flock, deciding on the best approach is a crucial consideration for every chicken farmer. While allowing chickens to roam freely can provide some nutritional benefits, most birds still require supplemental feeding to meet their dietary needs. The numerous options available for chicken feeders can be overwhelming, particularly for those new to the world of backyard poultry-keeping.
The 7 Best Chicken Feeders
Our top recommendation for an automatic chicken feeder is the Grandpa’s Feeders product. This feeder stands out from the rest due to its innovative design and user-friendly features. For a more traditional approach, consider the LITTLE GIANT Miller 12lbs Galvanized Hanging Poultry Feeder or the Little Giant Large Steel Poultry Feeder from Ware Manufacturing. If you’re looking for something a bit more high-tech, the PawHut Automatic Chicken Feeder is definitely worth considering.
Alternatively, the Harris Farms Plastic Hanging Poultry Feeder provides a cost-effective option. Last but not least, the PECk-O-MATIC Chicken Feeder offers an efficient and convenient way to feed your flock.
Our Top Pick for the Best Chicken Feeder
Our top recommendation for a reliable chicken feeder is Grandpa’s Feeders Automatic Chicken Feeder. While it may require an initial investment, the savings generated from reduced feed waste and loss more than justify the cost in the long run. With this feeder, you’ll no longer need to rush home to provide meals for your flock once they’re trained to use it.
Moreover, it eliminates the stress of worrying about your chickens running out of food during periods away from home – perfect for weekend getaways or extended absences. Just keep in mind that this model is best suited for mature hens and not ideal for baby chicks.
What to Consider When Choosing a Chicken Feeder?
When selecting a chicken feeder for your flock, several factors come into play. First and foremost, consider the size of your flock. If you have a small group of 2-3 chickens that require daily or bi-daily feeding, your needs will differ from those with larger flocks or those requiring feeders that can hold more than a day’s worth. Additionally, the age of your flock is another crucial aspect to consider.
Raising baby chicks, for instance, necessitates different feeder requirements compared to managing a flock of full-grown hens. Some feeders are designed specifically for chicks, while others cater exclusively to grown birds. The perfect solution, however, lies in finding a feeder suitable for mixed flocks, allowing you to seamlessly transition your growing birds from youngsters to adults.
As you navigate the diverse range of chicken feeders available, be prepared to encounter everything from affordable plastic containers to advanced mechanized models that adjust feeding based on user settings. Whether you prefer simple, manual fill-and-sit feeders or high-tech automated options, there’s a feeder out there to suit your unique needs and preferences.
7 Best Chicken Feeders – Reviews
Grandpa’s Feeders Automatic Chicken Feeder
The Grandpa’s Feeders feeder is an excellent option for households with 4-6 chickens, as it can hold up to 20lbs of food for approximately one week. This means that you won’t need to worry about checking the feed every day or dealing with the hassle of rodents and wild birds getting into your chicken’s food. The feeder also reduces the risk of spilled feed, which can save you money in the long run. You’ll only need to refill it every 7-10 days.
While it does require some training for your chickens to get used to, most flocks will adapt fairly quickly. One thing to keep in mind is that this feeder isn’t suitable for mixed flocks or baby chicks, as they can get caught when the bigger birds step off. The feeder itself is also noisy when in operation, which may take some getting used to. On the plus side, it prevents chickens from fouling in their food and keeps things clean.
On the downside, the edges are sharp, the food doesn’t always come down on its own, and it’s not waterproof. Additionally, some chickens may be put off by the noise when in use. Despite these drawbacks, many chicken keepers find this feeder to be a great addition to their flock. You can check the current price of the Grandpa’s Feeders feeder on Amazon.
LITTLE GIANT Miller 12lbs Galvanized Hanging Poultry Feeder
The Little Giant hanging style feeder is a straightforward and practical option for feeding your chickens. This 12-pound capacity feeder (equivalent to approximately 20 cups) can sustain up to 12 adult birds for 10-14 days. Made of galvanized metal, it’s resistant to rust and allows you to keep the feed off the ground, making it an excellent choice for mixed flocks containing both adults and baby chickens.
However, this feeder doesn’t come with a lid, which may pose a problem if you plan to use it outdoors. Moreover, you’ll need to daily shake the feeder to redistribute the food into the troughs, as it doesn’t do a great job of keeping rodents out of the feed. On the plus side, the feeder is easy to assemble, won’t rust, keeps the feed off the ground, and is an affordable option.
Nevertheless, its shortcomings include the lack of a lid, which may necessitate additional measures for outdoor use, and the need to regularly shake the feeder to ensure the food flows into the troughs.
Little Giant Large Steel Poultry Feeder
The Little Giant feeder is a robust and practical solution for feeding your adult flock. With a capacity to hold up to 25lbs of feed, it offers ample storage for your chickens’ needs. The galvanized metal construction ensures durability and resistance to rust, making it a reliable choice for outdoor use. The innovative feed saver grid effectively minimizes food waste by preventing the birds from kicking the feed out and also keeps them from soiling their food.
Please note that this feeder is designed specifically for adult flocks and should not be used with baby chicks. Its advantages include holding a large amount of food, keeping rain out of the feed, reducing waste, and discouraging chickens from soiling their food. However, it does have some limitations, such as being intended only for adult birds and potentially allowing chickens to kick the food out if the grid is not properly adjusted.
To purchase this feeder, check the current price on Amazon.
Ware Manufacturing Chicken Feeder Troughs
The Ware Manufacturing Chicken Feeder Troughs are a simple yet effective solution for chicken farmers. Made from galvanized metal, these feeder troughs won’t rust, ensuring they remain durable and long-lasting. The wire top design prevents chickens from scratching their food all over the ground, reducing waste and keeping the area clean. With a capacity to hold only a small amount of feed, these feeders are ideal for farmers with smaller flocks who need to maintain the feed daily.
While the feeders may have a tendency to tip over and don’t offer rodent-proofing, they can be wall-mounted to mitigate this issue. The pros of these feeder troughs include the wire top’s effectiveness in reducing waste, their durability due to galvanized metal construction, and ease of maintenance. However, the cons include the small capacity for food storage, the risk of tipping over, and limited protection against rodents and other animals.
For a affordable option, check out the price on Amazon.
PawHut Automatic Chicken Feeder
The PawHut Automatic Chicken Feeder is an ingenious solution for managing chicken feed, providing a space-saving design that fits seamlessly into any coop. The feeder’s waterproof lid and small ceiling above the feed outlet ensure your chickens’ sustenance remains clean, dry, and protected from unwanted visitors like wild birds, rats, or squirrels.
Constructed from rust-resistant galvanized steel, this automatic fast-filler can accommodate up to 4 hens at once and features a substantial 13-liter capacity, making it an excellent choice for mixed flocks. The included installation kit allows for secure mounting either inside or outside wood or wire coops.
While the feeder’s benefits are undeniable, it does come with some drawbacks – its premium price point may be a barrier for some, and small rodents can still find entry points through the feed outlet.
Harris Farms Plastic Hanging Poultry Feeder
The Harris Farms hanging capacity poultry feeder is a straightforward, budget-friendly option that’s perfect for small-scale chicken farming. Made from durable plastic, this feeder has a transparent design that lets you monitor the feed levels at a glance. While it doesn’t come with a lid, one can be purchased separately to keep out moisture and unwanted visitors. With a capacity to hold up to 10-25 chickens, this feeder is suitable for small flocks.
Its lightweight construction and ease of filling make it a breeze to use. However, the tray’s tendency to separate from the top can lead to feed spillage, and the shallow trough encourages scattering among the flock. On the plus side, assembly is a snap, and cleaning is a cinch. You can hang it or place it on the ground, and it comes in three size options to suit your needs. A minor drawback is that it’s prone to feeding waste due to its design.
PECk-O-MATIC Chicken Feeder
The PECk-O-MATIC Chicken Feeder is a game-changer for any backyard chicken keeper. This innovative and easy-to-use feeder discourages rodents and other animals from stealing your expensive feed, while also keeping food safe from rain and waste. The feeder comes with everything you need to set up a 5-gallon bucket (purchased separately), including six regulator disks that can be adjusted based on the size of the feed being given.
However, it’s important to note that training your chickens to use this type of feeder is necessary, and unfortunately, the manufacturer does not ship to Alaska, Puerto Rico, or Hawaii. On the plus side, the PECk-O-MATIC Feeder provides excellent protection from rain and rodents, reduces waste, and minimizes the need for frequent feed replenishment. The only drawbacks are that a 5-gallon bucket is not included, and it may not work well with pellet-type feeds.
Our Top Pick for the Best Chicken Feeder
When it comes to our top pick for the best chicken feeder, Grandpa’s Feeders Automatic Chicken Feeder takes the crown. While the initial investment may seem steep, the long-term benefits far outweigh the cost. For one, you’ll save money by minimizing feed loss and waste. Plus, once your chickens are trained to use it, you can rest assured they’ll be well-fed even when you’re away from home – no need to rush back for a mid-day feeding.
And with this feeder, you can enjoy stress-free weekends knowing your flock will always have access to food. Our recommendation? This automatic feeder is perfect for chicken keepers who want to simplify their daily routine and ensure their feathered friends stay happy and healthy – just be sure to wait until they’re fully grown before introducing it.
