10 Best Chicken Feeders for Every Size Flock: From Eco-Friendly to Squirrel-Proof Options

Raising chickens can be a rewarding experience, but ensuring they have the right feeder is crucial for their health and your convenience. With so many options on the market, finding the best chicken feeder can be overwhelming. Whether you’re a seasoned poultry farmer or a backyard hobbyist, the right feeder can make all the difference in keeping your flock well-fed and happy.

In this article, we’ll explore the 10 best chicken feeders available today. From automatic options to budget-friendly choices, you’ll discover feeders that suit every need and preference. By the end, you’ll have all the information you need to make an informed decision and keep your chickens clucking contentedly.

1. Gravity Tube Feeders

Gravity Tube Feeders are a convenient and efficient way to ensure your chickens have continuous access to feed. They’re especially great for reducing waste and keeping the feed clean.

Advantages of Gravity Tube Feeders

Easy to Install: Gravity tube feeders are simple to set up, requiring minimal tools and effort.
Reduces Waste: Their design ensures that feed is dispensed gradually, minimizing spillage and waste.
Keeps Feed Clean: The enclosed tube protects the feed from contaminants like dirt and moisture.
Low Maintenance: These feeders are straightforward to clean and refill, saving you time and effort.
Affordable: Gravity tube feeders are budget-friendly, making them a great option for both beginners and experienced poultry keepers.

Popular Models and Brands

One of the top-rated gravity tube feeders available on Amazon is the RentACoop 10lb Capacity Chicken Feeder. Users love its straightforward design and the reduction in wasted feed.

2. Treadle Chicken Feeders

Treadle chicken feeders are a fantastic option if you’re looking to minimize waste and deter pests. These feeders work through a mechanical system triggered by the weight of your chickens.

How Treadle Feeders Work

Treadle feeders operate using a metal plate (the treadle) that chickens step on to access the feed. When the chicken steps on the treadle, it opens the feeding compartment, allowing access to the feed inside. This system prevents smaller animals from stealing the food as they aren’t heavy enough to open the feeder.

Benefits for Predator Prevention

Treadle feeders are excellent for keeping rodents and wild birds away from your chicken feed. Since only chickens can trigger the treadle with their weight, unwanted pests can’t gain access. This design also keeps your feed dry and protected, reducing spoilage and waste.

Featured Product: Grandpa’s Feeders Automatic Chicken Feeder

Grandpa’s Feeders Automatic Chicken Feeder is a top-tier product available on Amazon. It supports a large capacity of feed (20 lbs) and its weatherproof design ensures that the feed remains dry. Users appreciate its sturdy construction, easy-to-use mechanism, and effectiveness at keeping pests away.

3. Automatic Chicken Feeders

Automatic chicken feeders greatly simplify the feeding process, saving you time and effort while ensuring your chickens always have access to food.

The Convenience of Automation

Automated feeders dispense food at scheduled intervals, ensuring your chickens are consistently fed even when you’re not home. They reduce waste by controlling portions and prevent pests by keeping the feed enclosed. These feeders are particularly useful if you have a busy schedule or travel frequently.

1. RentACoop 20lb Automatic Chicken Feeder with Galvanized Steel
   This sturdy feeder holds up to 20 pounds of feed, making it ideal for large flocks. Its design keeps food dry and protected from rain and pests. The feeder operates on a simple gravity system with an automatic release triggered by the chickens stepping on a platform. Users praise its durability and effectiveness in keeping pests out.

[amazon bestseller=”RentACoop 20lb Automatic Chicken Feeder with Galvanized Steel” items=”1″]

1. Grandpa’s Feeders Automatic Chicken Feeder
   The durable metal construction ensures longevity while the clever design prevents pests from accessing the feed. With a 20lb capacity, this feeder supports larger flocks, features weatherproofing to protect feed from the elements, and minimizes waste.

[amazon bestseller=”Grandpa’s Feeders Automatic Chicken Feeder” items=”1″]

1. OverEZ Chicken Feeder
   With a 50lb feed capacity, the OverEZ Chicken Feeder is perfect for extensive flocks. Its compact, weather-resistant design ensures food stays dry and pests stay out. Users appreciate the ease of installation and the reduced spillover, making it a popular choice among poultry owners.

[amazon bestseller=”OverEZ Chicken Feeder” items=”1″]

These automatic chicken feeders offer convenience and efficiency, making them indispensable for busy poultry owners.

4. PVC Pipe Feeders

PVC pipe feeders offer a versatile and inexpensive way to ensure that your chickens have access to food. They’re especially valued for their DIY potential and cost-effectiveness, making them a great choice for budget-conscious poultry owners.

DIY Potential of PVC Feeders

PVC pipe feeders are popular among DIY enthusiasts because they’re easy to make and customize. You can adjust the length and design to fit your coop’s layout. With a few basic tools, you can create a feeder that minimizes feed waste by reducing spillage. Plus, you can design your feeder to be weather-resistant, ensuring that your chickens always have a dry place to eat.

Cost-Effective Feeding Solutions

Buying a ready-made PVC pipe feeder can save time while still being budget-friendly. One highly-rated product on Amazon is the Hentastic PVC Chicken Feeder. This feeder is easy to set up, durable, and helps reduce feed waste.

[amazon bestseller=”Hentastic PVC Chicken Feeder” items=”1″]

Customers love its straightforward design and the way it keeps the feed dry and protected from the elements. With minimal maintenance required, this feeder provides a long-lasting solution for chicken owners looking to optimize their feeding setup without breaking the bank.

5. Hanging Chicken Feeders

Hanging chicken feeders are a great way to keep feed off the ground, minimizing waste and reducing contamination. Their elevated design is perfect for keeping food clean and accessible.

Pros of Using Hanging Feeders

1. Minimizes Waste: Hanging feeders help reduce feed spillage, as they’re elevated from the ground. This keeps most of the feed inside the feeder.
2. Prevents Contamination: Keeping the feed off the ground prevents it from mixing with dirt and droppings, ensuring your chickens eat clean food.
3. Discourages Pests: Elevating the feeder makes it harder for rodents and other pests to access the feed. This helps in pest control.
4. Adjustable Height: Many hanging feeders allow you to adjust the height, making them suitable for chickens of different ages and sizes.
5. Durability: These feeders are typically made from sturdy materials like galvanized metal or heavy-duty plastic, ensuring they last long.

Selecting the Best Hanging Models

When selecting a hanging model, consider its capacity, material, and ease of cleaning. A popular product on Amazon is the Harris Farms Galvanized Hanging Poultry Feeder, which balances capacity and durability perfectly.

Harris Farms Galvanized Hanging Poultry Feeder

The Harris Farms Galvanized Hanging Poultry Feeder is an excellent option for those looking to ensure their chickens have easy access to food. Holding up to 10 lbs of feed, it’s ideal for small to medium flocks. Made of heavy-duty galvanized steel, this feeder is designed to withstand harsh weather and resist rust.

Customer Review: Customers rave about its sturdy construction and the convenience of keeping feed dry and clean. One reviewer mentioned, “This feeder significantly reduced feed waste and kept the food cleaner than our previous ground feeder. It’s easy to fill and hang, making it a stress-free addition to our coop.”

6. Wall-Mounted Feeders

Wall-mounted feeders offer a convenient solution for chicken owners with limited space. They keep the feed off the ground, ensuring a cleaner and more organized coop environment.

Space-Saving Benefits

Save floor space with wall-mounted feeders. By attaching these feeders to the wall, you free up valuable ground space in your coop. This setup reduces clutter and helps maintain a hygienic feeding area. It’s particularly beneficial for small coops, where every inch counts.

Ideal Models for Small Coops

Choose from top-rated models for a compact coop. One highly recommended option is the RentACoop Wall-Mounted Chicken Feeder. This feeder is known for its durable, weather-resistant design and ease of installation. It caters to smaller flocks by providing sufficient capacity while minimizing waste and spillage. Customers appreciate its straightforward assembly and sturdy build, often noting positive changes in cleanliness and organization within their coops.

[amazon bestseller=”RentACoop Wall-Mounted Chicken Feeder” items=”1″]

Such a well-designed feeder not only saves space but also keeps your chicken feed protected from the elements and pests.

7. Tray and Trough Feeders

Tray and trough feeders offer a practical solution for feeding larger groups of chickens. They provide ample space and easy access, making them a favorite among backyard poultry keepers.

Best for Feeding Groups

Ideal for feeding large flocks, tray and trough feeders cater to multiple chickens at once. They allow simultaneous access, reducing mealtime squabbles. Try the Little Giant Plastic Poultry Feeder for its generous capacity and durable construction, ensuring your chickens are well-fed.

[amazon bestseller=”Little Giant Plastic Poultry Feeder” items=”1″]

Tray vs. Trough: Which is Best?

Choosing between tray and trough feeders depends on your needs. Tray feeders are flat and shallow, ideal for younger birds who may struggle with deeper feeders. For instance, the Harris Farms Plastic Poultry feeder offers easy access and simple cleaning. In contrast, trough feeders are long and narrow, perfect for providing feed to an entire row of chickens. The RentACoop Trough Feeder excels in this setup with its robust build and anti-tip design, making it a great choice for stability.

Both styles offer their benefits, so consider your flock’s size and structure when selecting the right feeder. Each option ensures your chickens have easy and constant access to their feed, promoting healthy growth and reducing waste.

8. Squirrel-Proof Chicken Feeders

Squirrel-proof chicken feeders prevent unwanted critters from stealing your chickens’ food. These feeders come with unique features to keep squirrels at bay.

Features that Deter Squirrels

Baffle Plates: Baffle plates are effective at keeping squirrels out. They create an obstacle between the squirrel and the feeder.
Weight-sensitive Lids: These lids close when a squirrel’s weight is detected. They ensure only chickens can access the feed.
Mesh Design: Fine mesh designs prevent squirrels from reaching the food inside. These are usually made of strong metal.
Overhangs: Overhanging designs make it harder for squirrels to access the feeder. They need to climb or jump in awkward positions.
Anti-scratch Surface: Smooth, slick surfaces deter climbing squirrels. These make it difficult for squirrels to get any grip.

Recommended Squirrel-Proof Feeders

Roamwild Squirrel-Proof Chicken Feeder: This feeder combines multiple squirrel-deterring features. It has both baffle plates and a weight-sensitive lid. The strong metal mesh design ensures only chickens can reach the feed.

[amazon bestseller=”Roamwild Squirrel-Proof Chicken Feeder” items=”1″]

This feeder is a favorite on Amazon. Reviewers love the effectiveness of the weight-sensitive lid and the fine mesh design. Customers have noted a significant decrease in squirrel visits and food wastage.

Consider these squirrel-proof chicken feeders to maintain a clean, efficient feeding setup for your flock while keeping pesky squirrels away.

9. Feeders for Free-Range Chickens

Free-range chickens need special feeders that are durable and easy to access. These feeders must also keep the food clean and minimize waste.

Enhancing Free Range Feeding

Ensuring free-range chickens get their feed efficiently can be challenging. It’s crucial that the feeders withstand outdoor elements and deter pests like squirrels and raccoons. An elevated design prevents contamination from dirt and feces, which keeps the food sanitary. Some feeders include weatherproof features to protect the feed from rain.

Top Choices for Outdoor Use

Consider the Harris Farms Free Range Hanging Poultry Feeder. It’s made from heavy-duty plastic, offering durability and longevity. The hanging design ensures feed stays clean and minimizes waste.

[amazon bestseller=”Harris Farms Free Range Hanging Poultry Feeder” items=”1″]

Reviewers praise the Harris Farms feeder for its capacity and ease of use. It’s ideal for free-range chickens, offering a practical solution for outdoor feeding. The feeder’s design ensures less frequent refilling, making it convenient for busy chicken owners.

10. Eco-Friendly Chicken Feeders

Eco-friendly chicken feeders are perfect for those looking to reduce their environmental impact and save resources. These feeders often use sustainable materials and innovative designs.

Sustainable Feeding Options

Consider the RentACoop Eco-Friendly Chicken Feeder, a popular choice among Amazon shoppers. Made from recycled plastic, this feeder doesn’t just help the environment but also holds up to 20 pounds of feed, reducing the need for frequent refilling. Reviewers appreciate its durability and easy installation, ensuring a long-lasting, hassle-free feeding experience.

[amazon bestseller=”RentACoop Eco-Friendly Chicken Feeder” items=”1″]

Innovations in Eco-Friendly Design

Innovative eco-friendly designs offer practical features while prioritizing sustainability. Look for feeders with UV-resistant materials to withstand outdoor conditions, and features minimizing feed waste, like anti-scratch grids or rain covers. These advancements contribute to a cleaner, greener feeding system for your flock.

Conclusion

Selecting the best chicken feeder for your flock is crucial for maintaining their health and ensuring efficient feed usage. Whether you’re managing a small backyard flock or a large free-range setup, there’s a feeder to meet your specific needs. From gravity tube feeders to eco-friendly options, each type offers unique benefits to optimize your feeding system. Prioritize durability, cleanliness, and waste reduction when making your choice. With the right feeder, you’ll not only keep your chickens well-fed but also contribute to a more sustainable and efficient poultry operation.