Blog

The 5 Best Chicken Feeders: Chick and Chicken Feeders

The 5 Best Chicken Feeders_ Chick and Chicken Feeders
Chickens aren’t fussy when it comes to feeding time.

They really couldn’t care less if you dumped their food on the ground, they would still eat and make a lot of mess while doing it!

We supply our flock with feeders so that waste can be minimized, food is kept clean and fresh and we can monitor how much they eat.

It also keeps the area cleaner and so discourages mice and rats from setting up camp in or near your coops.

Quick Glance of Our Best Chicken Feeders
6 Best Chicken Feeders
Grandpa's Feeders Automatic Chicken Feeder
Best Overall Chicken Feeder
Galvanized Steel
Can hold up to 20lbs of feed
Most durable automatic treadle feeder
CHECK PRICE
RentACoop Automatic Chicken 25lb Treadle Feeder
Best Runner Up Automatic Treadle Feeder
Galvanized metal
Can hold up to 25lbs of feed
Feeds your hens on demand

CHECK PRICE
Miller 9112 12lb. Galvanized Hanging Poultry Feeder
Best Hanging Chicken Feeder
Can feed up to 12 chickens comfortably
Holds 12 lbs of feed
Galvanized steel for extreme climates

CHECK PRICE
Little Giant Range Feeder
Best Range Feeder
Chickens won't sit on the trough
Off the ground to keep pests from getting into
Great for standard breeds

CHECK PRICE
Little Giant 11 Lbs Plastic Hanging Poultry Feeder
Best Hanging Plastic Feeder
Holds up to 11 lbs
Can buy a cover to prevent roosting

CHECK PRICE
Harris Farms Galvanized Feeder Base Jar
Best Chick Feeder
Fits regular quart size mason jars
Super affordable and easy to set up
CHECK PRICE
Rats especially carry diseases that can be transmitted to your flock and so they should be actively discouraged.

In this article we are going to look at what your chickens need from a feeder, what makes the perfect feeder and finally, share with you some of our favorite feeders.

The ‘Ideal’ Chicken Feeder
The Best Chicken Feeder
Chicken Feeder
Grandpa’s Feeders Automatic Chicken Feeder
My favorite chicken feeder
On-demand feeder means your hens will have access to feed all day round, which ensures optimal laying and healthy chickens
It also helps to eliminate feed spillage, keeps pests away and as a result means you save on feed cost

If I drew up a ‘wish list’ of the things the perfect feeder would have, it would go something like this:

Easy to set-up
Easy to clean
Prevents waste and mess
Pest proof
Water proof
Reasonable price
The makers of poultry feeders have addressed most of the wish list items quite successfully, I think.

Some feeders are easier than others to set-up but in general, they are all quite straightforward.

Again, some are better at preventing waste than others.

When you buy a feeder, check to make sure there is a small lip at the top of the feeding trough.

This is to prevent ‘billing out’ – some breeds will pull the food out onto the floor with their beaks and then kick it all over the place!

My bantams are masters at this…

The lip helps to prevent waste and mess in the coop.
Try to ensure that it is easy to take apart for periodic cleaning.

Along with this is it easy to refill?

Another thing to think about is how many hens can access the feeder at the same time.

If they can all feed happily at the same time so much better.

Pest proof feeders are few and far between, but they do exist, we will talk about them later on.

Lastly, if you use a range feeder, is it waterproof?

Wet feed is unappetizing and can easily grow mold.

With all of these things in mind, let’s now look at the materials used in chicken feeders and then at the feeders themselves.

Chicken Feeder: Plastic Vs Metal
Chicken Eating out of Feeder

Materials generally fall into two categories: metal or plastic.

Interestingly metal is becoming harder to find, however, in my experience, they far outlast their plastic counterparts.

Plastic is becoming more common because it is cheap to mass produce; a great bonus for manufacturers.

It’s also easy to clean and maintain. It is quite durable and will last a long time, but even plastic will ‘dry rot’ eventually.

Harsh winters are hard on plastic feeders. The plastic becomes brittle and will break or crack.

Sun too, can have a detrimental effect – the coloring of the plastic will bleach out and very strong sunlight can cause feeders to crack eventually too.

However, both types will see you through a couple of years at least before you have to replace them.

Shop For Chicken Feeders on Amazon
Types of Feeders Available
Automatic/Treadle Feeders
The Best Chicken Feeder
Chicken Feeder
Grandpa’s Feeders Automatic Chicken Feeder
My favorite chicken feeder
On-demand feeder means your hens will have access to feed all day round, which ensures optimal laying and healthy chickens
It also helps to eliminate feed spillage, keeps pests away and as a result means you save on feed cost

There are such things as ‘treadle’ feeders which work a bit differently.

The hen has to learn to stand on the platform to open the box. When she opens the box the feed is inside the container.

Hens quickly learn how to operate this type of feeder and ‘self-feed’.

The beauty of this feeder is that it is effective at keeping out small vermin such as rats and mice and the feeders are usually waterproof.

Raccoons however, are very smart and can quickly learn how to access the food, so this type of feeder should not be left where other animals can access it unless you have a locking device on it.

Hanging Feeders
The Best Hanging (Gravity) Feeder
Gravity Feeder
Miller Galvanized Hanging Poultry Feeder
Large capacity means it is ideal for 12 chickens comfortably
Small feed section to prevent chickens sitting on-top of food
Strong galvanized steel will withstand harsh winters

Almost all feeders work on the gravity principle – you take from the bottom and it is replaced by feed trickling down from above.

This is a simple but effective solution.

These feeders are by far the best sellers, whether they are hanging, wall or corner mounted.

The Best Hanging Plastic (Gravity) Chicken Feeder
Best Hanging Plastic Chicken Feeder
Little Giant Hanging Poultry Feeder
Can hold up 11 lbs of feed
Small feed section to prevent chickens sitting on-top of food

As we mentioned earlier the hanging type of feeder can cause congestion in the coop unless you have a large coop area.

Since they are relatively inexpensive, it’s not prohibitive to have a couple of feeders so that all birds can access the feed. Sometimes a bully hen will gFituard a feeder believing it is her property.

She will chase off the hens lower in the pecking order, so a second feeder will ensure that all birds have access to food.

These types are inexpensive and easy to set-up either inside or outside the coop. Many come with ‘rain guards’ to prevent food from getting wet should it rain.

Trough Feeders
The Best Range Feeder
Trough Feeder
Little Giant Trough/Range Feeder
Includes a stand to lift the feeder off the ground to prevent waste
Strong galvanized steel makes it ideal for all weather conditions
Edges of feeder have been rolled making it safe for your hens

Trough-style feeders remain popular, especially for small chicks.

One of the best things about the trough style is that lots of hens can fit around the feeder simultaneously.

You should make sure the trough you buy comes with legs. This keeps the feeder above the ground and prevents mud from mixing into the feed.

Another advantage of this type of feeder is that chickens tend not to sit on the trough; whereas with other types of feeders they can be known for sitting (and pooping) in/on them!

As small flock keepers we can get our feeders from the local farm store or similar, but if you have a lot of hens you may need to look at the commercial manufacturers range of goods.

Recently newer manufacturers have been breaking into the market with newer designs, so our flock can be spoiled for choice in feeders!

One of the more interesting ‘newer’ designs is the pest proof style.

If you’re having a problem with pests or just want to keep their feed fresh, I would recommend you try this style of feeder.

Chick Feeders
Chick Feeder
Harris Farms Galvanized Feeder Base Jar
An affordable and easy to setup feeder
Fits regular sized quart Mason Jars
Perfect for your chicks until they need adult sized feeders

These are smaller versions of the adult sized feeders.

Chick feeders are either troughs or round bases to fit Mason jars.

Chicks will soon outgrow the small feeders so don’t spend a fortune on them. Within a few weeks you can change them up to adult sized feeders set on the ground for accessibility.

How Many Chicken Feeders Does Your Flock Need?
How much storage capacity do you need?

If you have 6 hens they will eat roughly ¼lb of feed per day. This equates to a total of 1½lb each day for the flock.

So at a minimum you need a feeder that will hold that amount, but since you are unlikely to clean the feeder daily, a larger capacity feeder will save you work.

Don’t go crazy and get a feeder that will hold 50lb! This is bad for a couple of reasons:

Firstly, it will take a while for them to eat their way through 50lb – during which time it may become damp and potentially moldy.
Secondly, if you leave the feeder outside of the coop, unless you pick it up and stash it securely each night (it will be heavy!), you are going to have some of the fattest rats and raccoons around!
Something we don’t think about often is how much space does your feeder use? The standard hanging feeder actually uses a great deal of room when you think about it. Once the hens are crowded around it there is little free room left.

Best Chicken Feeders 101: Summary
So there you have it! All the information you need to decide what type of feeder to get for your chooks.

We have covered the important points of what to look for in the ‘ideal’ feeder and the advantages and disadvantages of the different types.

Whether you have 6 chickens or 60, there is a feeder out there for you – if not, make your own!

Read more...

Zero-Waste Chicken Feeder: A Sustainable Solution

Hey lovely Facebook friends! 🌞 I just wanted to share an amazing DIY project I recently completed for my backyard chicken coop: a no-waste chicken feeder! 🚫🗑️ I'm so proud of this eco-friendly solution and thought you might be interested too! 🌎

This feeder has not only saved me money on chicken feed, but it has also significantly reduced the waste created by my lovely feathered friends. I'm all about sustainability, and this project has made my heart sing! 🎶💖

Here's a brief rundown of how I made my no-waste chicken feeder:

  1. I started with a PVC pipe (4-inch diameter) and a 90-degree elbow connector.
  2. I cut the pipe to my desired length, which was about 2 feet.
  3. Then, I attached the elbow connector to one end of the pipe.
  4. I drilled a small hole at the top of the pipe for a hanging wire.
  5. I filled the feeder with chicken feed, and voilà! A no-waste chicken feeder!

By using this feeder, my chickens can only access the feed through the small opening, preventing them from kicking and spilling it all over the coop floor. 🙌

I've attached a few photos of my no-waste chicken feeder in action! 📸 If you'd like more detailed instructions or have any questions, feel free to drop a comment below or send me a message! 😊

Let's all work together to reduce waste and create a more sustainable world for our future generations! 🌱🌍💚

#ZeroWaste #ChickenFeeder #DIY #Sustainability #EcoFriendly #BackyardChickens #ReduceReuseRecycle

Read more...

Keep Your Chicken Feed Dry: DIY Rainproof Poultry Feeder for Easy Feeding with Buckets, Barrels, Bins, and Troughs

Hey everyone! I recently came across this super handy DIY Rainproof Chicken Feeder that works with buckets, barrels, bins, and troughs, making it easier for us to feed our poultry. 🐔🌿

This DIY Chicken Feeder Rain Proof Poultry Feeder effectively keeps chicken feed dry, preventing it from getting wasted due to rainwater. It features a gravity feed system, ensuring your chickens always have clean and sanitary feed. 🌦️🌾

✨ Key features include:

  1. Rainproof design: Protects feed from being ruined by rain.
  2. Gravity feeding: Automatically dispenses feed, reducing waste.
  3. Versatile container compatibility: Can be installed on buckets, barrels, bins, and troughs.
  4. Easy installation: Simple tools and materials are all that's needed.

👩‍🌾 For those of us raising poultry, this DIY Rainproof Chicken Feeder is undoubtedly a practical solution. I've installed one in my backyard, and it works great! If you have similar needs, I highly recommend giving it a try. 🌟

Does anyone have more experience and advice in this area? Feel free to share your stories and insights! 🙂

#DIYChickenFeeder #RainProofPoultryFeeder #BackyardChickens #ChickenKeeping #Homesteading

Read more...
person feeding white chicken outdoor

DIY Chicken Feeder Rain Proof Poultry Feeder Port Gravity Feed Kit for Buckets, Barrels, Bins, Troughs

DIY Chicken Feeder: A Comprehensive Guide to Building a Rain-Proof Poultry Feeder Port Gravity Feed Kit for Buckets, Barrels, Bins, and Troughs

Introduction

Raising backyard chickens has become increasingly popular among urban and suburban dwellers who want to enjoy fresh eggs and experience the satisfaction of caring for their own poultry. One of the main challenges faced by chicken owners is providing a consistent and clean supply of food for their flock. A well-designed chicken feeder can help to address this problem. In this comprehensive guide, we will discuss how to build a DIY rainproof chicken feeder that uses a gravity feed system for buckets, barrels, bins, and troughs.

Materials and Tools

To build your DIY rainproof chicken feeder, you will need the following materials and tools:

  1. A suitable container: Choose a bucket, barrel, bin, or trough that has a suitable capacity to hold the feed for your flock. The container should be made of sturdy, non-toxic, and weather-resistant material.
  2. Poultry feeder ports: These specialized feeding ports are designed to dispense feed when chickens peck at them, reducing waste and keeping the feed clean and dry.
  3. PVC pipes and fittings: You will need PVC pipes and fittings to connect the poultry feeder ports to the container.
  4. Waterproof sealant: This will be used to ensure that the feeder remains watertight, preventing rainwater from seeping into the feed.
  5. Drill with hole saw attachment: This tool will be used to create holes for the poultry feeder ports.
  6. Tape measure and marker: These will be used to mark the locations of the holes and ensure proper spacing.

Building the DIY Rainproof Chicken Feeder

Step 1: Choose the location for the feeder ports

Determine the optimal height for the feeder ports by measuring the height of your chickens from the ground to their back. The ports should be slightly higher than this measurement to prevent the chickens from standing in the feed and contaminating it.

Step 2: Mark the hole locations

Use the tape measure and marker to mark the locations of the holes for the feeder ports on the container. Space the ports evenly around the container, allowing adequate room for multiple chickens to feed simultaneously.

Step 3: Drill the holes

Using the drill with the hole saw attachment, carefully drill the holes for the feeder ports at the marked locations. Ensure that the holes are the correct size for the poultry feeder ports to fit snugly.

Step 4: Install the feeder ports

Insert the poultry feeder ports into the drilled holes and secure them in place according to the manufacturer's instructions. Make sure that the ports are installed correctly, with the dispensing mechanism facing downward.

Step 5: Connect the PVC pipes

Cut the PVC pipes to the appropriate length and attach them to the feeder ports using the PVC fittings. Ensure that the pipes are connected securely and that there are no gaps or leaks.

Step 6: Apply waterproof sealant

Apply the waterproof sealant around the edges of the feeder ports and the PVC pipe connections to ensure that the feeder remains watertight. Allow the sealant to dry completely before filling the feeder with feed.

Step 7: Fill the container with feed

Fill the container with your preferred poultry feed, making sure not to overfill it. The gravity feed system will ensure that the feed is consistently available to your chickens as they peck at the feeder ports.

Conclusion

A DIY rainproof chicken feeder with a gravity feed system for buckets, barrels, bins, and troughs can help to ensure that your backyard chickens have access to a consistent and clean supply

 
Read more...

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Spill-Proof Feeder

Raising chickens can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience, but it also comes with its own set of challenges. One of these challenges is ensuring that your chickens have access to clean and fresh food and water at all times. This can be especially difficult if you have a large number of chickens in your coop, or if you live in an area with harsh weather conditions.

One solution to this problem is to invest in a spill-proof feeder. A spill-proof feeder is a special type of feeder that is designed to prevent food and water from spilling out, even if the feeder is knocked over or bumped around. This makes them ideal for use in chicken coops, as they can help to keep your coop clean and prevent wasted food.

But with so many different spill-proof feeders on the market, it can be tough to know which one is the best choice for your coop. In this article, we'll take a look at some of the key factors to consider when choosing a spill-proof feeder, as well as some of the top options available.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Spill-Proof Feeder:

Size and capacity: The first thing to consider when choosing a spill-proof feeder is the size and capacity of the feeder. If you have a small number of chickens, you may be able to get away with a smaller feeder, but if you have a larger flock, you'll need a feeder that can hold more food. Make sure to measure your coop and consider the size of your chickens when choosing a feeder to ensure that it is the right fit.

Material and durability: Another important factor to consider is the material and durability of the feeder. Look for feeders made from high-quality materials that can withstand the wear and tear of daily use in a chicken coop. Avoid feeders made from cheap, flimsy materials, as they are more likely to break or wear out quickly.

Ease of use and cleaning: It's also important to choose a feeder that is easy to use and clean. Look for feeders with removable parts that can be easily taken apart for cleaning, and consider feeders with features like a built-in scoop or measuring cup to make it easier to dispense food.

Price: Finally, consider the price of the feeder. While it's important to invest in a high-quality feeder, you don't want to break the bank either. Look for feeders that offer a good balance of quality and affordability.

Top Spill-Proof Feeder Options:

Little Giant Galvanized Steel Hanging Poultry Feeder: This spill-proof feeder is made from heavy-duty galvanized steel, making it extremely durable and long-lasting. It has a capacity of 8 pounds and features a removable feed pan for easy cleaning. It also has a built-in handle for easy hanging and a sloping bottom to help prevent wasted food.

Harris Farms Hanging Poultry Feeder: This spill-proof feeder is made from high-quality plastic and features a capacity of 4 pounds. It has a sloping bottom to help prevent wasted food and a built-in handle for easy hanging. It's also easy to clean, with a removable feed pan and easy-to-use dispensing mechanism.

Farm Innovators Poultry Drinker: This spill-proof feeder is specifically designed for use with water, rather than food. It features a capacity of 2.5 gallons and is made from heavy-duty plastic to withstand daily use in a chicken coop.

Read more...

Spill-Proof Chicken Coops Feeder Benefits and Best Practices

If you're a chicken farmer or backyard poultry enthusiast, you know that feeding your feathered friends can be a messy business. Spilled feed not only attracts pests, but it can also create a breeding ground for mold and bacteria that can compromise your chickens' health. That's where a spill-proof feeder comes in. These specially designed feeding containers help keep feed contained and off the ground, reducing waste and improving overall coop hygiene. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the benefits of using a spill-proof feeder, as well as some best practices for using and maintaining one in your chicken coop.

Benefits of Using a Spill-Proof Feeder

There are several reasons why a spill-proof feeder is a useful addition to any chicken coop. Some of the top benefits include:

  • Reducing waste: One of the most obvious benefits of a spill-proof feeder is that it helps reduce the amount of feed that is spilled or otherwise wasted. This not only saves you money on feed, but it also helps prevent pests like rats and mice from being attracted to your coop.
  • Improving coop hygiene: A spill-proof feeder helps keep feed off the ground and contained within the feeder, reducing the risk of mold and bacteria growth. This can help improve the overall hygiene of your coop and reduce the risk of respiratory and other health issues for your chickens.
  • Convenience: A spill-proof feeder can be a convenient option for busy chicken farmers who don't have time to constantly clean up spilled feed. With a spill-proof feeder, you can fill it up and forget about it until it needs to be refilled again.
  • Reducing the risk of predators: Spilled feed can attract predators to your coop, increasing the risk of an attack on your chickens. By keeping feed contained and off the ground, a spill-proof feeder can help reduce the risk of predators sneaking into your coop.

Types of Spill-Proof Feeders

There are several different types of spill-proof feeders available on the market, each with its own set of features and benefits. Some of the most common types include:

  • Gravity feeders: Gravity feeders are designed to dispense feed as needed, using the weight of the feed to keep the feeder full. These feeders are typically made of plastic or metal and can be hung from a coop wall or placed on the ground.
  • Trough feeders: Trough feeders are long, shallow containers that are designed to hold feed and allow chickens to access it from both sides. These feeders are typically made of plastic or metal and can be hung from a coop wall or placed on the ground.
  • Hopper feeders: Hopper feeders are similar to gravity feeders, but they have a larger capacity and a more robust design. These feeders are typically made of metal and can be hung from a coop wall or placed on the ground.
  • Automatic feeders: Automatic feeders are designed to dispense a predetermined amount of feed at regular intervals. These feeders can be useful for chicken farmers who are unable to visit their coop every day or for those who want to ensure that their chickens have a consistent supply of feed.

Read more...

What are the criteria for a toy that is most beneficial to a Cockatiel?

In order to choose the best toy for chicken parrots, several factors should be considered:

The material of the toy should be safe and will not cause harm to chicken parrots.

Toys should be able to meet the various natural needs of chicken parrots, such as digging, pecking, grinding claws and so on.

Toys should provide enough challenge and stimulation to help parrots use up excess energy.

The size of the toy should be suitable for the size of the chicken parrot, not too big or too small.

Toys should be changed frequently in case the chicken parrot gets bored.

Overall, when choosing a toy for a chicken parrot, you should consider the toy's safety, ability to meet the chicken parrot's natural needs, ability to provide enough stimulation, and proper size.

Read more...
person feeding white chicken outdoor

What are the functions of no waste chicken feeder

A no waste chicken feeder is a type of feeder designed to minimize or eliminate the amount of chicken feed that is wasted by chickens. Some common functions of a no waste chicken feeder include:

  1. Controlling the amount of feed that is available to the chickens: Some no waste chicken feeders have adjustable feed ports or dispensers that allow you to control the amount of feed that is available to the chickens at any given time. This can help prevent overfeeding, which can lead to waste.
  2. Protecting feed from the elements: Some no waste chicken feeders are designed with covers or other protective features to keep the feed dry and fresh. This can help prevent the feed from becoming soggy or spoiled, which can lead to waste.
  3. Reducing spillage: Some no waste chicken feeders have designs or features that help to reduce the amount of feed that spills out when the chickens are eating. This can help prevent waste by making it easier for the chickens to consume all of the feed.
  4. Encouraging natural feeding behaviors: Some no waste chicken feeders are designed to mimic the way that chickens would naturally forage for food in the wild. This can help to prevent waste by encouraging the chickens to eat more naturally and efficiently.

Overall, the main function of a no waste chicken feeder is to help reduce the amount of feed that is wasted, which can help to save money and reduce the environmental impact of chicken farming.

Read more...
tan and white basset hound near the christmas tree

What are the top search for Christmas gifts for pets in 2022

In general, some popular bird toys may include:
Chew toys: Many birds enjoy chewing on toys, and there are a variety of options available such as wooden toys, paper toys, and foot toys.
Foraging toys: These toys encourage birds to use their natural foraging instincts by hiding treats or food inside the toy.
Swings and perches: These can provide birds with a place to exercise and play.
Mirrors: Some birds enjoy interacting with a mirror, but be sure to monitor your bird's behavior and remove the mirror if it becomes aggressive or obsessive.
Playgyms: These are large structures that provide birds with a variety of toys, swings, and perches to play on.
It's important to choose toys that are appropriate for your bird's size, breed, and chewing habits. Always supervise your bird when they are playing with toys and discard any toys that become damaged or unsafe
Read more...

What gifts to prepare for pet dogs at Christmas?

There are many different gifts that you can prepare for your pet dog at Christmas. Here are a few ideas: Toys: Dogs love to play, so new toys can be a great gift. You can choose from a variety of options, such as chew toys, fetch toys, and interactive toys. Treats: You can never go wrong with treats! You can buy special holiday-themed treats or make your own. Just make sure to keep your dog's dietary needs and restrictions in mind. Clothing: If your dog enjoys wearing clothes, you can give them a new holiday-themed outfit or sweater. Just make sure to choose a size that fits them well and is comfortable. Bedding: A new bed or blanket can be a cozy and practical gift for your dog. Choose one that is washable and fits your dog's size and sleeping habits. Grooming supplies: If your dog needs a little pampering, you can give them grooming supplies such as a new brush, shampoo, or nail clippers. Remember to always supervise your dog when they are playing with new toys and treats, and to discard any toys that become damaged or unsafe.
Read more...