10 Best Chicken Feeders – Reviews & Buying Guide
Chicken feed is expensive and people with large flock in their backyard cannot do without a best chicken feeder.
Basically, it is a product made of different types of materials, used to feed the chicken and prevent wastage that usually happen when you scatter the feed all over on the ground.
Also, these products are available in different shapes and sizes and you can buy according to your choice and need.
From the endless options available online, we will help you sort some of the best products and make swift purchases.
We have listed the leading products in chicken feeders that you can consider buying in order to make safe purchase.
You can also read other product reviews such as chicken waterer, squirrel proof bird feeder, hummingbird feeder.
10 Best Chicken Feeders - Reviews
Image | Product Name | Capacity | Dimensions | Rating | Current Price |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. Harris Farms Plastic Hanging Chicken Feeder | 7 lbs | 11.0 x 9.6 x 11.0 in | 4.3 | ||
2. Miller CO Round Mason Chicken Feeder | 1 quartz | 6.0 x 6.0 x 2.5 in | 4.2 | ||
3. Grandpa's Feeders Automatic Chicken Feeder | 40 lbs | 16.5 x 21.5 x 16.0 in | 4.4 | ||
4. Miller 9112 Hanging Chicken Feeder | 12 lbs | 12.0 x 10.1 x 12.0 in | 4.0 | ||
5. Harris Farm Hanging Chicken Feeder | 15 lbs | 11.6 x 11.0 x 11.6 in | 4.0 | ||
6. RentACoop Automatic Treadle Chicken Feeder | 17.5 lbs | 11.0 x 9.1 x 18.1 in | 4.0 | ||
7. Ware Manufacturing Chicken Feeder Trough | N/A | 5.1 x 15.8 x 4.0 in | 4.0 | ||
8. Royal Rooster Chicken Feeder with Rain Cover | 6.5 lbs | 5 x 9 x 20 in | 3.9 | ||
9. Kuhl HF50 Chicken Feeder | 35 lbs | N/A | 5.0 | ||
10. Harris Farms Screw-On Chicken Feeder | N/A | 6.2 x 6.2 x 2.6 in | 4.0 |
#1. Harris Farms Plastic Hanging Chicken Feeder
Editor's Rating: (4.3 / 5)
- Capacity: 7 lbs
- Dimensions: 11 x 9.6 x 11 inches
We will start with the most basic hanging feeder from Harris Farm. The feeder is a simple hanging model made with high quality plastic material.
The product is ideal for the chicken keepers with medium to small size flock. The poultry tray can accommodate 10 pounds of feed and if you have large flock then you may have to repeatedly refill the feeder.
The refilling is done from the top so this feature makes adding more feed to the feeder extremely effortless.
The product consists of only two parts and you just have to twist the reserve to the base and the chicken food dispenser is ready for usage. And since, this one is a hanging model so you can hang it wherever you like.
The plastic base is designed in such a way so that chicks cannot scratch out feed. Also, the same feeder can be used to serve then water as well.
The capacity and lightweight of this model are some of its shining points. Also, the low cost will interest many buyers for purchase.
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#2. Miller CO Round Mason Chicken Feeder
Editor's Rating: (4.2 / 5)
- Capacity: 1 quartz
- Dimensions: 6 x 6 x 2.5 inches
Next in our list we have this amazing model from Miller which is suitable for small poultry farms or small flock keepers.
This product is shaped like a mason jar which simply has to be kept on the ground for feed. The feeder has 8 feeding holes. That is why we said that it is ideal for smaller flock.
The feeder is made of galvanized steel, making the product heavier than the plastic counterparts. At the same time, the steel material makes it more durable as well.
This one comes with two individual parts that has to be joined in order to make a complete feeder. The refilling of this feeder is also quite convenient as you only have to place the feed from the top most hole.
This feeder is ideal for the baby chicken and the embossed edges reduces chaffing. Now, coming to the cost, the feeder is priced very affordably that you will love to have one around.
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#3. Grandpa's Feeders Automatic Chicken Feeder
Editor's Rating: (4.3 / 5)
- Capacity: 40 lbs
- Dimensions: 16.5 x 21.5 x 16 inches
This model from Grandpa’s Feeder’s is an automatic chicken feeder in our list which is suitable for larger flock.
The feeder has a capacity of 40 lbs which is sufficient to feed 10 full grown chicken at a time. Also, this one is an automatic model which means that you can set up the feed time and rest will be handled.
The material used in the making is galvanized steel which makes it extremely heavy but durable. As the brand suggest, the feeder is designed to serve for more than 20 years.
You will also find this model completely unattractive to mice, rats, and non poultry birds because when not in use, the feeder is tightly closed and only opens on demand.
This product comes fully installed and you don’t have to join the parts or do any other installation process.
Also, the capacity of the feeder is good to serve multiple chicken at a time. Since, if you feel the need to refill the feeder then that is also pretty convenient.
Of course, the machine is expensive because this is an automatic feeder but at the same time, this is a top rated chicken feeder in our list.
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#4. Miller 9112 Hanging Chicken Feeder
Editor's Rating: (4 / 5)
- Capacity: 12 lbs
- Dimensions: 12 x 10.1 x 12 inches
Some buyers don’t want to spend on fancy things and thus, Miller came up with this highly ordinary chicken feeder which has got 12 lbs capacity to serve small flock.
The feeder can be placed on the floor as well it can be hung up in the air to a level where the flock can easily consume the feed.
This model is made of galvanized steel which is good in maintenance and durable enough to serve for the longest period.
The easy to carry and hang handle is rigid and will not accidently fall off the container. The refilling can be done from the open mouth on the top of the feeder.
It is a one piece product with the top and bottom firmly welded to one another. You don’t have to install the feeder mechanically.
Because the model eliminate scratch, it is one of the best chicken feeder to prevent waste. The costing is also done decently considering the size and benefits of the feeder.
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#5. Harris Farm Hanging Chicken Feeder
Editor's Rating: (4 / 5)
- Capacity: 15 lbs
- Dimensions: 11.6 x 11 x 11.6 inches
Harris Farm brand has earned good name in the market for the quality rich products that it manufactures. This model is a hanging chicken feeder with a basic feed mechanism.
The product is available in a capacity of 15 lbs which is good for 15-30 small birds. And the material used in the making of the feeder is heavy duty galvanized steel.
Feeder may be a little heavy than the usual ones but the quality and durability is ensured. About the refilling, you can simply add the feed from above without disturbing the chicks while eating.
This one comes in one piece and does not require any particular setting or installing. The spring loaded clips provide easy setup and adjustment.
Also, the feeder comes with three position height adjustment as well for different sized flock.
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#6. RentACoop Automatic Treadle Chicken Feeder
Editor's Rating: (4 / 5)
- Capacity: 17.5 lbs
- Dimensions: 11 x 9.1 x 18.1 inches
If you are looking for a fully functional automatic and waterproof chicken feeder then this model from RentACoop can also be a major consideration.
The feeder is available in 17.5 lbs capacity which is great for feeding 15 to 20 chickens at a time. The refilling can be done from the top by pushing the lid up and adding the feed inside.
The feeder has rust proof metal making with great design and features. The installation could be a little tricky but you will get installation and training video along with the product after purchase.
It is 100% waterproof and keep the feed dry throughout the time. Also, this product keeps rats, squirrels, and wild birds away from the chicken’s feed because it is covered all the time.
This one is a great product which completely justifies the cost.
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#7. Ware Manufacturing Chicken Feeder Trough
Editor's Rating: (4 / 5)
- Capacity: N/A
- Dimensions: 5.1 x 15.8 x 4 inches
This product from Ware Manufacturing is a simple chicken feeder trough with a basic design that you will love to have around in your farm.
The feeder is accurately sized for medium sized flock. You can feed fully grown chickens as well as new born chicks with this product. The sturdy galvanized steel construction makes this product extremely durable.
Since this is a simple flat trough, the feed filling has to be done when the chickens are not eating. Refilling can be a little challenging especially when the chickens are already having the meal.
The wire scratch guard prevent the food waste and it also prevent the chicken from climbing on the top and pooping in their food. This model comes in a spill reducing design.
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#8. Royal Rooster Chicken Feeder with Rain Cover
Editor's Rating: (3.9 / 5)
- Capacity: 6.5 lbs
- Dimensions: 5 x 9 x 20 inches
The product from Royal Rooster is a simple treadle made of superior quality plastic. This feeder can be covered when the chickens are not feeding.
This product is however very small in size with 6.5 lbs capacity and can only be used by 4-6 chickens at a time. The feeder is suitable for small flock holders only.
The refilling of the feed is quite simple because this model comes with a large tube on the top that opens to the mini feed holders.
About the installation, this model does not require a lot of installations. There are only 2 parts, the top and the bottom that has to be screwed together.
You can either hook the feeder straight onto the mesh or attach to a solid wall with aluminium brackets. Also, this one comes with a rain cover for weather protection.
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#9. Kuhl HF50 Chicken Feeder
Editor's Rating: (5 / 5)
- Capacity: 35 lbs
- Dimensions: N/A
If you are looking for a decently sized feeder with adjustable size that is ideal for different kind of feed. The construction of this product is done with high quality plastic and is quite sturdy.
The capacity of this model is 35 lbs which is great for huge flock. The feeder can feed around 30 chickens at a time. Also, the adjustable sizing makes it ideal for all kind of flock.
This can be kept on the mesh as well as hung up using a nylon cable. The refilling is quite simple as you only have to insert the feed from the top mouth of the feeder.
About the installation, two parts i.e. the top and the bottom has to be screwed together to make it one piece chicken feeder.
There is a lip at the bottom the prevent the birds from wasting the feed.
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#10. Harris Farms Screw-On Chicken Feeder
Editor's Rating: (4 / 5)
- Capacity: N/A
- Dimensions: 6.2 x 6.2 x 2.6 inches
This model from Harris Farms is a small feeder in the form of a jar with a little capacity of a quarts. The feeder can easily be placed on the ground and let the small ones enjoy the meal.
This feeder is essentially for the now born chickens because the mouth holes are also too small. The product is made of durable BPA free plastic.
The refilling of the feed is pretty simple through the open mouth of the feeder. While the little ones are enjoying the meal, you can easily refill the feed from above.
This is a one piece jar that does not require any installation or setup. It comes with 1 year warranty and is available at extremely affordable price.
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How to Buy the Best Chicken Feeders
It is always perplexing to find the right chicken feeder for your farm flocks. They differ in type, capacity, and many other features.
There are certain things that you must keep in account as you purchase good chicken feeder. We would like to discuss those features below:
#1. Types of Chicken Feeders
Chicken feeders are available in 3 prime types. They all serve the same purpose but there is a difference in their built and mechanism.
1. Hanging
These are the ones that has to be hung up in the coop or from the top of a chicken run. It is a great way to feed the flock and this way you are also able to retain maximum floor space.
Also, the hanging chicken feeders confines the activity of chicken as they rush towards the food which is only available at one place.
Other than that, you can separate the feed of healthy chicken from the feed of chicken with health concerns.
This feeder, as its name suggest, has to be hung with a nylon cable, essential braided that can restrict extra bounce of the feeder.
Also, make sure that you hang it on sufficient height because most rodents can jump and climb inside. Plus, you have to check the feeder routinely to make sure that vermin haven’t got to it.
2. Treadle
These feeders are relatively complex but once the chicken gets used to it, they will completely love using the treadle feeder.
This one is the best to keep vermin and non poultry birds away from the feed of your flock. This is because treadle only respond to the weight of flock.
But you need to make sure about this type because rats are cleaver and they somehow figure out a way to open the lid by bypassing the treadle.
3. Automatic
These feeders are expensive because they have automatic mechanism. Basically, these are treadle operated but they work only on a set time.
This one is especially good for free range chicken as this boost them to look for natural additions to the diet and hence improves intelligence and behaviour of the chicken and make them healthy.
These feeders do not attract rats because they don’t release food all the time. You can set a timer and release the flock for feed and once they are done, nothing will be left for the rats.
However, just like all other types of feeders, you still have to be very responsive towards the vermin activity.
One more thing, the automatic chicken feeders are especially useful for the working men. They can simply put the feed and set a timer so that the flock can have their meal even during the unavailability of the feeder.
#2. Capacity
There is no hard and fast theory about the capacity of a feeder. It certainly depends on the number of chicken that you have to feed.
The chicken feeders are available in different capacities and with different number of feeding slots so that you can feed a couple of chicken in one go.
An outdoor chicken feeder with a capacity of 15 lbs can feed almost 15-20 chickens. This way, you can find different capacity products available online.
#3. Easy to Clean
Small chicken feeder is easy to clean and wash as they are lightweight. But at the same time, cleaning big feeders is difficult.
You should always purchase a feeder that you can easily clean. This way, you can ensure hygiene of the flock.
#4. Material
Generally, good chicken feeders are available in two different types of materials:
- Plastic: These feeders are more inexpensive and also quite light in weight. Some of the plastic feeders these days also come with UV protection in order to last long.
- Galvanized Metal: If you ask for our personal opinion then we will say that metal feeders are more durable as they are made of heavy duty material. They not only cost more but offer huge amount of benefit to the buyer such as they are better in quality and make it more secure for the chicken to eat their food.
If you are willing to spend an extra amount then you must pick metal backyard chicken feeder than the plastic one.
Conclusion
As we close this chicken feeder review, we would like to state that we have given you the finest suggestions that are experiencing hefty sales in the market.
Wall mounted chicken feeder is a good option for the people with limited number of chicken in their farm. At the same time, our collection of products is available in different size to satisfy the needs of all kind of buyers.
The feeders are available in all three types and you can make your purchase, depending on your needs. We hope that our suggestions will help you in buying the right product.
Happy Shopping!
Read More: 10 Best Chicken Breeds For Eggs
Last Updated on February 1, 2020 by