7 Best Chicken Feeders for Your Backyard Brood That Prevent Waste

Chicken farmers often struggle to find the best chicken feeders for their broods, especially as feed can be quite expensive and those with a large brood tend to end up with the short end of the stick. Therefore, a chicken feeder is essential for ensuring proper feed of the brood, though a DIY chicken feeder isn’t always that easy to successfully make.

A feeder is basically a device that feeds the chickens and helps prevent waste. Otherwise, the feed might end up all over the ground. This results in wastage, dirt, and potential bugs or rodents, which can all easily be avoided through a quality chicken feeder.

Of course, you can allow your chickens free range over your backyard. However, they still need the nutritional benefits of a proper feed. This is why farmers mostly prefer chicken feeders to ensure less waste as well as a proper diet.

When buying chicken feeders and waterers, you may feel a little overwhelmed by the number of choices available on the market. In fact, you can find feeders in varying shapes and sizes as well as in different materials. So, which one should you choose? Here are the seven best chicken feeders for backyard broods:

1.Grandpa’s Feeders Automatic Chicken Feeder

When it comes to the best chicken feeders, none can beat the versatility and ease the Grandpa’s Feeder has to offer. The feeder can easily hold about 20 lbs. of chicken feed. As a result, you won’t need to refill it for at least a week. Thus, when you go out to travel or work, you can rest assured that your chickens will be fed regardless of your presence.

Also, it keeps rodents out so they don’t steal the chickens’ food. However, the device tends to be quite noisy which may deter chickens from coming close at first. In addition, it requires you to train your chickens to become familiar with the product.

Pros

1. Automatic feeder
2. Fewer refills
3. Keeps pests out
4. Holds a large amount of food

Cons

1. Noisy operation
2. Requires training

2.Harris Farms Plastic Hanging Chicken Feeders

The Harris Farms Plastic Chicken Feeder is a high-quality product that you can hang in your coop. The product is perfect for small to medium broods as it has a capacity of about 10 lbs. As a result, you won’t have to refill quite as often. Also, refilling the feeder is extremely easy as it is done from the top section.

Furthermore, it consists of a plastic base which prevents your chickens from scratching out the feed.

Pros

1. Lightweight and inexpensive
2. Moderate capacity
3. Space-saving design
4. Can be used as a water tray

Cons

1. Could potentially become a falling hazard

3. Miller Hanging Poultry Feeder 9112

If you’re looking for a hanging model with a slightly larger capacity than the Harris Farms, then the Miller 9112 is perfect for you. It comes with a capacity of 12 lbs., which is sufficient for 10 to12 birds for up two weeks. Furthermore, it includes a galvanized steel construction which protects it from rust and corrosion.

In addition, it is quite easy to assemble and use. All in all, it is the best feeder available for mixed broods.

Pros

1. Simple and easy assembly
2. Rustproof construction
3. Sufficient capacity
4. Helps keep feed off the ground

Cons

1. No lid included
2. Requires shaking to fill the trays

4. Peck-O-Matic Demand Feeder Kit

A rather unique yet simple design, the Peck-O-Matic automatic feeder is perfect for your birds. In fact, it protects the feed against rodents and other pests. Moreover, it provides an optimum level of protection against rain and bad weather.

Also included are six regulators, which you can swap out depending on the amount of feed you require. However, you need to use your own 5-gallon bucket.

Pros

1. Less refilling required
2. Protects from rain and other elements
3. Safe from rodent attacks
4. Hanging style prevents chickens from pecking through the bucket

Cons

1. No bucket included
2. Training required

5. Miller CO Round Chicken Feeder

Another unique feeder is the Miller CO Round Chicken Feeder. The model is best for smaller broods. It is basically a jar with eight feeding holes. The best part is that it doesn’t require any installation. Furthermore, using it is quite easy as well. The steel construction further adds to the durability of the feeder.

All eight holes are well-rounded and smooth to reduce chaffing.

Pros

1. No installation required
2. Durable and high-quality steel construction
3. Rounded edges for safety purposes
4. Best for small broods

Cons

1. Quite heavy
2. Small capacity

6. RentACoop Treadle Feeder for Chickens

If you’re willing to splash out a few extra bucks, then the RentACoop Treadle Feeder is your best choice. It is a waterproof feeder that is fully automatic. It has a large capacity of about 17.5 lbs.and is sufficient for about 20 chickens for up to two weeks.

The best part is that it comes with a durable metal design and you can refill it from the top. However, due to its complex nature, it tends to be a little tricky to install.

Pros

1. 100% waterproof
2. Fully automatic
3. Large capacity.
4. Rust-free high-quality metal construction

Cons

1. Tricky installation
2. Heavy

7. Royal Rooster Chicken Feeders with Rain Cover

The Royal Rooster Chicken feeder includes a simple design yet uses high-quality materials. The product takes up little space and has a small capacity of 6.5 lbs. Therefore, if you have a couple of chickens, this is the best feeder for you.

Also, it is quite easy to refill due to the long tube at the top. Moreover, it doesn’t involve any complex installation procedure.

Pros

1. High-quality and durable plastic
2. Rain cover included
3. Space saving design
4. Easier to refill

Cons

1. Small capacity

Final Thoughts

All in all, chicken feeders are an innovative product that can make feeding your chickens easy and hassle-free. If you can find a sturdy galvanized or PVC trough with the correct width height as well as a good quality chicken waterer, will make raising chickens easier than ever. They can help you save waste and allow your chickens to fulfill their dietary requirements. All of the seven best feeders are all durable, efficient and easy to use. Ultimately, however, choosing one depends on the size of your brood and the space available to you. The choice is yours1