If you’re raising backyard chickens, choosing the right feeder isn’t just about convenience—it’s about ensuring a healthy flock, minimizing waste, and making your daily routine easier. Whether you have just a few hens or a growing flock, your choice in feeder size and design matters more than you think.
Let’s start with the numbers.
Feed Conversion: What Your Flock Actually Eats
Before diving into feeder sizes, it’s helpful to understand the basic feed conversion equation:
🔹 Average daily feed per hen: 0.25 lbs/day
🔹 Monthly feed per hen: ~7.5 lbs
🔹 For 6 hens: ~45 lbs/month
🔹 For 12 hens: ~90 lbs/month
This means a standard 12KG (26.5 lb) feeder will last:
- ~4 days for 6 hens
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~2 days for 12 hens
This matters when choosing the right setup—because refilling every day vs. every week makes a big difference in your chore list.
Small vs Large Chicken Feeders: Which One Do You Need?
Small Chicken Feeders (under 5kg/11lbs)
Best for:
- 2–4 hens
- Brooders or pullets
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Limited coop space
Pros:
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Compact and easy to move
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Less feed sitting in the open (stays fresh)
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Great for introducing supplements or temporary feed changes
Watch out for:
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Frequent refilling
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Can tip if not stable
Large Chicken Feeders (10kg+/22lbs)
Best for:
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6+ hens
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Flocks with limited caretaker time
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Cold weather (less frequent trips outside)
Pros:
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Holds several days' worth of feed
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Ideal for busy schedules or vacations
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Great for deep litter setups or pasture coops
Watch out for:
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Needs to be weather-resistant and rodent-safe
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Should include anti-waste design (lip or ring) to prevent flicking
Choosing Based on Setup
Coop-Only Setup
Look for:
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Anti-spill design
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Elevated or modular height legs
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Compact footprint
Why? You want to keep feed dry, off the floor, and avoid a mess inside a small coop.
Free-Range or Pasture Setup
Look for:
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UV-resistant, weatherproof materials
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Heavy-duty stability or stake-down options
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Lid to protect from rain and pests
Why? Feeders need to hold up to the elements and reduce waste when birds are foraging part-time.
Vacation or Low-Maintenance Setup
Look for:
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High-capacity feeder (12kg or more)
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Integrated feeder + waterer system
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Easy-fill design
Why? Reduces the number of daily tasks, ideal for trips or if someone else is watching the flock.
Bonus Tip: Match Feeder & Waterer for Maximum Efficiency
A balanced setup includes a feeder and waterer. Chickens need constant access to clean water to properly digest feed and stay healthy. A matched system keeps things clean, consistent, and compact—especially when elevated to the same height.
Our Recommendation
If your flock is growing—or you’re just done with flimsy gear—it’s worth investing in a system that adapts with you.
The Poultry Supply Co. Feeder & Waterer Duo is:
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Available in 12KG capacity
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Built with modular height legs
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Equipped with anti-spill features
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Made from UV-stabilized HDPE
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Designed to grow with your flock
From 2 hens to 20, it’s built for real life.
Still Not Sure?
Ask yourself:
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How often do I want to refill feed?
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Is my setup indoors, outdoors, or mobile?
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How many hens do I have today—and how many will I have next spring?
Then choose the feeder that saves you time and gives your hens what they need.
