The Best Backyard Chicken Feeder: Metal vs Plastic vs HDPE

The Best Backyard Chicken Feeder: Metal vs Plastic vs HDPE

When you're searching for the best backyard chicken feeder, the options can be overwhelming. Metal, plastic, hanging, trough-style, automatic, budget models... it's a lot to sort through—especially when you just want something that works and lasts.

If you’ve ever walked into a coop to find your feeder knocked over, filled with soggy bedding, or overrun by mold—you’re not alone.

This guide breaks down the three most common materials used in poultry feeders and waterers: metal, PPE plastic, and HDPE. And at the end, we’ll show you exactly why we chose HDPE for The Poultry Supply Co.—a feeder and waterer system designed to solve the real problems backyard flock keepers face.

Metal Chicken Feeders: Sturdy, But Problematic

Metal feeders have been around for decades. They look rugged and traditional—but that doesn’t mean they’re the best choice for modern backyard flocks.

• Pros:
  • Heavy and durable (at first)
  • Classic look, often seen in farm settings
• Cons:
  • Rusts over time—especially around seams or if scratched
  • Heats up and freezes easily, which affects feed quality
  • Dents and warps with use
  • Often hard to clean, especially if used outdoors

PPE Plastic Feeders: Cheap and Common, But Short-Lived

You’ve seen these in feed stores or online—bright colors, stickers, and new designs every season. These are usually made from PPE (polypropylene) plastic. It’s lightweight and inexpensive—but that comes with serious trade-offs.

• Pros:
  • Inexpensive up front
  • Comes in fun colors and shapes
  • Lightweight and widely available
• Cons:
  • Not UV-stabilized – becomes brittle and cracks in sun
  • Porous surface – harbors bacteria and mold
  • Often needs to be balanced on bricks or hung, making it easy to tip
  • Decals and graphics rub off within weeks
  • Frequently needs replacing after a single season

HDPE Chicken Feeders: Built to Last, Season After Season

At The Poultry Supply Co., we use food-grade, UV-stabilized HDPE—a material trusted by commercial agriculture and dairy farms for its durability, hygiene, and weather resistance.

• Pros:
  • UV-resistant – won’t crack or fade in the sun
  • Non-porous and hygienic – resists mold, bacteria, and odor
  • Handles heat, cold, and daily wear and tear
  • Simple to clean, assemble, and adjust
  • Sturdy and balanced – no bricks, straps, or hacks needed
  • No stickers or decals – just clean, intentional design
• Cons:
  • Slightly heavier than lightweight plastics
  • Higher initial cost—but built to last years, not months

Why Commercial Farms Switched to Plastic Feeders

If metal was once the standard, why did industrial poultry farms move away from it?

The answer is simple: plastic outperformed metal—not just in cost, but in hygiene, safety, and long-term reliability.

• Non-porous plastics help reduce bacteria and mold growth
• UV-resistant plastics last longer in sun-exposed barns
• Lighter weight for easier handling and maintenance
• Faster installation and fewer breakdowns
• Improved biosecurity and lower replacement costs

But here’s what matters most: commercial farms didn’t use just any plastic—they use high-density polyethylene (HDPE). Most consumer feeders on the market, by contrast, use cheaper PPE plastic that degrades quickly.

So Why Are Backyard Feeders Still So Flimsy?

Many brands don’t actually design their own gear. Instead, they source cheap PPE plastic feeders from overseas, add some printed graphics or logos, and sell them as premium backyard solutions.

You've probably seen it yourself:

• Rats learning to open the lid or step on the pad
• Birds getting trapped in the feeder while trying to eat
• Feeders tipping unless balanced on bricks
• Plastic cracking, warping, or peeling after one season

That’s why we started The Poultry Supply Co.

Designed for Real Life Backyard Chicken Keeping

At The Poultry Supply Co., we believe your equipment should work hard for you—and your birds. We design feeders and waterers with:

• Animal-first features that improve hygiene and safety
• Fewer parts for easier cleaning and setup
• Raised legs and deep troughs for less waste and mess
• Durable HDPE that lasts through heat, cold, and coop chaos
• No flimsy add-ons or decals—just clean design and quality materials

The Final Verdict: Which Chicken Feeder Material is Best?

Feature	Metal	PPE Plastic	HDPE (Ours)
UV Resistance	No	No	Yes
Hygiene	No	No	Yes
Durability	Medium	Low	High
Cleaning Ease	Low	Medium	High
Designed for Keepers	No	No	Yes
Longevity	6–12 months	1 year or less	Multi-year

Built for the Birds. Built for You.

We believe poultry gear should simplify your life—not add to your to-do list. That’s why we build tools that prioritize animal care, sanitation, and long-term reliability. Whether you’re managing your first flock or growing your setup, our HDPE system is the one you can count on—season after season.

Because chicken math is real. And your gear should keep up.