Best Chicken Feeder Types in 2025

Best Chicken Feeder Types in 2025

Best Chicken Feeders Compared

If you've ever tried to pick the perfect chicken feeder, you know how frustrating it can be. Between all the gadgets, cheap plastics, and gimmicks, it’s hard to tell what actually works—and what just looks good on a product page.

That’s why we’ve reviewed the most popular chicken feeders online—breaking down the features, flaws, and feedback that real users are reporting. And we’ll also introduce a newer contender at the end: one built by actual backyard chicken keepers, for people who just want gear that works.

What Actually Matters in a Chicken Feeder?

Here’s what you should be evaluating before buying:

  • Feed Protection: Is it spill-proof and weather-resistant?
  • Rodent & Pest Resistance: Does it keep rats, mice, or wild birds out?
  • Durability: Is it UV-stable and built for long-term outdoor use?
  • Hygiene & Material: Does it resist mold, mildew, and bacteria?
  • Ease of Use: Can you clean, refill, and position it without hassle?
  • Price vs. Value: Are you getting a full solution or paying for features that should be standard?

1. Large-Style Silo Feeder with Multiple Ports (Best for Large Flocks & Long-Term Use)

Ideal for: Medium to large flocks, small farms, multi-coop setups

Key Features:

  • Extra-large capacity (20–50+ kg) – supports 25–60 birds
  • Tall silo-style design for bulk feeding
  • Multiple side-mounted feeding ports to reduce crowding
  • UV-stabilized plastic or coated metal options

Pros:

  • Feeds large flocks with minimal refills
  • Multiple birds can feed at once without competition
  • Reduces spillage compared to open troughs or pans
  • Ideal for multi-day feeding during trips or busy weeks
  • Elevated base or wall-mounted options keep feed dry and secure

Cons:

  • Bulkier footprint – needs space for setup
  • Heavier and harder to move once filled
  • Upfront investment is higher than small-capacity feeders
  • Less ideal for very small flocks or mobile setups

 2. Metal Treadle Feeder (Best for Rodent Problems)

Ideal for: Coops in rodent-heavy areas

Key Features:

  • Chickens step on a platform to open the lid
  • Galvanized steel construction
  • Reduces access for rats, mice, and wild birds

Pros:

  • Deters most pests and free-ranging wild birds
  • Holds a large amount of feed
  • Withstands tough weather
  • Some models can be wall-mounted

Cons:

  • High cost (often $150–200+)
  • Can be difficult for light or young birds to use
  • Some birds have been trapped inside
  • Not fully rat-proof – rats can learn to trigger the treadle
  • Harder to clean; has more moving parts that can jam

3. Plastic Bucket Feeder with Feeder Port (Best Budget Option)

Ideal for: Small to medium flocks on a budget

Key Features:

  • Bucket or tote-style container with fixed side ports
  • Minimizes spillage from pecking and scratching
  • Easy to refill and relocate

Pros:

  • Very affordable ($20–$45 range)
  • Lightweight and portable
  • Decent at reducing feed waste
  • DIY kits available or pre-made options

Cons:

  • Made from standard PPE plastic, which can fade or crack in extreme temps
  • Not UV-stabilized, so lifespan is shorter
  • Port height is not adjustable—may not suit chicks
  • Stability can be an issue and needs to be elevated

4. Hanging Tube Feeder (Best for Traditional Setups and Small Flocks)

Ideal for: Starter coops, small backyard flocks, or short-term use

Key Features:

  • Cylindrical gravity-fed design with a feed tray at the base
  • Typically suspended by a center rod or hanging loop from a ceiling hook
  • Holds approximately 7–15 pounds of feed
  • Commonly made from lightweight plastic or galvanized metal

Pros:

  • Inexpensive and widely available at most farm supply stores
  • Simple to install—just hang from a hook or beam
  • Easy to fill and monitor feed levels
  • Lightweight and easy to move or adjust

Cons:

  • Can swing or spill feed when birds jostle it
  • Requires frequent cleaning to prevent buildup or contamination
  • Often made from low-grade materials that wear out over time
  • Needs proper hanging height and balance to function effectively

5. DIY PVC Feeder (Best for Custom Installations)

Ideal for: Handy backyard keepers with small flocks

Key Features:

  • Made from PVC pipes, elbows, or repurposed buckets
  • Can be wall-mounted or floor-based
  • Cheap and customizable

Pros:

  • Budget-friendly – build with parts under $25
  • Great for custom layouts or awkward spaces
  • Can reduce feed mess with good design

Cons:

  • No warranty, no standard build quality
  • Often not rodent- or rain-proof
  • Harder to clean, especially with bends and elbows
  • Not suitable for larger flocks or heavy outdoor use
  • Requires tools and time to assemble

The Poultry Supply Co. Feeder & Waterer Duo

Best All-In-One System for Real-Life Chicken Keeping

If you're comparing feeder types and still haven’t found the right fit, this system might be the answer.
Most options on the market make you compromise—between cost and quality, or between convenience and durability. But what if you didn’t have to choose?

The Poultry Supply Co. Duo was built by real backyard keepers and agricultural engineers who were fed up with soggy bedding, constant cleanup, and brittle plastic gear. Designed from the ground up, this isn’t just a feeder or a waterer—it’s a complete system that delivers clean, reliable care across every season and every coop setup.

Key Features:

  • 26 lb (12 kg) Feeder with deep, anti-spill ports
  • 3-gallon (12L) Waterer with raised, anti-drown troughs
  • Adjustable legs for chick or adult height
  • UV-stabilized, food-safe HDPE (non-porous and BPA-free)
  • Tool-free cleaning with snap-on/snap-off design
  • Warranty included, with replacement parts available

Pros:

  • A full feeding and watering solution—no mixing and matching required
  • Resists mold, mildew, and bacterial growth
  • Fewer parts, less fuss—no need to stack bricks or chase down add-ons
  • Weather-tough and long-lasting—built to handle real-life poultry care
  • Clean, intuitive design that’s easy to assemble and maintain

Cons:

  • Slightly higher upfront cost compared to basic pans or DIY options—but it’s built to last through years of use, not just one season

Feature

Poultry Supply Duo

Treadle Feeders

Hanging Feeders

Budget Port Feeders

Spill Resistant

⚠️

⚠️

UV & Mold Resistant

✅ (HDPE)

✅ (metal)

❌ (PPE)

No Learning Curve

Includes Matching Waterer

Warranty + Spare Parts

Price (USD)

$109 (feeder + waterer)

$139–$189 (feeder only)

$25–$45

$30–$50

Designed by Keepers

 

Bottom line?
Other feeders solve part of the problem. The Duo solves all of it.
If you’re done replacing gear every spring—or you’re setting up your first coop and want to do it right the first time—this system was made for you.

It’s not just about clean feeding or easy watering. It’s about peace of mind, knowing your flock is taken care of—no tipping, no mold, no waste.
The Feeder & Waterer Duo isn’t just another product on the shelf. It’s a real solution for real chicken keeping.

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