February 23

Best Chicken Feeder To Prevent Waste + Buyer’s Guide

Although I'm a gardening enthusiast, I know a thing or two about poultry rearing. 

Thanks to my dad, I got particularly interested in taking care of chickens before shifting to my lifelong passion for gardening. Even now, whenever I visit my friend, I spend a few days taking care of the animals in her farm.

So, when my neighbor was having problems feeding his chickens, I decided to help. After a quick web search, I came across the latest, affordable chicken feeders that don't waste much feed. 

Before long, the chickens were eating without any trouble or assistance. And my neighbor thanked me for saving him the hassle and stress of regularly feeding the birds. That's why for your benefit, I've come forward with this review-based guide on the best chicken feeder to prevent waste

Hi! I'm Stacy Smith, and let's begin with my first product review.

Harris Farms Free Range Hanging Poultry Feeder | Twist Lock Base | 10 Pound,White
OverEZ Chicken Feeder - Holds 50 Pounds of Feed - Inside or Outside Hen Coop - Large Gravity Fed Automatic Poultry Dispenser - No Waste Rainproof Design
RentACoop Galvanized Chicken Trough Feeder, Weatherproof Poultry Food Dispenser with Lid 25LB Capacity
Large Steel Poultry Feeder - Little Giant - Galvanized High Capacity Poultry Feeder, 25 lbs (Item No. 171267)
Royal Rooster Automatic Chicken Feeder with Gravity Feed Dispenser - 7lb Feeder for Chickens, Chicks & Mixed Poultry - Hanging Chicken Poultry Feeder - Auto PVC Chicken Poultry Feeder with Rain Cover
Harris Farms Free Range Hanging Poultry Feeder | Twist Lock Base | 10 Pound,White
OverEZ Chicken Feeder - Holds 50 Pounds of Feed - Inside or Outside Hen Coop - Large Gravity Fed Automatic Poultry Dispenser - No Waste Rainproof Design
RentACoop Galvanized Chicken Trough Feeder, Weatherproof Poultry Food Dispenser with Lid 25LB Capacity
Large Steel Poultry Feeder - Little Giant - Galvanized High Capacity Poultry Feeder, 25 lbs (Item No. 171267)
Royal Rooster Automatic Chicken Feeder with Gravity Feed Dispenser - 7lb Feeder for Chickens, Chicks & Mixed Poultry - Hanging Chicken Poultry Feeder - Auto PVC Chicken Poultry Feeder with Rain Cover
$17.49
$63.99
$69.95
$58.99
$59.99
Harris Farms Free Range Hanging Poultry Feeder | Twist Lock Base | 10 Pound,White
Harris Farms Free Range Hanging Poultry Feeder | Twist Lock Base | 10 Pound,White
$17.49
OverEZ Chicken Feeder - Holds 50 Pounds of Feed - Inside or Outside Hen Coop - Large Gravity Fed Automatic Poultry Dispenser - No Waste Rainproof Design
OverEZ Chicken Feeder - Holds 50 Pounds of Feed - Inside or Outside Hen Coop - Large Gravity Fed Automatic Poultry Dispenser - No Waste Rainproof Design
$63.99
RentACoop Galvanized Chicken Trough Feeder, Weatherproof Poultry Food Dispenser with Lid 25LB Capacity
RentACoop Galvanized Chicken Trough Feeder, Weatherproof Poultry Food Dispenser with Lid 25LB Capacity
$69.95
Large Steel Poultry Feeder - Little Giant - Galvanized High Capacity Poultry Feeder, 25 lbs (Item No. 171267)
Large Steel Poultry Feeder - Little Giant - Galvanized High Capacity Poultry Feeder, 25 lbs (Item No. 171267)
$58.99
Royal Rooster Automatic Chicken Feeder with Gravity Feed Dispenser - 7lb Feeder for Chickens, Chicks & Mixed Poultry - Hanging Chicken Poultry Feeder - Auto PVC Chicken Poultry Feeder with Rain Cover
Royal Rooster Automatic Chicken Feeder with Gravity Feed Dispenser - 7lb Feeder for Chickens, Chicks & Mixed Poultry - Hanging Chicken Poultry Feeder - Auto PVC Chicken Poultry Feeder with Rain Cover
$59.99

Top 5 Chicken Feeder To Prevent Waste Reviews 

1. Harris Farms Feeder

Harris Farms Feeder

One of my foremost recommendations is this chicken feeder, having terrific capacity supported by an excellent design. Along with the twist-lock base, users have also liked the plastic hanger, which makes it stand out. Let's see what else it has up its sleeve.

Product Highlights

The first thing you should know about the Harris Farms Feeder is that the bag weighs only 10 pounds, meaning it's easy to maneuver. If you're getting on in years, like me, this product proves extremely convenient for refilling the feed. Now, depending on the number of birds, you can also opt for the seven-pound variant since both are equally sufficient. 

For me, the inclusion of the twist-lock base stands out as it helps prevent wastage. It's also scratch-resistant, delivering long-lasting performance, while the sturdy plastic makes this unit suitable for outdoor use.

Furthermore, it comes with a plastic hanger for improved portability, allowing you to feed 10-25 birds at a time. In that regard, the open-top design has several advantages one of which is that it's fast-filling, so the chickens never go hungry. 

Also significant is that this feeder is easy to clean, making it highly efficient for consistent output.

What's There To Like About It?

I particularly liked the lightweight nature of the bag, meaning it's suitable for easy maneuverability. In that regard, the plastic hanger comes in handy, highlighting its user-friendliness. 

You won't face any problem while refilling the feeder to keep the chickens well fed as the open-top design proves extremely useful. Plus, it’s easy to clean. Other than that, with the twist-lock base users can reduce wastage and it has sufficient durability for long-lasting performance.

What's There Not To Like About It?

Users will have to make a few adjustments to use this feeder at full capacity. Firstly, the top portion and the tray come apart easily, so it's better to glue the components together. Secondly, the tray is shallow, meaning the chickens might bump it over. Hence, it's best to raise it slightly by using duct tape.

Pros and Cons of Harris Farms Feeder

Pros

  • Weighs 10 pounds
  • Feeds 10-25 chickens
  • Fast-filling design
  • Twist-lock base
  • Scratch-resistant

Cons

  • Shallow tray
  • Needs adjustments
Harris Farms Free Range Hanging Poultry Feeder | Twist Lock Base | 10 Pound,White
  • EASY-TO-CLEAN: This easy-to-use feeder is simple to clean with soap and water.
  • BPA FREE PLASTIC: Carefully crafted from BPA free plastic.
  • MEDIUM FLOCKS: Up to 25 birds can use this feeder.

2. OverEZ Chicken Feeder

OverEZ Chicken Feeder

OverEZ makes it convenient for users to get the desired results. It has a massive capacity of 50 pounds, making it one of the largest units going around. No wonder customers have showered this model with positive reviews.

Product Highlights

I'll begin by discussing the fantastic capacity of this chicken feeder, giving it an edge over other units. It can hold 50 pounds of feed that will last 4-6 weeks, making it ideal for 3-5 chickens. Understandably, if the number of chickens decreases, the duration of the feed increases, so you can adjust it accordingly. 

Coming to durability, you'll see that it works as an indoor and outdoor coop dispenser, thanks to the BPA-free, recyclable plastic body. This keeps the food safe while the additional UV-protection prevents the exterior from fading or getting damaged by sunlight. 

What's more, the smart feeding port ensures that the birds don't soil or spill the feed. As a result, it's highly convenient and prevents the wastage of resources. In that regard, users have also liked the port overhang that stops water from leaking into the feeder. 

What's There To Like About It?

First and foremost, it has a fantastic capacity for an uninterrupted experience, meaning there's no need to refill the feeder frequently. This saves money and reduces stress, which is an important consideration for buyers. 

I also found that its exterior is made from BPA-free, recyclable plastic, allowing it to withstand the changing weather conditions. Furthermore, with the smart feeding port, the chicken coop stays clean, while the birds remain well-fed.

What's There Not To Like About It?

Occasionally, the feeder may not slide, which isn't ideal. The best way to tell if there's an issue is if the chickens start crowding around near the feeding port. All you need to do is shake it, causing the feed to slide down. Apart from that, users have expressed their dissatisfaction with the unavailability of a looking glass.

Pros and Cons of OverEZ Chicken Feeder

Pros

  • Recyclable plastic body
  • BPA-free
  • UV-protection
  • Capacity of 50 pounds
  • Overport hanger

Cons

  • May not slide
  • No looking glass
Sale
OverEZ Chicken Feeder - Holds 50 Pounds of Feed - Inside or Outside Hen Coop - Large Gravity Fed Automatic Poultry Dispenser - No Waste Rainproof Design
  • EXTRA LARGE FEED STORAGE. The OverEZ chicken feeder allows three birds to feed at once and holds up to 50 pounds of feed to avoid recurring maintenance. With a chicken coop accessory this efficient, you’ll only have to refill every 4-6 weeks for 3-5 hens, 2-3 weeks for 6-11 hens, or every 1-2 weeks for 12-15 hens.
  • COUNTRY TOUGH DURABILITY. Our chicken coop feeder can be used as both an indoor and outdoor feed dispenser. UV-protected and food-safe, our BPA-free chicken feeder is made of recyclable plastic so there’ll be no waste before, during, or after using your OverEZ feeder for fowl.
  • NO-WASTE FEEDING DESIGN: The three smart-feeding ports are designed to prevent chickens from soiling or spilling feed, meaning less wasted feed and a cleaner coop for your birds. When it rains, the port overhang and hidden recessed channel prevent runoff water from leaking into the feeder and ruining large amounts of feed for your chickens.

3. RentACoop Chicken Feeder

RentACoop Chicken Feeder

I know that maintaining poultry can be a hassle; that's why this product from RentACoop finds a spot on my guide. Not only is it affordable, but the manufacturers have also included the relevant functions, thereby generating substantial buzz in the market.

Product Highlights

If you're looking for a versatile product, there are not many options better than this unit. It has a total capacity of 25 pounds, but more importantly, this feeder works well with pellets, crumbles, and grain. 

Since it's an outdoor model, the manufacturers have developed a metallic construction for enduring the changing weather conditions. I loved its scratch-resistant properties, allowing users to use it for a long time. Interestingly, it also features a waterproof design, preventing rainwater from ruining the feed. 

You don't need to worry about spillage, and the chickens can have their fill without creating a mess. Moreover, you can screw it to the wall or place it on a stand for stability. 

Apart from that, this model is cost-efficient, so there's no need to burn through your savings.

What's There To Like About It?

I especially liked the easy assembly, making it convenient to install the feeder on the ground or wall. This helps prevent spillage while maintaining a smooth supply for the chickens to feed on. 

Now, as this is an outdoor model, the designers have added a metallic construction for sturdiness. Consequently, it delivers consistent output and can endure varying weather conditions like rain and sun. 

What's more, the durable design provides reliability and keeps the unit in top shape for a long time.

What's There Not To Like About It?

Coming to the not-so-good points, I'll first discuss the sturdiness of the metal. It will last a long time, but you may also find dents and bumps after a few months. So, this could've been avoided by increasing the thickness of the material. Even the tray needs improvement as the current design doesn't allow you to raise its height. 

Pros and Cons of RentACoop Chicken Feeder

Pros

  • Scratch-resistant
  • Cost-effective
  • Metallic construction
  • Easy installation
  • Versatile

Cons

  • Tray needs improvement
  • Metal could be thicker
RentACoop Galvanized Chicken Trough Feeder, Weatherproof Poultry Food Dispenser with Lid 25LB Capacity
  • NO MESS! NO WASTE! RentACoop's Trough Feeder design allows your birds to access all their food without being able to pull any out! Your messiest birds won't be able to leave feed all over the ground for other animals to find.
  • STEADY SUPPLY- Automatic supply of feed offer peace of mind knowing your flock is tended
  • EASILY PLACE ANYWHERE! Mount this feeder inside a coop or place it outside standing on its own. This feeder can go wherever your flock needs it!

4. LITTLE GIANT Feeder

LITTLE GIANT Feeder

Do you remember the old saying - looks can be deceiving? Well, at first glance, this model seems like a simple unit but rest assured, it packs a punch. With its easy assembly and durable construction, it finds a spot on most wish lists.

Product Highlights

Right off the bat, this is a user-friendly unit that’s ready to use right out of the box. You don't have to worry about the assembly, and there's no need for any tools, thereby saving additional expenditure. Furthermore, it features a tough, galvanized steel construction, delivering durability for long-lasting performance. 

What's more, the feeder has a capacity of 25 pounds, making it ideal for both storing and dispensing mash, pellets, and crumbles. So, the chickens will have enough to eat, and it's also convenient for you to refill the container. In that regard, users can place it on the ground or mount the feeder on the wall, preventing spillage. 

However, particularly pleasing is the open flow chute design, having several benefits. It prevents blockage and provides a steady flow of feed to keep the chickens happy. Other than that, with the feed saver grid, users don't have to worry about overfilling.

What's There To Like About It?

I'll start by discussing the open flow chute design, which solves one of the major problems of the feeder. It keeps the unit free from blockage and delivers a steady supply of food to the birds. 

Besides, the feed saver grid prevents spillage, thereby reducing the cost and highlighting its efficiency. In that regard, I must mention that this user-friendly unit doesn't require any assembly and is ready to use right out of the box. Hence, it's convenient for first-timers and seasoned poultry-rearers alike.

What's There Not To Like About It?

Like other models, the base may get stuck, preventing it from sliding to the bottom. This could be due to the wire attached to the feeder; therefore, you'll need to shake it from time-to-time. Additionally, the top might open the wrong way depending upon the location of the coop, making it difficult to refill the unit.

Pros and Cons of LITTLE GIANT Feeder

Pros

  • It has a capacity of 25 pounds
  • Feed saver grid
  • Prevents blockage
  • Open flow chute design
  • Galvanized steel construction

Cons

  • Top opens the wrong way
  • Feeder may get stuck
Large Steel Poultry Feeder - Little Giant - Galvanized High Capacity Poultry Feeder, 25 lbs (Item No. 171267)
  • NO ASSEMBLY REQUIRED - This product comes completely assembled and is made of tough, galvanized steel. no tools or assembly required.
  • HIGH FEEDING CAPACITY - The feeder stores and dispenses up to 25 lbs. of mash, pellet or crumble feed.
  • WALL MOUNTABLE - This poultry feeder can sit on the ground or can be mounted to a wall or frame. Mounting hardware not included.

5. Royal Rooster Feeder

Royal Rooster Feeder

If you're looking to keep your chickens healthy and the contents safe from wild animals, this feeder comes in handy. It has ticked most of the right boxes and is an all-round model, delivering reliability. I assure you it will be worth the investment.

Product Highlights

The most noticeable attribute of this feeder is its innovative design, preventing wastage and proving highly reliable. There won't be any need to continuously refill it, thereby saving both time and money. Not surprisingly, it's among the more popular units available out there. 

What's more, it’s safe and protects the contents from rodents and other wild animals. So, your chickens won't have to share their food. Plus, the rainwater protection feature reduces contamination, permitting you to keep your poultry healthy. 

Apart from that, the engineers have included aluminum brackets for easy installation on the wall or ground. In that regard, the mesh lining provides stability for consistent output. 

Finally, this 20-inch tall unit has a capacity of 6.5 pounds, ensuring you get great returns on investment. You can add pellets or general feed mixes, making it ideal for 4-6 chickens.

What's There To Like About It?

Royal Rooster has focused on safety, which is one of the stand-out features of this model. It prevents the chicken feed from being contaminated by wild animals, ensuring maximum protection to keep your poultry healthy.

Furthermore, it comes with aluminum brackets for easy installation, meaning there's no need for added expenditure. I was also pleased with the mesh lining, providing stability so that the chickens don't knock it over. Therefore, it reduces spillage, highlighting its efficiency.

What's There Not To Like About It?

Although it offers rainwater protection, you need to make sure that there's no space between the various components. This unit is prone to heavy rainfall, causing the feed to clump together. Thus, I suggest using tape and glue to secure the various parts for added reliability. It's not something significant, and you’ll solve it without much difficulty.

Pros and Cons of Royal Rooster Feeder

Pros

  • 20-inch tall
  • Innovative design
  • Keeps the birds safe
  • Aluminum brackets
  • Can feed 4-6 chickens

Cons

  • Prone to heavy rainfall
  • Requires slight adjustments
Sale
Royal Rooster Automatic Chicken Feeder with Gravity Feed Dispenser - 7lb Feeder for Chickens, Chicks & Mixed Poultry - Hanging Chicken Poultry Feeder - Auto PVC Chicken Poultry Feeder with Rain Cover
  • NO WASTE CHICKEN FEEDER: Our chicken coop accessories save time and money feeding your chickens. Innovative designs for reduced wastage and clean coops. The large PVC pipe lets you refill less often, and the feeder only lets through what your chickens need.
  • VERMIN PROOF CHICKEN FEEDER: Feed only your poultry and chickens, not the sparrows, squirrels or vermin. With this gravity-fed dispenser design, as well as the rain cover for weather protection, you will be sure that the only animals you are feeding are your own.
  • EASY TO USE: This hanging chicken feeder is easy to fill. Just take the lid off and pour in chicken grit or other chicken feed. Easy to clean, just unclip and wash with soapy water under the faucet.

Buyers Guide

Now let's progress to the buyer's guide, where I'll highlight the important aspects of a chicken feeder. Given the range of available options, it's natural for users to be confused between more than one unit. 

To help you choose the best chicken feeder to prevent waste, I've listed down the critical attributes of this product. You can note these points for future reference and see how I've used them to formulate my guide.  

So, take out your pen and paper and let's dive in without further ado. 

1. Sturdiness 

Irrespective of what product I choose to discuss, durability is one of the most important characteristics and more so with chicken feeders. When it comes to feeding poultry, you can't afford to compromise on quality. In that regard, the designers need to carefully choose the materials for construction. 

Since a chicken feeder comes in handy for outdoor purposes, having a steel or metallic construction won't be enough. It also needs to be resistant to rainwater because if water seeps through, it will ruin the feed. 

Other than that, prolonged exposure to sunlight may cause fading or the material to wilt. So, having UV-protection and BPA-free plastic is essential. 

2. Ease Of Use 

After sturdiness, an important consideration for users is user-friendliness. The manufacturers need to remember that along with seasoned poultry breeders, there might be first-timers as well. Therefore, it shouldn't be too difficult to refill or clean the feeder. 

If you refer back to the product reviews, you'll see that I've tried to highlight products with an open-top design. This makes it convenient to replace the feed, ensuring that the birds don't starve. Also, when the time comes for maintenance, it won't prove too much of a hassle to clean the components and put them back in place. 

3. Price 

Now, taking care of chickens is a tough task and one that involves substantial costs. For the birds to lay their eggs, you need to provide the ideal conditions to keep them healthy. A chicken feeder comes in handy, allowing the birds to be well-fed while you can tend to other tasks. 

In that regard, most users wouldn't want to spend too much on a single unit. The designers need to include all the important functions at a reasonable cost without compromising on the basic attributes. Having said that, you need to be flexible with your budget since quality units usually cost more. 

4. Capacity 

Although I haven't added capacity at the top of this guide, it's just as important as the other aspects of a chicken feeder. Most of the products on my list have a large capacity, with the maximum being around 50 pounds. So, how will you choose which size feeder is most suitable for your needs? 

The best thing to do is consider the number of chickens you have, allowing you to be flexible with the size. Usually, for six or more birds, it's best to opt for a unit having a capacity of 25 pounds. This ensures that you don't quickly run out of feed while also reducing the cost. 

5. Versatility 

Another thing to remember is that people may have different breeds of chicken with varying feeding habits. Some birds may have a large appetite, while others may eat anything from pellets or crumbles. So, the feeder needs to be versatile, allowing you to keep the poultry healthy and happy for the best results. 

Additionally, versatility ensures that you can adjust the feeder according to the changing demands. Meaning, it's possible to raise the height of the base, making it suitable for the birds to eat without spilling. This, in turn, proves cost-effective while permitting you to use the model at optimum capacity. 

There are many interconnected benefits that come from choosing a versatile model. 

6. Installation 

Finally, I've to talk about its installation without which this guide would be incomplete. The designers need to remember that understanding the basics of a chicken feeder may not be easy for newcomers. So, it's vital to provide all the necessary information along with the model, detailing the steps clearly. 

In the product reviews, you have seen that most units come with two methods of installation - wall-mounting or floor assembly. Irrespective of your choice, the best products usually provide the relevant components, reducing stress. You can quickly assemble the different components, and there won't be any need to make additional purchases.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What Is The Best Chicken Feed For Hens Laying Eggs?

You need to select a feed that is rich in calcium. Calcium deficiency causes the hens to lay thin, soft-shelled eggs, which isn't ideal. Similarly, too many nutrients aren't good, so it's better to choose a feed with the right proportion of nutrients.

2. What Is The Best Place For A Chicken Feeder?

Although chicken feeders prove suitable for most spots, some people prefer to place the feeder under a sheltered area. This helps keep the feed safe from natural elements. Furthermore, if it has a secure run area for the birds, you won’t have to worry about predators.

3. Are Crumbles Better Than Pellets?

Both crumbles and pellets have their advantages and disadvantages. The thing with crumbles is that they take longer to eat, thereby keeping the birds engaged. But once spilled, crumbles are usually wasted and trampled, unlike pellets.

My Final Recommendation

Those were my picks of the best chicken feeder to prevent waste, and hopefully, you found it interesting. 

I’ve tried to cover all bases in the buyer’s guide while also answering some of the frequently asked questions. For further assistance, I’ve decided to highlight my favorite products in different categories to make your task easier. 

After a lot of thought, I feel that the Harris Farms Feeder is the most versatile model due to the innovative features and long-lasting performance. Apart from that, the OverEZ Chicken Feeder has the largest capacity, while the RentACoop Chicken Feeder delivers unmatched user-friendliness. 

That’s all the time I have, but I’ll be back soon with more interesting product reviews. Take care and bye!


Tags


You may also like

How Hot Does a Pressure Cooker Get?

How Hot Does a Pressure Cooker Get?
Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked

{"email":"Email address invalid","url":"Website address invalid","required":"Required field missing"}