An automatic chicken feeder is a storage container that lets feed drop down into the base as soon as the chickens peck the tray empty; a feeder tower is the most common form of it. You fill it once and the hens are set for days. This selection contains the Gaun feeder towers and automatic feeders, from a small 1-kilo tower to 40-litre models.
Which version for which flock
- 1 and 2 kilos: compact towers for two or three hens, or for chicks.
- 4 and 8 kilos on legs: for an average garden flock. The legs keep the tray off the ground, which limits spillage and soiling. The 8 kilo also comes as a Bio version.
- Hopper 20 and 40 litres: red feeder towers on legs with a large supply, for larger groups or if you are not at the coop every day.
- Imperial 20, 30 and 40 litres: a second line in large sizes.
Automatic feeders that do more
If your feed stands outdoors, the feeder with rain hat (4 kilos) keeps the tray dry, so the feed does not clump or go mouldy. With the treadle feeder, the feed sits behind a lid that only lifts under the weight of a hen on the pedal; rats, mice and wild birds are too light to operate the lid. Chickens do need a few days to get used to it. There is also a mechanical metal feeder for 5 kilos.
What to look for
A feeder tower works best with pellets or mash. Mixed corn with large and small pieces can drop down unevenly, and chickens like to flick out the pieces they do not like. Place the tower at the height of the chickens' backs, so they can reach it easily but not scratch around in it. Empty and clean it regularly: damp feed at the bottom of the tray spoils.
More feeders, such as feed troughs and hanging feeders, are in chicken feeders. The feed itself is in chicken feed and treats, and you will find a drinker in matching sizes in chicken drinkers. Back to everything for your chickens.
Frequently asked questions
How big should a feeder tower for 6 chickens be?
That depends on how often you top up. With a small flock, a 4 or 8 kilo tower lasts from a few days to over a week; check how quickly it empties at first.
Does a feeder tower keep rats out?
An ordinary tower does not: rats and mice simply eat from the tray. The treadle feeder keeps the lid closed as long as no chicken is standing on the pedal.
Can the feeder tower stand outdoors?
Yes, as long as the feed stays dry: choose the version with rain hat or place it under a shelter, otherwise the feed gets wet.