Almost every chicken keeper knows it: feed lying on the ground, getting soaked and attracting mice at night. The right feeder solves much of that. Here you will find Gaun feeder towers from 1 to 8 kg, large hoppers and Imperial feeder towers from 20 to 40 litres, a mechanical metal feeder, a feeder with rain hat, feed troughs and the Gaun treadle feeder.
Choosing by use
- Feeder towers of 1 to 2 kg: for chicks or a few chickens, or as an extra feeding spot.
- Feeder towers of 4 to 8 kg: the usual choice for a hobby flock; you top up less often.
- Hoppers and Imperial feeder towers of 20 to 40 litres: for larger flocks or those who want to set out several days' supply.
- 20 or 30 cm feed trough: for scratch feed, grit or a portion of wet feed; used briefly and then put away.
- Small feeder with hanging hook: to hang on the mesh, for example for grit or oyster shell.
A more detailed buying guide for towers is on feeder towers for chickens.
Less spillage, fewer pests
Chickens scrape through the feed with their beaks and so flick some of it over the edge. A feeder tower on legs or a hanging model at the height of the chicken's back limits that. A rain hat above the feeder keeps the feed dry outdoors. With the Gaun treadle feeder, the weight of the chicken on the platform lifts the lid; that makes it much harder for rats and wild birds to get at it. Chickens do need to get used to it, so leave it open for the first few days.
Metal is heavy and gnaw-resistant, plastic is light and easy to clean. In a run where rats are active, a metal or lockable feeder is a sensible choice.
Points to note
A large feeder tower is convenient, but leaves feed standing longer; replace it if it clumps or becomes damp. Do not put the feeder right next to the drinker, because wet feed spoils faster. Clear up loose feed residues in the evening so as not to reward pests. What goes in it is in chicken feed and treats; all other parts under everything for your chickens. For a run that pests find harder to get into, see chicken coop and run.
Frequently asked questions
Which feeder keeps rats out?
A treadle feeder stays closed until a chicken stands on the platform. Rats and wild birds are too light to open it.
How big should a feeder tower be?
For a small hobby flock, 4 to 8 kg is usual. Large flocks choose a hopper of 20 litres or more.
Should the feeder be indoors or outdoors?
Preferably dry and covered. If it has to stand in the open run, a rain cover keeps the feed dry.