A good chicken feeder keeps feed clean, reduces waste, and prevents rodents or wild birds from stealing food. The right feeder can save you money, minimize mess, and make feeding easier for you.
With so many options, choosing the best one can be overwhelming. This guide breaks down the best chicken feeders based on efficiency, durability, and ease of use.
What to Look for in a Chicken Feeder
✔ Capacity – Choose a feeder that holds enough feed for at least one day. A 20-50 lb feeder reduces refilling time.
✔ Waste Reduction – No-waste feeders like port feeders or treadle feeders prevent chickens from spilling or scratching out food.
✔ Rodent & Pest Prevention – Look for feeders with lids, treadle mechanisms, or narrow feeding ports to keep out rats, mice, and wild birds.
✔ Weatherproofing – If using an outdoor feeder, make sure it’s rainproof to keep feed dry.
✔ Durability – Choose galvanized steel or thick plastic for long-lasting use.
✔ Ease of Cleaning & Refilling – A good feeder should be quick to clean and easy to refill.
Best Chicken Feeders on Amazon
1. Grandpa’s Automatic Chicken Feeder
Best for: Rodent-proof, no-waste feeding
This treadle-style feeder only opens when a chicken steps on the footplate, keeping rats, mice, and wild birds out. It’s made from galvanized steel, making it durable and weatherproof.
✅ Pros:
- Holds 20 lbs of feed, great for small to medium flocks
- Prevents rodents and pests from eating chicken feed
- Reduces waste, saving you money on feed
❌ Cons:
- Higher price than standard feeders
- Chickens need time to learn how to use it
📌 Best for: Chicken keepers wanting a long-term, rodent-proof solution.
2. OverEZ Chicken Feeder (50 lbs)
Best for: Large flocks & extended feeding
If you want less refilling, this high-capacity feeder holds 50 lbs of feed, enough to last several days for larger flocks. It has three feeding ports, preventing waste and keeping feed dry.
✅ Pros:
- Weatherproof design, great for outdoor coops
- No-waste feeding ports keep food clean and prevent scattering
- Holds a large amount of feed, reducing refill time
❌ Cons:
- More expensive than smaller feeders
- May be too large for small flocks
📌 Best for: Large flocks or chicken keepers who want to refill less often.
3. RentACoop 20 lb No-Waste Feeder
Best for: Budget-friendly, waste-free feeding
This gravity-fed, port-style feeder reduces waste by forcing chickens to eat through feeding holes, preventing food from being scratched out. It’s also rainproof and rodent-resistant.
✅ Pros:
- Affordable & effective
- No-waste design saves feed
- Works indoors or outdoors
❌ Cons:
- Lid can be tricky to open
- Not ideal for very large flocks
📌 Best for: Small to medium flocks looking for a budget-friendly, no-waste feeder.
4. Harris Farms Hanging Poultry Feeder (15 lbs)
Best for: Simple, classic feeding
This traditional hanging feeder is affordable, durable, and easy to use. It’s made from galvanized steel to prevent rust and holds 15 lbs of feed. Hanging the feeder keeps it off the ground, reducing contamination.
✅ Pros:
- Budget-friendly and easy to refill
- Prevents chickens from standing in feed
- Durable galvanized steel for long life
❌ Cons:
- Not rodent-proof
- Chickens can still flick feed out
📌 Best for: Backyard flocks looking for a simple, affordable feeder.
5. Little Giant Metal Poultry Feeder (12 lbs)
Best for: Long-lasting, rust-resistant design
This sturdy, metal hanging feeder features a feed saver lip, helping prevent waste. It holds 12 lbs of feed, making it ideal for small flocks.
✅ Pros:
- Heavy-duty, rust-resistant metal
- Simple and reliable design
- Easy to clean and refill
❌ Cons:
- Not rainproof (best used indoors or in covered areas)
- Not rodent-proof
📌 Best for: Chicken keepers looking for a durable, long-lasting feeder for small flocks.
How to Reduce Feed Waste in Your Coop
✔ Use a No-Waste Feeder – Feeder designs with feeding ports or treadles stop chickens from scratching out feed.
✔ Keep Feeders Off the Ground – Hanging feeders prevent chickens from kicking feed onto the floor.
✔ Control Rodents & Wild Birds – Use treadle feeders or sealed designs to keep pests from stealing food.
✔ Don’t Overfill the Feeder – Too much food at once can lead to spillage and waste.
✔ Monitor Your Chickens’ Eating Habits – If chickens are throwing food out, consider switching to a pellet feed instead of crumbles.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the best chicken feeder depends on your flock size, budget, and goals. Whether you need a rodent-proof, no-waste feeder or a simple hanging feeder, there’s a great option for every chicken keeper.
🏆 Best for Rodent-Proof Feeding: Grandpa’s Automatic Feeder – Keeps rats, mice, and wild birds out.
🏆 Best for Large Flocks: OverEZ 50 lb Feeder – Holds a huge amount of feed with no-waste ports.
🏆 Best Budget Pick: RentACoop No-Waste Feeder – Affordable, effective, and waste-reducing.
🏆 Best Traditional Feeder: Harris Farms Hanging Feeder – Simple, sturdy, and easy to use.
🏆 Best Long-Lasting Metal Feeder: Little Giant Poultry Feeder – Rust-resistant and built to last.
Before purchasing, check Amazon or local farm stores for prices and availability.