Backyard chickens are becoming increasingly popular. While these birds can provide you with fresh eggs, many breeds make great pets as well. With more people discovering the joy of keeping their own chickens, many small poultry feeders are coming onto the market. Most of these are appropriate for feeding a few birds in your backyard. They come in all different shapes and sizes, with some working better for certain situations than others.
In this article, we look at the top poultry feeders to help you choose which one is best for your chickens and situation. Our reviews should help you decide on the best chicken feeder for your backyard birds.
A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites in 2023
Image Product Details
Best Overall
Lixit Poultry Feeder & Waterer
Straightforward to use
Easy to clean
Large opening
Check Price
Best Value
Ware Chick-N-Feeder
Inexpensive
All-weather plastic
Scratch ring
Check Price
Happy Hen Treats Chicken Square Treat Basket
Can be hung
Keeps messes to a minimum
Provides mental stimulation
Check Price
Kebonnixs Automatic Chicken Cup Waterer and Port Feeder Set
Feeder and waterer set
10-pound capacity
Keeps food dry
Check Price
Harris Farm Galvanized Hanging Poultry Feeder
Spring-loaded clips
Can be hung or set on ground
15-pound capacity
Check Price
The 10 Best Chicken Feeders
The reservoir holds about 64 ounces of water or 4 pounds of food. The opening is wide enough for you to easily clean it. It also means that it can handle larger pieces of food and won’t get jammed often. Chickens can be messy, so the whole thing is made to be cleaned quickly with a damp cloth. It is water-proof and withstands the elements quite well.
Check Price on Chewy
While we specifically looked at the 64-oz. option, there is a 128-oz. feeder available for those with many birds. It works basically the same way, except everything is a bit larger. We recommend getting a size that is bigger than you need, as the sizes label total capacity. If you need to store exactly 64 oz. of water, you’re going to end up with a very full container if you choose the smaller option.
Pros
Reversible for use with food and water
Straightforward to use
Two sizes available
Easy to clean
Large opening
Cons
Larger size is necessary for water in most cases; the smaller size simply doesn’t hold enough
The scatter guard is extremely helpful for chickens that like to make a mess. However, some chickens find it frustrating to eat the food if they can’t scatter it like they want. For this reason, some chickens may not like this feeder.
Reversible for use with food and water
Straightforward to use
Two sizes available
Easy to clean
Large opening
- Reversible for use with food and water
- Straightforward to use
- Two sizes available
- Easy to clean
- Large opening
Larger size is necessary for water in most cases; the smaller size simply doesn’t hold enough
- Larger size is necessary for water in most cases; the smaller size simply doesn’t hold enough
One of the reasons that this feeder is so cheap is due to its slightly less durable construction. It just doesn’t stay together quite as well as other feeders on the market, which can cause problems if you have a bunch of feisty chickens.
Pros
Inexpensive
All-weather plastic
Scratch ring
Can be hung or set on the ground
Cons
Not as durable as other options
It can be hung from the chicken coop or simply placed on the ground, though you should always anchor it to ensure that the chickens don’t move the whole basket around while trying to eat what’s inside. It isn’t really made to hold all the food that your chicken needs for a complete diet, but it does provide an opportunity for extra mental stimulation.
Inexpensive
All-weather plastic
Scratch ring
Can be hung or set on the ground
- Inexpensive
- All-weather plastic
- Scratch ring
- Can be hung or set on the ground
Not as durable as other options
- Not as durable as other options
This wire feeder is designed to be extremely low maintenance. You don’t have to clean it often or do much to maintain it.
Pros
Works with larger pieces of food
Can be hung
Keeps messes to a minimum
Provides mental stimulation
Cons
Can’t be used with most chicken feeds
- Kebonnixs Automatic Chicken Cup Waterer and Port Feeder Set Check Latest PriceProvide your chickens with both food and water using the Kebonnixs Automatic Chicken Cup Waterer and Port Feeder Set. The port feeder prevents your chickens from spilling or soiling the food, saving you money and keeping their food as sanitary as possible. It also keeps the food dry, making it a great option for rainier climates. There is no need to install a top over this feeder, as it takes care of that for you. It holds 10 pounds of food, which is enough for many chickens.
The waterer is similar. It automatically replenishes itself with clean water. The chickens don’t have to peck anything special. It can hold 2 gallons of water, though you will still have to refill it regularly. The inner cup is detachable for easy cleaning.
Works with larger pieces of food
Can be hung
Keeps messes to a minimum
Provides mental stimulation
- Works with larger pieces of food
- Can be hung
- Keeps messes to a minimum
- Provides mental stimulation
Can’t be used with most chicken feeds
- Can’t be used with most chicken feeds
This set does cost more than most options, however. It also takes up quite a bit of room, so be sure you have the available space before you make your purchase. If you don’t need a waterer, then this set isn’t for you. It also doesn’t have any heat, so the water will freeze when the temperature drops.
Pros
Feeder and waterer set
10-pound capacity
Keeps food dry
Automatically provides fresh water
Cons
Expensive
Large
- Harris Farm Galvanized Hanging Poultry Feeder Check Latest PriceAs far as poultry feeders are concerned, the Harris Farm Galvanized Hanging Poultry Feeder is an average option. It features a simple hanging design: You fill up the middle portion, and it slowly channels food to the outside area where the chickens can eat it. It can hold 15 pounds of food, which is more than enough for most backyard flocks. The steel construction can withstand quite a bit of use. All the edges are rolled to prevent cuts. The clips are spring-loaded for easy use, and you can adjust them as necessary.
This container does not have a lid. It can be tipped over and spilled if you place it on the ground. It also doesn’t keep the food on the inside dry or protected from the elements. Bugs can easily find their way inside if they make it past your chickens. This is not a rodent-proof chicken feeder, as the top is completely open.
Feeder and waterer set
10-pound capacity
Keeps food dry
Automatically provides fresh water
- Feeder and waterer set
- 10-pound capacity
- Keeps food dry
- Automatically provides fresh water
Expensive
Large
- Expensive
- Large
The holes that the food comes out of can also be potentially dangerous, as chickens can get their beak stuck in them.
Pros
Spring-loaded clips
Can be hung or set on ground
15-pound capacity
Cons
Potentially dangerous holes
No lid
- Royal Rooster Chicken Poultry Feeder with Rain Cover Check Latest PriceThe Royal Rooster Chicken Poultry Feeder with Rain Cover is designed differently from most other feeders on the market. The large tube is designed to be hung on a fence or inside a cage. Food comes down into three small channels underneath a roof. It is rodent-proof and will keep the food dry when it rains. Attaching it onto mesh is quite easy. One feeder is advertised as working for four to six chickens, which is the usual size of a backyard flock.
However, only one chicken can access the food at a time. If one chicken decides to hoard the food, this can obviously cause problems. While this feeder is innovative and may work great for easygoing chickens, others may run into problems with this feeder.
Spring-loaded clips
Can be hung or set on ground
15-pound capacity
- Spring-loaded clips
- Can be hung or set on ground
- 15-pound capacity
Potentially dangerous holes
No lid
- Potentially dangerous holes
- No lid
While the roof does work against gentle rain, it isn’t completely waterproof. Water can seep into the tube and get all the food wet.
Pros
Rodent-proof
Easy to use
Works for four to six chickens
Cons
Not completely waterproof
Can only be used by one chicken at a time
- RentACoop Chicken Feeder Check Latest PriceFor those with many chickens, the RentACoop Chicken Feeder may work quite well. It is large and holds 20 pounds of food. It has a lid to keep water out and to discourage birds from roosting on it, which helps keep the food clean. The porthole design also keeps the food dry and sanitary, while still allowing the birds to eat out of it.
While this feeder accomplishes many things, it is quite expensive for what it is. If you have many chickens, this may be your best option because it is cheaper than purchasing many different feeders. However, if you only have a few chickens, you don’t need something this pricey. These feeders are also not that well made. The holes are often cut unevenly, with jagged edges. The overhang inserts don’t always fit nicely and may need to be DIYed with adhesive.
Rodent-proof
Easy to use
Works for four to six chickens
- Rodent-proof
- Easy to use
- Works for four to six chickens
Not completely waterproof
Can only be used by one chicken at a time
- Not completely waterproof
- Can only be used by one chicken at a time
Overall, we don’t feel that this feeder is worth the price unless you have many chickens. For flocks over eight, you may want to consider this. Otherwise, get something smaller.
Pros
Holds 20 pounds
Keeps food dry
Non-roosting top
Cons
Expensive
Cheaply made
- Ware Corner Cage Chicken Feeder Check Latest PriceFor the corner of your chicken’s cage, you may want to consider the Ware Corner Cage Chicken Feeder. It fits perfectly into the corner of your coop, saving quite a bit of space. Made of galvanized steel, it is extremely durable and can withstand wear and tear.
This feeder works well in some situations, especially if you purchase multiple ones for all the corners. It is smaller than many other options, so don’t plan on feeding a whole flock of chickens with just one feeder. It can only hold enough food for a single animal. However, if you purchase four to have in each corner, then it substantially increases this product’s useability.
Holds 20 pounds
Keeps food dry
Non-roosting top
- Holds 20 pounds
- Keeps food dry
- Non-roosting top
Expensive
Cheaply made
- Expensive
- Cheaply made
Furthermore, only one animal can eat from this feeder at a time. If you only have a few chickens, this may not be much of a problem. Larger flocks will benefit from a feeder that can be accessed by all sides, however.
Pros
Great for small spaces
Hangs directly on the cage
Galvanized steel for durability
Easy to use
Cons
Small
Only accessible from one side
- Ware Trough Chicken Feeder Check Latest PriceThe Ware Trough Chicken Feeder has one of the simplest designs out there. It is basically a large trough, which makes it extremely easy to use with a larger group of chickens. A wire scratch guard prevents the chickens from scattering the food and wasting it, saving you money in the long run. It also discourages chickens from climbing on it, as it is rather uncomfortable to sit on. The heavy-duty steel construction withstands most outdoor conditions.
The capacity of this trough is rather large, so this feeder works best for big flocks. You also need quite a bit of space for it, so be sure to measure your coop before purchasing this feeder. We recommend this for flocks of about six chickens. You will likely need to supplement with other feeders if you have more chickens than that.
Great for small spaces
Hangs directly on the cage
Galvanized steel for durability
Easy to use
- Great for small spaces
- Hangs directly on the cage
- Galvanized steel for durability
- Easy to use
Small
Only accessible from one side
- Small
- Only accessible from one side
The biggest problem with this feeder is that it tips over easily. If you have rambunctious chickens that will try to sit on it, this can be a problem. The legs are not that strong and the bottom is not particularly heavy, making it extremely unstable once you fill it up with food.
Pros
Wire scratch guard
Steel construction
For up to six chickens
Cons
Somewhat expensive
Not that stable
- Ware Poultry Feeder Check Latest PriceThe Ware Poultry Feeder is one of the largest available. It can hold up to 17 pounds of food, which is far more than most feeders. The plastic is UV-stabilized to prevent damage from the sun and built to withstand heavy outdoor use. You can hang it up using the metal hook or set it directly on the ground.
You can adjust the amount of food that your hens get with the food flow adjuster. This works great for birds that tend to eat too quickly. It comes apart for easy cleaning and has larger openings to prevent clogs. The design keeps your chickens’ food sanitary and prevents waste. A scratch guard eliminates food scattering by preventing your chicken from scratching food out of the container.
Wire scratch guard
Steel construction
For up to six chickens
- Wire scratch guard
- Steel construction
- For up to six chickens
Somewhat expensive
Not that stable
- Somewhat expensive
- Not that stable
The main problems with this feeder seem to involve shipping. Missing parts are common. In particular, the metal hook and auto feeder tend to be absent, which makes this feeder less helpful to use.
Pros
Works for many chickens
Scratch guard
Food flow adjuster
Cons
Expensive
Commonly missing parts
Works for many chickens
Scratch guard
Food flow adjuster
- Works for many chickens
- Scratch guard
- Food flow adjuster
Expensive
Commonly missing parts
- Expensive
- Commonly missing parts
Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Best Chicken Feeder
There is much that you need to consider when choosing a chicken feeder for your backyard flock. You want to avoid food wastage by ensuring that the chickens can’t scatter the food and to prevent water from seeping inside. Of course, you don’t want a potentially dangerous chicken feeder either. There are several feeders on the market that can cause injuries to chickens.
In this section, we look at a few things that you should keep in mind when looking for a feeder for your chickens.
Size
The average chicken needs about ¼ pound of food a day, or about 1½ pounds a week. Of course, the breed of your chickens, as well as the current climate and other factors, can all affect how much your chickens eat. However, you can use these numbers for planning purposes.
When deciding which chicken feeder to get, you should preferably choose one that is large enough to feed all your chickens for a day. If you’re planning on going on vacation, you’ll need one that can hold enough food for several days. The larger the feeder, the more expensive that you can expect it to be. You’ll also need somewhere to put it, which can be a problem if you’re working with a smaller space.
Safety
You need to consider the safety of a feeder before purchasing it. Companies should be careful regarding the safety of their products, but this isn’t always the case. Remember that chickens like to peck everything and will try to roost on anything even slightly suitable. This can lead to injuries if your bird tries to peck small, metal holes or roost on something with sharp edges.
Generally, you should always err on the side of safety.
Price
The price of chicken feeders varies widely. Some can cost under $10, while others cost over $100. Their size usually plays a major role. Larger feeders simply require more material to make them, so they are often more expensive. Feeders with more parts, like covers and flow adjusters, often cost more as well. In general, you should expect to pay more if you have a larger flock or want a feeder with all the bells and whistles.
Durability
Unless you plan on using the feeder solely inside a coop, it should be able to withstand wear and tear. The rain and sun can take a toll on a feeder, even if it is just sitting outside. In fact, plastic can break down under heavy sunlight.
Metal is the most durable option, but it can also prove to be unsafe and expensive. High-quality plastic is often the best option, especially if it is treated to withstand constant sunlight. Chickens are often quite hard on products, so choose the most durable option that fits your budget.
Food Wastage
Many features can potentially stop the wastage of food. Scratch guards can prevent your chickens from spreading the food around, while rain covers prevent the food from getting wet. You probably want as many food-saving features as possible. It will save you money and limit the number of times that you need to refill the container.
However, these features are only useful if they work. We recommend reading reviews to ensure that any “water-proof” feeders actually keep water out.
Conclusion
For small backyard flocks, we recommend the Lixit Poultry Feeder & Waterer. It is durable and safe. You can use it as both a feeder and a water bowl. Plus, it is relatively inexpensive when compared to other feeders.
If you’re looking for an inexpensive option, the Ware Chick-N-Feeder is suitable. It has all-weather plastic for durability and a scratch guard. For chicken treats, try the Happy Hen Treats Chicken Square Treat Basket.
We hope that our reviews have helped you pinpoint the best feeder for your chickens. Choose one that fits your size needs and can withstand your local climate.
