Rats stealing chicken feed is one of the most prevalent problems that chicken keepers face. Many small-scale keepers simply scatter their chicken’s feed on the ground for their birds to forage and scratch for, but on a larger scale, this results in a great deal of waste and mess — and attracts rats.
Chicken feeders are the best options for most small to medium flocks. That said, these feeders need to be easy to access for your chickens, so they are usually easy for rats to get at too. Fortunately, there is a solution: There are great feeders on the market that can help prevent or even stop all but the most determined of rats. If you are having an issue with rats in your chicken coop, one of these feeders may be the answer.
Many people wonder how these feeders work and if they work as well as the manufacturers claim. You’ve come to the right place! We found seven of the best chicken feeders on the market and gathered them into one convenient place, complete with in-depth reviews, to help you find the best one for your flock.
A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites (2023 Update)
Image Product Details
Best Overall
Rural365 Galvanized Feeder
Made from tough galvanized steel
50-pound capacity
Prevents feed from being spilled
Check Price
Best Overall
Rentacoop No-Waste Hanging
Inexpensive
Unique rat-resistant design
No-spill design
Check Price
Premium Choice
Grandpa’s Feeders Automatic
Made from galvanized alloy steel
Waterproof
Anti-flick grill
Check Price
Roamwild Rat Proof Kit
Unique spring-loaded feeding port
Water-resistant
Ideal for four to six chickens
Check Price
Rural365 Chicken Treadle
Adjustable treadle platform
Holds up to 26 pounds of feed
Ideal for up to 16 chickens
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The 7 Best Chicken Feeders to Prevent Rats
The Rural365 Galvanized Chicken Feeder is made from tough, water-resistant, galvanized steel and is our top choice overall. It has a 50-pound capacity but comes in 11.5-pound and 25-pound capacities for large flocks too. The feeder is specially designed to prevent feed from being tossed out by chickens, thereby reducing the attraction of rats, and has a detachable awning over the trough to keep your feed — and your flock — dry. It also comes with pre-drilled holes for optional mounting and a tight-fitting lid for easy cleaning and refilling.
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While this feeder helps reduce the spilling that attracts rats, the trough is fairly low to the ground, and large rats may still be able to get in.
Pros
Made from tough galvanized steel
50-pound capacity
Prevents feed from being spilled
Rain-proof awning included
Pre-drilled holes for optional mounting
Cons
Not entirely rat-proof
The Rentacoop No-Waste Hanging Chicken Feeder is the best chicken feeder to prevent rats for the money. This feeder is specially designed to keep rats and other small mammals out. Chickens must insert their heads inside the feeder to access the feed, keeping the feed inside the feeder and keeping rats away. The feeder is made in the U.S.A. with 100% food-grade, BPA-free plastic and comes fully assembled. It also has a tight-fitting lid and doesn’t need to be placed undercover.
Made from tough galvanized steel
50-pound capacity
Prevents feed from being spilled
Rain-proof awning included
Pre-drilled holes for optional mounting
- Made from tough galvanized steel
- 50-pound capacity
- Prevents feed from being spilled
- Rain-proof awning included
- Pre-drilled holes for optional mounting
Not entirely rat-proof
- Not entirely rat-proof
The main issue that we found with this feeder is the size. It’s great for three or four chickens at most, but if you have a larger flock, you’ll need to purchase multiple feeders. Also, while it’s water-resistant, it’s not UV-resistant and won’t last long if left out in the sun.
Pros
Inexpensive
Unique rat-resistant design
No-spill design
Made with 100% food-grade, BPA-free plastic
Water-resistant
Cons
Not ideal for large flocks
Will perish quickly in the sun
If you’re looking for a premium chicken feeder to prevent rats, Grandpa’s Feeders Automatic Chicken Feeder is a great option. This feeder is built to last, is made from galvanized alloy steel that won’t rust, and has a waterproof design to keep your flock’s feed dry. The feeder operates with a unique stepping mechanism: Your chickens stand on the base to open the lid and access the feed, which makes it almost impossible for rats to get to the food. The feeder is ideal for six to 12 chickens, and the built-in anti-flick grill stops feed from being spilled and wasted.
Inexpensive
Unique rat-resistant design
No-spill design
Made with 100% food-grade, BPA-free plastic
Water-resistant
- Inexpensive
- Unique rat-resistant design
- No-spill design
- Made with 100% food-grade, BPA-free plastic
- Water-resistant
Not ideal for large flocks
Will perish quickly in the sun
- Not ideal for large flocks
- Will perish quickly in the sun
The only issues that we found with this feeder are the high price tag and the fact that it may be difficult to train some chickens to use it — some customers reported that the lid closing frightened their flock.
Pros
Made from galvanized alloy steel
Waterproof
Unique design makes it almost impossible for rats to enter
Ideal for up to 12 chickens
Anti-flick grill
Cons
Expensive
Some chickens may not be able to learn how to use it
- Roamwild Rat Proof Chicken Feeder Kit Check Latest Price
Feed Capacity 8 pounds
Material Plastic, steel
Size 75 x 8.27 x 8.27 inches
The Roamwild Chicken Feeder has a unique spring-loaded feeding port that lets chickens feed easily but will close if a rat attempts to climb on it. The feeder has a strong metal lid to protect feed from rain, as well as stainless-steel hanging wire and gnawing plates, and it can be used with layer pellets or mixed corn. It also has a unique spill-proof design to prevent wasting food and attracting rodents, it is made from food-grade, UV-resistant material, and it can accommodate four to six chickens.
Made from galvanized alloy steel
Waterproof
Unique design makes it almost impossible for rats to enter
Ideal for up to 12 chickens
Anti-flick grill
- Made from galvanized alloy steel
- Waterproof
- Unique design makes it almost impossible for rats to enter
- Ideal for up to 12 chickens
- Anti-flick grill
Expensive
Some chickens may not be able to learn how to use it
- Expensive
- Some chickens may not be able to learn how to use it
Although stated otherwise, this feeder is not spill-proof because feed can still easily be spilled by hungry chickens. Also, small rats or mice may not be heavy enough to trigger the door to shut.
Pros
Unique spring-loaded feeding port
Water-resistant
Stainless-steel gnawing prevention plates
Food-grade materials
Ideal for four to six chickens
Cons
Not spill-proof
Small rats or mice can still access the feed
- Rural365 Chicken Treadle Feeder Check Latest Price
Feed Capacity 26 pounds
Material Metal, plastic
Size 1 x 14 x 9.8 inches
The Chicken Treadle Feeder from Rural365 has an adjustable treadle platform (12.5 ounces to 3 pounds), that closes the feeder door when not in use, keeping your flock’s feed safe from both rodents and the elements. The feeder can hold up to 26 pounds of feed, suitable for 12–16 chickens, and is made from 1-mm galvanized steel plates and molded plastic that are weather- and UV-resistant. It also has four food settings that enable you to choose how much food is available at a time to help prevent spillage and wastage.
Unique spring-loaded feeding port
Water-resistant
Stainless-steel gnawing prevention plates
Food-grade materials
Ideal for four to six chickens
- Unique spring-loaded feeding port
- Water-resistant
- Stainless-steel gnawing prevention plates
- Food-grade materials
- Ideal for four to six chickens
Not spill-proof
Small rats or mice can still access the feed
- Not spill-proof
- Small rats or mice can still access the feed
While this feeder will prevent rats from coming in with its adjustable door, the plastic lid is still vulnerable, and several customers reported rats gnawing through the lid within a few days. Also, the metal construction may cause condensation, which can cause the feed to clump.
Pros
Adjustable treadle platform
Holds up to 26 pounds of feed
Ideal for up to 16 chickens
Tough steel and plastic construction
Four different settings
Cons
Plastic lid is vulnerable to chewing
Condensation can cause feed clumping
- SuperHandy Automatic Chicken Feeder Check Latest Price
Feed Capacity 20 pounds
Material Galvanized steel
Size 7 x 17 x 11.2 inches
The SuperHandy Automatic Chicken Feeder is made from tough galvanized steel with a weather-sealed lid to keep your flock’s feed fresh and dry. It has anti-flick grills to reduce the spillage that may attract rats, and it has an anti-slip diamond pattern treadle to keep your flock safe while feeding. The treadle opens the feeder lid when depressed, keeping the feed safe from rodents while your flock is not eating. It can hold enough food for up to 10 days and is ideal for flocks of up to 10 birds.
Adjustable treadle platform
Holds up to 26 pounds of feed
Ideal for up to 16 chickens
Tough steel and plastic construction
Four different settings
- Adjustable treadle platform
- Holds up to 26 pounds of feed
- Ideal for up to 16 chickens
- Tough steel and plastic construction
- Four different settings
Plastic lid is vulnerable to chewing
Condensation can cause feed clumping
- Plastic lid is vulnerable to chewing
- Condensation can cause feed clumping
Unfortunately, the lid makes a loud noise when opening and closing, which will scare off some birds from using it. Also, the side barriers do not reach out far enough, so some chickens can reach in from the sides, which may cause potential danger to them.
Pros
Made from tough galvanized steel
Anti-flick grills
Anti-slip treadle
Ideal for up to 20 chickens
Cons
Noisy operation
Poorly designed side barriers
- Sunshine & Water Galvanized Chicken Feeder Check Latest Price
Feed Capacity 50 pounds
Material Galvanized steel
Size 13 x 12 x 23 inches
Made from galvanized steel and having a large 50-pound capacity, the Sunshine & Water Chicken Feeder is water-resistant and the ideal solution for large flocks and outdoor use. The feeder trough is designed to prevent chickens from tossing out feed, reducing the attraction of rodents. It also has a tight-fitting lid that makes refilling and cleaning the feeder a breeze and a detachable awning to keep your flock dry while feeding.
Made from tough galvanized steel
Anti-flick grills
Anti-slip treadle
Ideal for up to 20 chickens
- Made from tough galvanized steel
- Anti-flick grills
- Anti-slip treadle
- Ideal for up to 20 chickens
Noisy operation
Poorly designed side barriers
- Noisy operation
- Poorly designed side barriers
While this design may help reduce spillage, rats can still easily climb up into the feeder when your chickens are not around.
Pros
Galvanized steel construction
Water-resistant
Detachable awning
Spill-resistant design
Cons
Comparatively expensive
Feed can still be accessed by rats
Galvanized steel construction
Water-resistant
Detachable awning
Spill-resistant design
- Galvanized steel construction
- Water-resistant
- Detachable awning
- Spill-resistant design
Comparatively expensive
Feed can still be accessed by rats
- Comparatively expensive
- Feed can still be accessed by rats
Buyer’s Guide: Selecting The Best Chicken Feeder To Prevent Rats
There are tons of chicken feeders on the market, but few promise to prevent rats from accessing your flock’s feed. It’s important to note that while most of these feeders will help prevent rats, either by reducing spillage or concealing access, no chicken feeder is 100% rat-proof. Let’s look at a few of the factors to consider when choosing a chicken feeder for your flock.
Chicken Feeder Type
In general, there are three different feeder types available for small flocks. The right one for you depends on your flock size, where you want to place the feeder, and how often you want to refill the feed.
Treadle: Treadle-style feeders are popular and effective for deterring rats. These feeders use a unique treadle system that requires chickens to stand on it before the lid opens and grants them access to the feed. This design keeps lighter animals like rodents and squirrels from accessing the feed. The main downside with these feeders is that you’ll need to train your flock to use them, and some chickens may never really catch on. Also, the loud noise of the lid opening and closing scares off most chickens.
Trough: Trough feeders are common feeder styles used by chicken keepers and are great if you’ve got a slightly large flock. These feeders usually have high sides that help prevent food from being spilled out, which stops rats from being attracted to the feeder. Of course, rats still know where food is and can climb up into these feeders to access the feed, even if you mount it in a wall.
Bell or hanging feeders: Bell feeders are popular among chicken keepers with small flocks. These simple feeders need to be hung up and refilled fairly often, though, and with most designs, only one or two chickens can feed at a time. The hanging design does make it more difficult for rats to access, but feed can still be spilled fairly easily.
Chicken Feeder Material
Most trough and treadle feeders are made from steel, and it should ideally be galvanized. Galvanized steel has a protective zinc coating that protects it from rusting and makes it highly resistant to weather, so you can use it outdoors without worry. Steel feeders are durable and long-lasting but somewhat heavy to move around.
Treadle: Treadle-style feeders are popular and effective for deterring rats. These feeders use a unique treadle system that requires chickens to stand on it before the lid opens and grants them access to the feed. This design keeps lighter animals like rodents and squirrels from accessing the feed. The main downside with these feeders is that you’ll need to train your flock to use them, and some chickens may never really catch on. Also, the loud noise of the lid opening and closing scares off most chickens.
Trough: Trough feeders are common feeder styles used by chicken keepers and are great if you’ve got a slightly large flock. These feeders usually have high sides that help prevent food from being spilled out, which stops rats from being attracted to the feeder. Of course, rats still know where food is and can climb up into these feeders to access the feed, even if you mount it in a wall.
Bell or hanging feeders: Bell feeders are popular among chicken keepers with small flocks. These simple feeders need to be hung up and refilled fairly often, though, and with most designs, only one or two chickens can feed at a time. The hanging design does make it more difficult for rats to access, but feed can still be spilled fairly easily.
- Treadle: Treadle-style feeders are popular and effective for deterring rats. These feeders use a unique treadle system that requires chickens to stand on it before the lid opens and grants them access to the feed. This design keeps lighter animals like rodents and squirrels from accessing the feed. The main downside with these feeders is that you’ll need to train your flock to use them, and some chickens may never really catch on. Also, the loud noise of the lid opening and closing scares off most chickens.
- Trough: Trough feeders are common feeder styles used by chicken keepers and are great if you’ve got a slightly large flock. These feeders usually have high sides that help prevent food from being spilled out, which stops rats from being attracted to the feeder. Of course, rats still know where food is and can climb up into these feeders to access the feed, even if you mount it in a wall.
- Bell or hanging feeders: Bell feeders are popular among chicken keepers with small flocks. These simple feeders need to be hung up and refilled fairly often, though, and with most designs, only one or two chickens can feed at a time. The hanging design does make it more difficult for rats to access, but feed can still be spilled fairly easily.
Bell feeders are usually made from plastic, which is lightweight and easy to clean. The plastic should ideally be food-grade and UV-resistant. Since they are so light, they can easily be hung up to prevent rodents.
Flock Size
The feeder that you choose will also depend on the size of your flock. Bell feeders are ideal for small flocks of up to five or so birds, as only one or two chickens can feed at a time. If you have a flock larger than this, like 15 chickens or more, you’ll need a treadle or trough feeder and possibly, multiple feeders. The capacity of your feeder is also important because you’ll need to refill smaller feeders daily, while larger capacity feeders can be left for several days before they need refilling, depending on the size of your flock.
- See Also: 14 DIY Chicken Waterer & Feeders You Can Make Today (with Pictures)
Conclusion
While no chicken feeder is 100% rodent-proof, the Rural365 Galvanized Chicken Feeder is our top choice overall. The feeder is made from galvanized steel, has a 50-pound capacity, is specially designed to prevent feed from being tossed out by chickens, and has a detachable awning over the trough to keep your feed and your flock dry.
The Rentacoop No-Waste Hanging Chicken Feeder is the best chicken feeder to prevent rats for the money. It is specially designed to keep rats out, is made in the U.S.A. with 100% food-grade, BPA-free plastic, and comes fully assembled.
If you’re looking for a premium chicken feeder to prevent rats, Grandpa’s Feeders Automatic Chicken Feeder is a great option. This feeder is made from galvanized alloy steel with a treadle design that makes it almost impossible for rats to get to the food. It is ideal for six to 12 chickens.
Rats are the bane of chicken keepers the world over, and using a feeder that prevents them from accessing your flock’s food is a great way to help solve the problem. We hope that our in-depth reviews have narrowed the options and helped you find the best chicken feeder to prevent rats from stealing your flock’s feed.
