10 best poultry feeders

Poultry feeders are essential equipment for raising chickens and other poultry on farms and in backyard settings. These feeders are designed to provide food to poultry efficiently while minimizing waste. Here is what you need to know about poultry feeders:

  1. Types of Poultry Feeders:

    • Hanging Feeders: These are suspended above the ground to prevent contamination and minimize waste. Hanging feeders are often used for adult chickens.
    • Trough Feeders: Trough feeders are long, open containers that allow multiple birds to feed simultaneously. They are suitable for both chicks and adult poultry.
    • Automatic Feeders: These feeders are designed to dispense food automatically, reducing the need for frequent refilling. They can be convenient for larger flocks.
  2. Material: Poultry feeders are typically made of durable materials such as galvanized steel, plastic, or wood. The choice of material can affect durability and ease of cleaning.

  3. Capacity: Poultry feeders come in various sizes, with different capacities. Choose a feeder size that matches the number of birds you have to ensure they have an adequate food supply.

  4. Anti-Waste Features: Some poultry feeders are designed with anti-waste features, such as adjustable flow rates or covers that prevent birds from scratching or flicking food out of the feeder.

  5. Protection from Weather: It's important to protect poultry feeders from rain and other adverse weather conditions to prevent spoilage of the feed. Some feeders come with covers or can be placed under shelter.

  6. Ease of Cleaning: Easy cleaning is essential to maintain hygiene. Look for feeders with removable parts or designs that make cleaning straightforward.

  7. Adjustable Height: Adjustable-height feeders can be helpful as your poultry grow, allowing you to maintain an appropriate feeding height.

  8. Placement: Proper placement of feeders is crucial. They should be positioned at a comfortable height for the birds, accessible without excessive crowding, and protected from pests.

  9. Cost: Poultry feeders vary in price, depending on their size, features, and materials. Consider your budget and the needs of your flock when choosing a feeder.

  10. Maintenance: Regular maintenance, such as cleaning and checking for damage, is important to keep your poultry feeders in good condition.

Poultry feeders are an essential part of poultry husbandry, ensuring that your birds have access to a consistent and clean food source.Choosing the right type and size of feeder, as well as maintaining it properly, can contribute to the health and well-being of your poultry flock.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best poultry feeders on the market
  

Harris Farms Hanging Poultry Feeder

Harris Farms

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Open-top 10 lb. capacity feeder is made from long-life plastic and designed for fast filling, easy cleaning and minimal waste of feed thanks to the no-scratch-out twist lock base. Feeds 10-25 birds.

  • Harris Farms Plastic Hanging Poultry Feeder, 10 Pound
  • Made of Durable Plastic
  • Open-Top for Fast Filling and Easy Cleaning
  • No-Scratch Twist Lock Base Minimizes Feed Waste
  • Feeds 10-25 Birds

User questions & answers

Question: Can the tray be purchased separately
Answer: No sorry it can not be
Question: Is this good for turkeys? I don’t see any mention of them
Answer: Yes, this can be used for turkeys. Turkeys peck at food just the same as chickens. And this helps to reduce the amount of feed being wasted!
Question: Is this the feeder with the cone shape on the inside? There’s no info on this in the product description
Answer: It does not have a cone on the inside. The outside surface is all there is to it, and it is held on by twisting it, and tabs that go under "brackets" on the base, water tray.
Question: Could I use this for a duck feeder
Answer: I would think so. There’s enough room to get the beaks into.

Harris Farms 1000293 Galvanized Hanging Poultry Feeder, 15 lbs, Metal

Harris Farms

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price

Product description

The Free Range heavy-duty galvanized feeders feature rolled edges for safety and a convenient hanger/carry-handle. Design makes for easy 3-position height adjustment and is suitable for game birds, chickens and young chicks. 15 lb. capacity feeds 15-30 birds.

  • Harris Farms Galvanized Hanging Poultry Feeder, 15 lbs
  • Heavy-duty galvanized steel construction
  • Rolled edges for safety and a convenient hanger/carry handle
  • Spring loaded clips for easy set-up and adjustment
  • Designed to minimize waste

User questions & answers

Question: Is this made in USA
Answer: Yes...all of their products are made in the USA...
Question: Is there a smaller one
Answer: Probably
Question: Has anyone found a lid that fits? There is one that Amazon lists as frequently sold with this item but i purchased it and it does not fit
Answer: I use mine without a lid
Question: I just got it.Now I need a lid.I was thinking maybe get some tin and make one up.Anyone find one
Answer: I never did find a lid, but I did find a kitchen plate that fit in just right and the weight of it helped keep the food moving down. However, I always had to give it a shake to keep the food moving into the tray since it likes to just form a mountain in there. After a few months of using this feeder I opted to just make a feeder myself from all the diy pvc feeder ideas online and we like it a ton better. Theres a lot less wasted feed flung all over the ground by nitpicking chickens.

Little Giant Reel-Top Poultry Range Feeder (36-inch) Durable Metal Feeding Tray for Poultry (Galvanized) (Item No. 9836)

Little Giant

Based on 164 reviews Check latest price
  • ANTI-ROOSTING REEL - The feeder features a free-spinning reel which discourages roosting on the feeder by making it tough for them to roost on it.
  • PROTECT YOUR FEED - The chicken feeder helps preserve your chicken food and keeps debris out of the feed.
  • MINIMIZE WASTE - The metal poultry feeder has curved lips that are designed to reduce feed waste from spillage.
  • EASY TO CLEAN - The feeder's reel snaps in and out for easy filling and cleaning, allowing for stress-free use.
  • HIGHLY DURABLE - The feed tray is made of heavy-gauge galvanized steel allowing for years of service.

User questions & answers

Question: can it be used for pigeons
Answer: Sorry, but there was nothing marked on the feeder when I checked it yesterday morning.
Question: Will this work with ground up chicken feed, such as crumbles
Answer: Six inches wide is the size of mine.
Question: Does this item come with or include the spinning bar & the legs or do i have to purchase them seperately
Answer: The feeder fits the regular (Ball) mason jars.
Question: Approximately how many pounds of chick starter/grower does it hold
Answer: I use it for baby pigs I don't know why it couldn't work for goats as well.

Product features

1 Quart Jar Metal Feeder Base

  • Baby chick feeder
  • Screws onto a Little Giant 1-Quart Plastic Screw-On Feeder/Waterer Jar (Item No. 690, sold separately) or a standard Mason jar to make a gravity feeder
  • Heavy-gauge galvanized steel for years of service
  • Rounded, embossed edges help reduce chafing on chicks' neck and head
  • Eight feeding holes

1 Quart Jar Metal Waterer Base

  • Gravity-feed chick waterer
  • Screws onto a Little Giant 1-Quart Plastic Screw-On Feeder/Waterer Jar (Item No. 690, sold separately) or a standard Mason jar
  • Heavy-gauge galvanized steel for years of service
  • Rounded, embossed edges help reduce chafing on chicks' neck and head
  • 5.5 inch diameter by 1.25 inch high

12 Pound Hanging Metal Poultry Feeder

  • Saves floor space
  • Reduces feed waste by eliminating scratching
  • Cuts down on debris in the feed
  • Hanging handle included
  • Holds approximately 12 pounds of feed

30-Pound Hanging Metal Poultry Feeder

  • Saves floor space
  • Reduces feed waste by eliminating scratching
  • Cuts down on debris in the feed
  • Hanging handle included
  • Holds approximately 30 pounds of feed

12" Metal Slide-Top Poultry Ground Feeder

  • 14 feeding holes (7 on each side)
  • Covered top helps keep debris out of feed
  • Individual feeding holes minimize waste
  • Top slides off for easy filling and cleaning
  • Heavy-gauge galvanized steel for years of service, with rolled edges for safety

5 Gallon Double Wall Metal Poultry Fount

  • Maintains a constant water level for watering chickens, turkeys, and other poultry
  • Sloped top prevents roosting
  • Heavy-gauge galvanized steel with rolled edges for safety
  • Can be used with a heater base such as the Little Giant Electric Water Heater Base (Item No. HB125, sold separately)
  • Holds 5 gallons

2 Gallon Double Wall Metal Poultry Fount

  • Maintains a constant water level for watering chickens, turkeys, and other poultry
  • Sloped top prevents roosting
  • Heavy-gauge galvanized steel with rolled edges for safety
  • Can be used with a heater base such as the Little Giant Electric Water Heater Base (Item No. HB125, sold separately)
  • Holds 2 gallons

Round Metal Chick Feeder

  • Standalone baby chick feeder
  • Heavy-gauge galvanized steel for years of service
  • Rounded, embossed edges to reduce chafing
  • Eight feeding holes
  • Snap-on cover for easy filling and cleaning

Harris Farms 6 Galvanized Hanging Feeder, 30 lb

Harris Farms

Based on 318 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Features rolled edges for safety. Convenient hanger/carry handle. Design makes for easy 3 position height adjustment.

  • Features rolled edges for safety
  • Convenient hanger/carry handle
  • Design makes for easy 3 position height adjustment
  • Ideal for larger birds such a pheasants or chicken
  • 30 pound capacity feeds 30-50 birds

User questions & answers

Question: where can i find lid for 30lb feeder
Answer: I ended up robbing my pots and pan lids :) I found one that fit perfectly. Good luck!
Question: I didn’t receive the thin metal hanging piece with my hanging feeder, how do I get that
Answer: Call Amazon tell them part of feeder is missing
Question: Is this heat resistant? Im looking for a feeder to hold up in the Arizona heat
Answer: It doesn't seem to get hot to me but we don't have the kind of heat you probably do.
Question: Does it have to hang or can it be set on the ground
Answer: Either. I have 2 of them hanging but you could just set it on the ground. Great product. Easy to fill, easy to clean. Large size so I don't have to refill daily.

Plastic Poultry Feeder

Product description

5 Different Feed Flow Rates

  • Handle And Clips Are Metal
  • 6Lb Capacity; 5 Different Feed Flow Rates
  • No Assembly Required

Little Giant Slide-Top Poultry Ground Feeder (12-inch) Durable Metal Feeding Tray for Poultry (Galvanized) (Item No. 9814)

LITTLE GIANT

Based on 170 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Thompson’s Vet Supplies creates pet products for owners that have safety and health as their top priority. Thompson’s Vet Supplies ensures nothing but the best in quality material and design for your loved one. Don't settle for anything less, use Thompson’s Vet Supplies.

  • HOLES FOR FEEDING - This feeder tray features 14 feeding holes (7 on each side) that allow feeding at a controlled rate.
  • PROTECT YOUR FEED - The covered top helps preserve your chicken food and keeps debris out of the feed.
  • MINIMIZE WASTE - The metal poultry feeder has individual feeding holes that minimize waste from spillage.
  • EASY TO CLEAN - The feeder's top slides off for easy filling and cleaning, allowing for stress-free use.
  • HIGHLY DURABLE - The feed tray is made of heavy-gauge galvanized steel allowing for years of service.

User questions & answers

Question: WIll this work for baby ducklings
Answer: Yes, it does fit.
Question: How much feed does this hold
Answer: Yes, it holds my glass birdbath filled with water. What did you want it to hold? It is made of steel with suction cups to hold the birdbath.
Question: Will this work for adult hens
Answer: Yes, it’s just a glass bowl or vessel... no mounts or hardware. It just sits on whatever stand you may have or get.

Harris Farms 1000310 Poultry Drinker, Cup-A-Water, 4 Gallon

Harris Farms

Based on 539 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Easy-to-use, mess free poultry drinker that allows for hanging outside of containment fence with the drinking cups inside with the birds. Holds up to four gallons of fresh water. The included 2 cups accommodates up to 24 birds. Additional cups can be added for larger flocks.

  • Delivers constant supply of fresh water
  • Helps inhibit algae growth
  • Hinged lid for easy access filling
  • Additional cups may be added for larger flocks
  • Made from food grade BPA free plastic

User questions & answers

Question: where are they made? and does it come with the cups
Answer: It is made of plastic and it comes with the cups
Question: The product description states "included 2 cups" but it did not come with any cups and it is not useable without. How do I get cups
Answer: Mine came with two cups
Question: Does is come with the cups
Answer: yes and you can order extra cups ( recommended ) in case the springs go bad.
Question: How do you get chickens to drink out of this? Mine just sip until the cup is empty then they stare at it
Answer: just let a few drops of water fill the bowl, so the chickens have to hit the yellow float when they drink. They will get the hang of it once they start hitting the float and water slowly fills back up. There should not be any water in the bowls if the chickens are not drinking. If the bowls are full to the top all the time, they are leaking.

Product features

Product Features

  • None of the mess of conventional drinkers
  • Holds up to 4 gallons of fresh water
  • Hinged lid for easy access filling
  • Container can be hung outside of containment fence with drinking cups inside with birds
  • Cups easily twist off for cleaning
  • Additional cups may be added for larger flocks
  • Made from food grade BPA FREE plastic
  • Handles up to 24 birds

Harris Farms Cup-A-Water Poultry Drinker

  • None of the mess of conventional drinkers
  • Holds up to 4 gallons of fresh water
  • Hinged lid for easy access filling
  • Container can be hung outside of containment fence with drinking cups inside with birds
  • Cups easily twist off for cleaning
  • Additional cups may be added for larger flocks
  • Made from food grade BPA FREE plastic
  • Handles up to 24 birds

Harris Farms Double Wall Poultry Drinker

Harris Farms

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Manna Pro Free Range Galvanized Metal Double Wall Poultry Drinker provides your flock with a constant stream of water maintained by a vacuum seal. Multiple sizes available to suit your flock size. This heavy-duty galvanized steel drinker is satisfaction guaranteed!.

  • COOL AND CLEAN: Keep your flock's water cool and clean with our double wall poultry drinker
  • VACUUM SEAL: Poultry drinker provides constant supply of water maintained by vacuum
  • HEAVY-DUTY: Poultry drinker is crafted from heavy-duty galvanized steel
  • MULTIPLE SIZES: Choose the size that best fits your flock
  • SATISFACTION GUARANTEED: Contact us if you are not 100% satisfied with this poultry drinker

User questions & answers

Question: Does the drinker have a locking pin at the base or is it with a single hole at the base of the top portion
Answer: It has a locking pin. However, we have found this font to be of poor quality. It doesn’t create a good vacuum seal at all and always dribbles until it’s empty. I bought it during the first lockdown because all our local farm supply stores were sold out of waterers and on back order. I’d recommend doing whatever you can to find something else.
Question: Is there anywhere to buy a replacement float
Answer: No sorry
Question: I just received my waterer and it is missing the bottom trough part. What do I do
Answer: It will not work without the bottom trough. Notify customer service
Question: Can this watering can be hung
Answer: Not meant to be hung. I would go with a plastic watering container. These rust to easily.
Question: Is the 5 quart for chicks or for adult chickens
Answer: This is a pretty good size and I use for adult chickens. I hang it so the girls stand up and drink from it. You probably could sit it on the ground for chicks but it would need to be outside of a small space.
Question: Do you think I could hang this and keep it out for wild birds
Answer: Yes if you have something incredibly strong to hang it on. The thing is extremely heavy with the water.After reeding the other answers, I agree that birds landing on it would cause it to spill / pour out the entire time they are in it.
Question: does this have foldable legs to stand it up in the pen rather than hang it
Answer: No, it does not have foldable legs, but it sets very well on the green ring. If it had legs I think it would not be stable. We have not hung ours but I think it would work well that way too. We do use pine shavings and found that flat on the floor the chickens were kicking some shavings into the dish, but we set it on top of a couple pieces of 10 inch scrap 2 x 4 and its stayed very clean. We have 8 large hens and only need to refill it every other day. It cleans very easily as well.
Question: how do you fill the waterer
Answer: You turn it upside down, twist off the green bottom, fill with water and then twist the green plastic piece back on. Turn it right side up and it is ready to go.

Product features

Free Range Poultry Double Drinkers
Manna Pro. Nurturing Life.

Manna Pro Products, LLC, formed in 1985, has deep roots and connections to some of the feed industries pioneers who paved the way for excellence in animal nutrition. Manna Pro strives to be a recognized leader in the care and nurturing of animals. As a leader, we will bring innovation, high and consistent quality, and excellent customer service to our customers and consumers.

We are the successor to Carnation Company Milling Division, with a 161 year history of manufacturing and marketing diversified animal feed. E.A. Stuart founded the Carnation Company when he purchased the Pacific Coast Condensed Milk Company in 1899. Our antecedents include Albers Brothers Milling Co. and John W. Eshelman & Sons, the oldest established animal feed business in the U.S. (1842).

Today, Manna Pro has developed into a multi-faceted, progressive company that stands as a leader in the fields of animal health and nutrition. From our flagship brand, Calf-Manna, to the most popular horse treats on the market, Manna Pro products continue to be staples in barns everywhere.

Little Giant Plastic Poultry Drinker (3 Gallon) Heavy Duty Plastic Gravity Fed Water Container Jar (Red) (Item No. 7906)

Little Giant

Based on 916 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Little Giant 3 Gallon Poultry Waterer 7906

  • GRAVITY FED DESIGN - This water container provides water flow at a constant rate using its complete gravity-fed design with a 3-gallon capacity.
  • HIGHLY DURABLE - This water tank is made of heavy-duty polystyrene that is designed to withstand heat, cold, and cracks.
  • EASY ASSEMBLY - The water dish base can be easily assembled and disassembled with the container using its simple screw on design.
  • TRANSPARENT JAR - The water jar is molded from durable transparent polyethylene so the water level is always visible.
  • RED DESIGN - The base features a bright red color that attracts birds.

User questions & answers

Question: What is the warranty
Answer: We have used it on quail that are having respiratory issues or congestion. Rub on eyes and nose
Question: What is the height of this waterer
Answer: Ducks are on the label but only for respiratory function
Question: Can i heat this with metal heater base ? Will the plastic melt
Answer: Depends on what you are using it for. A drop in the nose for a few days should help with minor respiratory issues like sneezing or you could put a couple drops into the birds water to help with just about everything else (mites, etc). Also, if you find giving nasal drops a problem you can always put a drop or two under the wing. I'm not a vet or a poultry expert by any means but been raising and doctoring chickens for years. Good luck! Janice
Question: Does this product have BPA
Answer: For leg mites on chickens, we use vaseline petroleum jelly and for our chickens who have persistent mites we use Vicks brand. After 2 or three treatments you should notice an improvement. Also, cover their legs thoroughly but not do not over do it. Our chickens have never been affected negatively in any way. Only 3 of our chickens have had trouble with mites and they are all our Bantams that we purchased already grown. Vaseline is safe for animals and we give it to our dogs from time to time to help clear hairballs from their throats. We add the VetRx to our chickens water and as the bottle says, it is safe for daily use as a preventative. We had a couple of our chickens we had to isolate with coughs and after a week they got better! The VetRx is a completely natural product derived from healthful plants and can be used both internally and externally and is formulated for chickens, geese and ducks. We keep this in our stock for our 30 chickens as well as other vital health products. Also, I recommend diatomaceous earth can be used to preventand kill these pest from your flock. Place a good amount in areas where your flock likes to dust themselves and leave some in trays. You can shake this over them to dust it directly onto them and also around their bedding as a safe way to kill mites before they get onto your chickens, ducks or turkeys.

Little Giant Screw-On Poultry Waterer Base (1 Quart) Heavy Duty Plastic Water Tray Base for Container (Red) (Item No. 740)

Little Giant

Based on 463 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Thompson’s Vet Supplies creates pet products for owners that have safety and health as their top priority. Thompson’s Vet Supplies ensures nothing but the best in quality material and design for your loved one. Don't settle for anything less, use Thompson’s Vet Supplies.

  • HIGHLY DURABLE - This water tank base is made of heavy-duty polystyrene that is designed to withstand heat, cold, and cracks.
  • EASY ASSEMBLY - The water dish base can be easily assembled and disassembled with the base using its simple screw on design.
  • PERFECT FIT - The plastic water dish fits the Little Giant 1-Quart Screw-On Feeder/Waterer Jar (sold separately).
  • PAIRS WITH WATER JAR - This watering ring is designed to combine with waterer jar to make a gravity-feed waterer.
  • MANY OPTIONS AVAILABLE - These premium water trays are available in 4 colors and 2 sizes, including 1 gallon and 1 quart.

User questions & answers

Question: Is the bottom perfectly flat on the underside or is it indented underneath, in the middle
Answer: Good afternoon, Thank you for your question. A stand is necessary. Thank you, Brigitte
Question: Is the bottom perfectly flat on the underside or is it indented underneath, in the middle
Answer: The depth is 3"
Question: Can these go in the dishwasher? I'd like to rotate them (I have a small flock) so they don't get slimy. Thanks
Answer: I wouldn't recommend putting a stone or ceramic bowl on the stand since they would be too heavy. However, we have a glass bowl bath (similar to this one https://goo.gl/FJEq1e) paired with our stand and it hasn't fallen over yet, even during windy thunderstorms. Just make sure the stand itself is on flat ground.
Question: Could this be used for cats? I am looking to use a mason jar as a waterer for my indoor cats
Answer: It is a secure stand with the suction cups. I am not sure I’d 14 “ would be too small.

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