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Chicken feeders and waterers

No-waste and treadle feeders, hanging feeders, nipple and cup waterers, heated and automatic waterers, compared by capacity, type and material as listed.

Best chicken feedersTreadle feedersBest chicken waterersHeated waterersFeed cost calculator
Buff hen inside a coop next to a hanging feeder and a galvanized double-wall waterer
Photo: furtwangl, CC BY 2.0, via Flickr
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Feed and egg cost calculatorType your bag price and size, flock size and eggs per week: see feed per day, how long a bag lasts, monthly…Flock care checklistDaily, weekly, monthly and seasonal backyard chicken chores in one printable checklist. Ticks reset each…

How to choose a chicken feeder and waterer

A standard laying hen eats roughly a quarter pound of feed a day by extension estimates, and more in cold weather. Six hens go through about 10 pounds a week, so a 20–25 lb feeder needs a refill every two weeks or so. The feeder type decides how much of that feed ends up on the ground or in a rat.

  • Treadle feeders (Grandpa's Feeders, RentACoop) open when a hen steps on the plate, which keeps rain and many rodents out. Hens need a few days to learn them.
  • Port feeders (Omlet, OverEZ, RentACoop Chick2Chicken) let hens eat through small openings that limit flicking and spills.
  • Hanging feeders (Harris Farms, Little Giant) are simple and cheap; hang the lip at back height to cut waste.
  • Waterers: nipples and cups keep water clean because birds cannot stand in it. Open founts are easiest for chicks and ducks.
Feed and egg cost calculatorEnter your bag size and price to see how long a bag lasts and the feed cost per dozen eggs.

Nipple, cup or fount waterers

Horizontal nipples and cups, like Lil'Clucker's or RentACoop's, can be fitted to a bucket or PVC pipe for a cheap DIY waterer. Ready-made units such as the Little Giant Hen Hydrator or RentACoop High Rise hang off the floor so bedding stays out. Teach hens by tapping the nipple until a drop shows. Compare both styles in nipple vs cup waterers.

Heated waterers for winter

Below freezing, a heated waterer saves you from carrying fresh water twice a day. Premier 1 lists its All-Season waterer as unfrozen to -20°F; Farm Innovators and API make heated plastic drinkers; a heated base, such as the Little Giant 110 W or Harris Farms 125 W, works under a fount the maker lists as compatible. Plug them into outdoor-rated outlets and keep cords away from bedding. More in winter care.

Feed and water draw wild birdsUSDA APHIS advises keeping feeders and waterers where wild birds cannot reach them, ideally inside the coop or a covered run, because bird flu spreads from wild birds. Report sick birds or unusual deaths to your state veterinarian or USDA at 1-866-536-7593.Source: USDA APHIS Defend the Flock

Read before you buy

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Best chicken feeders: no-waste, treadle and hanging picks

Best chicken feeders compared by listed capacity and design: no-waste port, treadle, hanging, wall-mount and cone…

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Best treadle chicken feeders for rats, mice and wild birds

Best treadle chicken feeders compared by listed capacity: Grandpa’s Feeders, RentACoop and XINYI galvanized treadles,…

Best of

Best chicken waterers: cup, nipple, fount and big-tank picks

Best chicken waterers compared by listed capacity and drinker type: cups, nipples, galvanized founts and big tanks,…

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Best heated chicken waterers and heater bases for winter

Best heated chicken waterers and bases compared by listed wattage and freeze rating, with electrical and coop fire…

Versus

Treadle vs hanging feeder: rodents, waste and refills

Treadle vs hanging feeder compared: listed capacity, materials, rodent and wild-bird access, refill days for your…

Versus

Nipple vs cup waterer for chickens: cleaner water compared

Nipple vs cup waterer for chickens: how each works, listed kits and heated drinkers, freezing, training, cleaning and…

Feeders & waterers: questions

How much do chickens eat per day?
About a quarter pound of complete feed per standard laying hen, by extension estimates, with more in cold weather. The feed calculator adjusts for your flock.
Do treadle feeders stop rats?
They keep feed covered between meals, which helps a lot. Heavy rats can still trip light treadles, so clean up spills and store feed in metal bins. See treadle vs hanging feeders.
Are nipple waterers good for chickens?
Yes, they keep water clean. Horizontal nipples drip less than vertical ones, and in freezing weather you need a heated version.
How do I keep chicken water from freezing?
Use a heated waterer or heated base rated for your low temperatures, or swap in fresh water twice a day.
Can ducks use nipple waterers?
Ducks need water deep enough to dip their whole bill to clear their nostrils, so give them an open fount or bucket as well.