The 9 Best Chicken Feeders To Prevent Rats

Reviews

Rural365 Galvanized Chicken Feeder

The Rural365 Galvanized Chicken Feeder is constructed of durable, water-resistant, galvanized steel and is our top pick. It has a 50-pound capacity, but is also available in 11.5- and 25-pound sizes for big flocks.

The feeder is carefully built to prevent feed from being thrown away by hens, hence limiting the attraction of rats, and features a retractable awning to keep feed and flock dry. Also included are pre-drilled holes for potential installation and a tight-fitting cover for simple cleaning and restocking.

This feeder reduces the spillage that attracts rats, but the trough is quite low to the ground, so huge rats may still be able to gain access.

Pros

• Made of durable galvanized steel
• 50-pound maximum
• Prevents feed from spilling.
• A rainproof awning is provided.
• Pre-drilled mounting holes for optional use

Cons

• Not completely rodent-proof

 

Rentacoop No-Waste Hanging Chicken Feeder

The Rentacoop No-Waste Hanging Chicken Feeder is the most cost-effective chicken feeder for preventing rodents. This feeder is constructed to exclude rats and other small animals. To obtain the meal, chickens must stick their heads into the feeder, which keeps the grain within the feeder and keeps rats away.

The feeder is created in the United States from 100 percent BPA-free, food-grade plastic and comes completely assembled. Additionally, it features a tight-fitting lid and does not require storage under cover.

The first issue we discovered with this feeder is its size. If you have a bigger flock of hens than three or four, you will need to purchase more feeders. Additionally, although it is water-resistant, it is not UV-resistant and will not survive long if exposed to the sun.

Pros

• Inexpensive
• Unique rat-resistant design
• No-spill design
• 100% food-grade, BPA-free plastic construction
• Water-resistant

Cons

• Not recommended for big flocks
• Will die rapidly in the sunlight.

 

Grandpa’s Feeders Chicken Feeder Automatic

Grandpa’s Feeders Automatic Chicken Feeder is an excellent choice if you’re searching for a rat-resistant chicken feeder. This feeder is composed of galvanized alloy steel that is rust-resistant and has a watertight construction to keep your flock’s food dry.

The feeder functions with a unique stepping mechanism: Your hens must stand on the base to lift the lid and reach the feed, making it nearly difficult for rodents to get access. The feeder is suited for six to twelve birds, and the anti-flip grill prevents feed from spilling and being wasted.

Some consumers stated that the shutting lid frightened their hens.

Pros

• Made from galvanized steel alloy
• Waterproof
• The unique design makes it virtually hard for rats to enter
• Suitable for up to 12 birds
• Anti-flick grill

Cons

• Expensive
• Some hens may be unable of learning how to utilize it.

 

Roamwild Rat Proof Chicken Feeder Kit

The Roamwild Chicken Feeder includes a spring-loaded feeding outlet that allows birds to feed effortlessly but closes when a rat tries to climb on it. The feeder includes a sturdy metal top to prevent feed from moisture, as well as stainless-steel hanging wire and chewing plates, and it is compatible with layer pellets and mixed corn.

In addition, it boasts a unique spill-proof design to reduce food waste and rodent attraction is constructed of food-grade, UV-resistant plastic, and can fit four to six chickens.

Despite claims to the contrary, this feeder is not spill-proof, since feed may still be readily spilt by eager birds. In addition, little rodents may not be heavy enough to trigger the door’s closure.

Pros

• Unique feeding port spring-loaded
• Water-resistant
• Stainless steel anti-chewing plates
• Food-grade substances
• Suitable for four to six birds

Cons

• Not leakproof
• Small rodents can still gain access to the meal.

 

Rural365 Chicken Treadle Feeder

The Rural365 Chicken Treadle Feeder includes an adjustable treadle platform (12.5 ounces to 3 pounds) that closes the feeder door when not in use, protecting your flock’s feed from vermin and the outdoors.

The feeder can contain up to 26 pounds of grain, is suited for 12-16 hens, and is constructed of 1-mm galvanized steel plates and weather- and UV-resistant molded plastic. Additionally, it includes four meal settings that allow you to pick the amount of food accessible at any one time, so preventing spillage and waste.

The movable door on this feeder prevents rats from entering, but the plastic top is still vulnerable; some customers have experienced rats chewing through the cover after a few days. In addition, condensation caused by the metal structure may cause the feed to clump.

Pros

• Adjustable tread surface
• Up to 26 pounds of feed capacity
• Suitable for up to 16 birds
• Steel and plastic structure for sturdiness
• Four different setups

Cons

• The plastic lid is susceptible to being chewed.
• Condensation can lead to the clumping of feed.

 

SuperHandy Automatic Chicken Feeder

The SuperHandy Automatic Chicken Feeder is constructed of durable galvanized steel and features a weather-sealed top to keep your flock’s feed fresh and dry. It incorporates anti-flick guards to minimize spills that may attract rodents and a non-slip treadle with a diamond design to keep your flock secure when feeding.

When the treadle is depressed, the feeder’s cover opens, protecting the feed from rats when the flock is not feeding. Ideal for flocks of up to 10 birds, it can store enough food for up to 10 days.

Unfortunately, the lid’s loud opening and shutting noise will deter certain birds from utilizing the feeder. Additionally, the side walls do not extend far enough, allowing some hens to reach in from the sides, putting them at risk.

Pros

• Made of durable galvanized steel
• Anti-flick grills
• Anti-slip treadle
• Suitable for up to 20 birds

Cons

• Noisemaking operation
• Poorly designed side barriers

 

Sunshine & Water Galvanized Chicken Feeder

The Sunshine & Water Chicken Feeder is constructed from galvanized steel and has a big 50-pound capacity, making it the ideal choice for large flocks for outside use. The feeder trough is constructed to discourage hens from flinging away food, hence limiting rodent attractiveness.

In addition, it includes a tight-fitting cover that makes refilling and cleaning the feeder a snap, as well as a removable awning to keep your flock dry while they feed.

This arrangement may help limit spillage, but rodents may still readily access the feeder while the chicks are not there.

Pros

• Construction from galvanized steel
• Water-resistant
• Separate awning
• Spill-resistant design

Cons

• Comparatively costly
• Rats can still gain access to food.

Buyer's Guide

There are several chicken feeders on the market, but few claim to prevent rats from gaining access to the feed of your flock. Importantly, while the majority of these feeders will assist prevent rats by limiting spillage or concealing access, no chicken feeder is completely rat-proof. Consider a couple of the following aspects when selecting a chicken feeder for your flock.

Chicken Feeder Type

There are typically three types of feeders available for small flocks. The best feeder for you will depend on the size of your flock, the placement of the feeder, and the frequency of feed refills.

• Treadle: Feeders with a treadle design are popular and excellent in deterring rats. These feeders employ a unique treadle design that needs hens to stand on it before the lid lifts and provides them with access to the meal. This design prevents rats and squirrels from gaining access to the meal. The primary disadvantage of these feeders is that you must educate your flock to use them, and some hens may never fully adapt. Additionally, the loud sound of the lid opening and shutting frightens the majority of hens.
• Trough: Trough feeders are frequently used by chicken keepers and are ideal for those with a somewhat big flock. Typically, these feeders have high edges that prevent food from spilling out, preventing rats from being drawn to the feeder. Even if you put the feeder on the wall, rats will still be able to obtain the food by climbing up into the feeders.
• Bell or hanging feeders: Bell feeders are common among small flock chicken caretakers. These basic feeders must be hung and replenished often, and most designs can only accommodate one or two hens at a time. The hanging design makes it more difficult for rodents to obtain the food, but the food may still be readily spilt.

Chicken Feeder Material

The majority of trough and treadle feeders are composed of steel, which should preferably be galvanized. Galvanized steel has a zinc coating that prevents corrosion and makes it very weather-resistant, so it may be used outside without concern. Steel feeders are strong and long-lasting, however, they are somewhat cumbersome to transport.

Typically, bell feeders are constructed of plastic, which is lightweight and simple to clean. The plastic should preferably be UV-resistant and food-safe. Due to their little weight, they may be simply hung to discourage rats.

Flock Size

Your choice of feeder will also depend on the size of your flock. As just one or two hens can eat at once, bell feeders are appropriate for small flocks of up to about five birds. If you have a flock of 15 or more hens, you will need a treadle or trough feeder, and probably numerous feeders.

Depending on the size of your flock, lower-capacity feeders must be refilled daily, but higher-capacity feeders can be left unrefilled for many days.

Conclusion

Despite the fact that no chicken feeder is completely rodent-proof, the Rural365 Galvanized Chicken Feeder is our top pick overall. The feeder is composed of galvanized steel, has a 50-pound capacity, is designed to prevent feed from being thrown away by hens, and includes a retractable canopy over the trough to keep feed and flock dry.

The Rentacoop No-Waste Hanging Chicken Feeder is the most cost-effective chicken feeder for preventing rodents. It is manufactured in the United States from 100 percent food-grade, BPA-free plastic and comes completely assembled.

Grandpa’s Feeders Automatic Chicken Feeder is an excellent choice if you’re searching for a rat-resistant chicken feeder. The treadle shape of this galvanized alloy steel feeder makes it nearly hard for rats to get food. Ideal for six to twelve hens.

Rats are the universal dread of chicken keepers, and a feeder that stops rats from reaching your flock’s food is an excellent approach to combat the problem. BestForPets (bestforpets.org) hope that our in-depth evaluations have helped you select the best chicken feeders to prevent rats from taking the grain from your flock.