A good feeder does three things: keeps feed dry, keeps pests out, and keeps waste to a minimum. A bad one does none of those and costs you money in wasted feed every week.
We compared the most popular chicken feeders on Amazon across three major styles and narrowed it down to six picks that cover every flock size and budget.
Quick Comparison
| Feeder | Type | Capacity | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grandpa's Standard | Treadle | 20 lbs | ~$95–110 | Best overall |
| Grandpa's Large | Treadle | 40 lbs | ~$130–150 | Big flocks (12+) |
| RentACoop Treadle | Treadle | 25 lbs | ~$55–70 | Budget treadle |
| My Favorite Chicken | Treadle | 25 lbs | ~$90–110 | Premium treadle |
| KOL 50lb Silo | Silo (gravity) | 50 lbs | ~$50–65 | High capacity |
| Kinchoix Port Feeder | Port-fed box | 25 lbs | ~$35–50 | Weatherproof box |
Feeder Types Explained
Treadle Feeders (Step-On)
The gold standard for pest control. A treadle feeder stays closed until a chicken steps on the pedal, which opens the lid and exposes the feed. When the chicken steps off, the lid closes again. Rats, mice, sparrows, and squirrels can't access the feed because they're too light to trigger the pedal. Treadle feeders are the most expensive type but they pay for themselves in saved feed within a few months.
Silo Feeders (Gravity)
A tall container with feeding ports at the base. Feed flows down by gravity as chickens eat from the ports. These hold the most feed (50–80+ lbs) and work great for large flocks or keepers who travel. The tradeoff: they're not fully pest-proof since the ports are always open, though the port design does reduce waste compared to open troughs.
Port-Fed Box Feeders
An enclosed metal box with circular feeding ports. Chickens stick their heads through the ports to eat. The enclosed design keeps feed dry in rain and reduces waste from scratching and billing. More weatherproof than silos but less pest-proof than treadles.
💡 How Much Feed Per Chicken?
An average laying hen eats about 1/4 lb of feed per day. A 20 lb feeder lasts about 10 days for 6–8 chickens. A 50 lb silo feeder can go 3+ weeks for the same flock. Factor in your flock size and how often you want to refill when choosing capacity.
Our 6 Picks
Grandpa's Feeders Standard (20 lb)
Treadle · Galvanized steel · Feeds up to 6 chickens for 10 days
Pros
- 100% rat-proof and weatherproof
- Anti-flick grill reduces feed waste
- No plastic parts for rodents to chew
- 24-month money-back guarantee
- Built to last decades
Cons
- Most expensive feeder on this list
- Chickens need 1–3 days to learn the pedal
- Heavy when full (~25 lbs)
Grandpa's Feeders Large (40 lb)
Treadle · Galvanized steel · Feeds up to 12 chickens for 10 days
Pros
- Double the capacity of the Standard
- 4–5 chickens can feed at once
- Same bulletproof build quality
- Refill every 2+ weeks for mid-size flocks
Cons
- Highest price on this list
- Very heavy when full (~50 lbs)
- Overkill for flocks under 8 birds
RentACoop Treadle Feeder (25 lb)
Treadle · Galvanized steel · Budget-friendly pest protection
Pros
- Nearly half the price of Grandpa's
- Rainproof lid with lower-lid locks
- Clean no-waste treadle design
- Works for bantams, hens, and pheasants
Cons
- Build quality a step below Grandpa's
- Some reports of raccoons defeating the lid locks
- Pedal sensitivity may need adjusting
My Favorite Chicken Treadle Feeder
Treadle · Galvanized steel · 25 lb with rain cover
Pros
- Wildlife-proof and rainproof design
- No-waste treadle with rain cover
- Good capacity-to-price ratio
- Trusted chicken-keeping brand
Cons
- Similar price to Grandpa's Standard
- Less established track record
- Heavier than budget options
KOL 50lb Silo Feeder
Gravity silo · Powder-coated metal · 16 feeding ports
Pros
- Massive 50 lb capacity — refill every 2–3 weeks
- 16 ports let many birds feed at once
- Rust-proof powder-coated finish
- Portable handle for moving between runs
- Low-profile ports safe for chicks
Cons
- Not pest-proof — ports are always open
- Best kept inside a coop or covered run
- Heavy when full (~55+ lbs)
Kinchoix Metal Port Feeder (25 lb)
Port-fed box · Galvanized steel · 4 ports · Weatherproof
Pros
- Fully enclosed box keeps feed dry in rain
- Secure latch lid deters larger pests
- Mount on wall or set freestanding
- Easy to fill and clean
- Affordable price point
Cons
- Plastic ports may be chewed by persistent mice
- Small gap at top edge (not fully mouse-proof)
- 4 ports limits simultaneous feeders
The Bottom Line
If pests are your main concern — and they should be — get a treadle feeder. The Grandpa's Feeders Standard is the best treadle on the market, period. It'll pay for itself in saved feed within a few months. For larger flocks, size up to the Grandpa's Large.
On a budget? The RentACoop Treadle gives you 80% of the Grandpa's experience at half the price.
If you have a large flock and your coop is secure from pests, the KOL 50lb Silo holds enough feed to go weeks between refills.
⚠️ Pair Your Feeder with the Right Waterer
Chickens drink twice as much water as they eat feed. If you're upgrading your feeder, your waterer probably needs an upgrade too. Check out our best chicken waterers guide.