Chicken Feeders

Keep feed clean, dry and off the ground with our port-style chicken feeders. Designed to cut waste, reduce pests and save time, these gravity-fed feeders use deep, tunnel-shaped ports that limit how much chickens can flick or scatter. With weatherproof lids, rain hoods and large 15kg capacities, they keep feed protected and reduce how often you need to refill.

Reduce waste and keep feed clean with port-style feeders

Port-style feeders dramatically reduce spillage, contamination and pest activity. The rounded tunnel shape encourages chickens to reach inside rather than sweeping feed out with sideways movements. Because the ports sit above ground level, bedding and dirt can’t reach the feed. Gravity feeds fresh pellets straight into the opening, helping keep waste low and feed cleaner for longer.

Weatherproof lids and rain hoods add extra protection from the elements, and large capacities mean fewer daily chores.

Why chicken feeders matter

Significantly reduces waste: Tunnel-style ports limit scratching and flicking compared to open trays
Keeps feed dry: Weatherproof lids and rain hoods protect feed from rain and moisture
Less refilling: Large capacity feeders hold enough for days or weeks depending on flock size
Pest control: Less scattered feed on the ground means fewer rats, mice, and wild birds

Popular choices

Port feeders – gravity-fed feeders with tunnel-style ports that significantly reduce waste and keep feed cleaner

Feed stations – compact ground feeders ideal for grit, oyster shell, and supplementary feeds

Tip: Provide one feeding port for every 3-4 chickens to reduce competition. Elevate feeders on stands at shoulder height for comfortable access.

Complete your chicken setup

To keep your coop running smoothly, explore:

Cartoon scene showing chickens with three different feeder sizes, highlighting the idea of choosing the right feeder capacity for the flock.

Capacity and number of ports both affect how well your feeder works

How do I choose the right size feeder for my flock?

Start with the basic rule: One feeding port for every 3-4 chickens. This reduces squabbling and ensures all birds can eat comfortably.

For 2-12 chickens: A 2-port feeder with 15kg capacity works well. Small flocks may only need weekly refilling.

For 4-24 chickens: A 4-port feeder provides more simultaneous access. Larger flocks consume feed faster, requiring refilling every few days.

Why multiple ports matter: Dominant hens can monopolise single-port feeders, preventing timid birds from eating. More ports leads to less competition and a calmer flock.

Capacity considerations:

6 chickens: 15kg lasts 7-10 days
12 chickens: 15kg lasts 3-5 days
24 chickens: 15kg lasts 1-2 days

Don't want to refill as often? Consider using multiple 15kg feeders positioned in different areas of your run. This spreads your flock out and extends time between refills.

Height matters too. Elevate feeders on bricks or stands so ports sit at shoulder height for your smallest bird. Too low and they kick dirt in. Too high and bantams can't reach.

Think about your daily routine. How often can you realistically check and refill? Choose capacity accordingly.

Cartoon illustration of chickens on a farm with a red barn and green fields.

Most waste comes from design problems, not chicken behaviour

Why is my feed getting wasted and how can I stop it?

Open feeders and troughs invite waste. Chickens scratch. They perch on edges. They flip feed everywhere. It's instinct, not mischief.

Port feeders reduce this naturally. The deep, tunnel-shaped port encourages chickens to reach in to eat rather than sweeping feed out with sideways beak movements. Because the port sits above ground level, bedding and dirt can’t reach the feed, and gravity drops fresh feed straight into the opening instead of letting it scatter.

Does it eliminate all waste? No. Some particularly determined chickens still manage to pull out small amounts. But waste drops dramatically—often by 70-90% compared to open systems.

Other waste-reduction strategies:

Proper height: Shoulder-level feeding is more comfortable and natural. Less awkward pecking leads to less spillage.

Correct bedding depth: If using a feeder inside, avoid placing directly on deep bedding. Elevate it so spilled feed is visible, not hidden in shavings.

Feed type matters: Pellets spill less than crumbles. Mixed grains scatter more than uniform pellets. Consider your feed choice.

When feed drops below ports: Give the feeder a shake to redistribute. This prevents staleness and ensures feed flows properly to all ports.

Use port plugs overnight. Closing ports when chickens don't need access prevents nocturnal pests from making a mess whilst stealing feed.

Some chickens will still manage to scratch out small amounts. But compared to the waste from open bowls or troughs, the reduction is significant.

Cartoon illustration of a green mould creature on top of a bucket with chickens below, set against a farm background.

Keeping feed dry is easier than dealing with spoiled bags

How do I keep feed fresh and prevent mould?

Wet feed is wasted money. Mouldy feed harms chickens and needs throwing away. Prevention saves both health and cash.

Weatherproof lids are essential. Look for tight-sealing lids that keep rain out even during storms. The seal matters more than the lid style.

Rain hoods over ports provide extra protection. Even with a good lid, rain can blow into open ports. Hoods deflect water away whilst still allowing easy access.

Position matters:

Under shelter is ideal
Avoid low-lying areas where water pools
Don't place where roof run-off pours onto feeder

Storage before feeding: Keep feed bags in dry locations. Even the best feeder can't fix feed that arrives damp. Transfer to feeders during dry weather when possible.

Shake when levels drop low. Feed sitting at the bottom can get stale if it's not rotating. A quick shake when you notice low levels keeps everything fresh.

Check for condensation. In winter, warm chicken breath can create moisture inside feeders. Good ventilation helps. So does bringing feeders under cover overnight during particularly cold, damp periods.

Don't overfill small flocks. If your six chickens won't finish 15kg in 2-3 weeks, fill it halfway. Fresh feed encourages better eating than stale feed sitting around.

Signs feed has gone off:

Musty smell
Visible mould (white, green, or black spots)
Clumping that doesn't break apart
Chickens refusing to eat it

Bin it immediately if any of these appear. Don't risk flock health.

Cartoon nighttime farm scene with feeder ports plugged and a small mouse unable to access the feed while chickens rest nearby.

Rats and mice follow easy food sources, remove the invitation

What's the best way to prevent pests accessing my feeder?

Ground spillage attracts pests. Every pellet on the floor is an invitation. Port feeders dramatically reduce this by keeping feed contained.

But rodents are persistent. If they smell feed, they'll investigate. Here's how to protect your supply:

Use port plugs overnight. Rats are nocturnal. Insert the red plugs into ports each evening. Remove them in the morning. This simple habit prevents overnight raiding.

Elevation helps. Feeders on stands are harder for rodents to access and less hidden by vegetation or debris. Keep the area around feeders clear.

No feed on demand for wild birds. Sparrows and starlings steal significant amounts if feeders are accessible. Plugs during unused hours help here too.

Don't let feed pile up outside. If you notice spillage accumulating, your feeder might be too low or ports might be overfilled. Adjust and clean up. Don't let it build.

Secure your coop. Even the best feeder won't help if rats can access your coop freely. Patch holes, use hardware cloth (not chicken wire), and eliminate entry points.

Bait stations around (not in) the coop provide additional protection if you already have a rodent problem. Never place poison where chickens can access it.

Signs of rodent activity:

Droppings near feeder base
Gnaw marks on plastic
Disturbed feed or holes dug around feeder
Chickens acting nervous at feeding time

Act immediately if you spot signs. Rodents multiply fast. One rat becomes twenty in weeks. Prevention is infinitely easier than elimination.

Port feeders plus overnight plugs provide the most effective non-toxic rodent deterrent available.

Why Chicken Keepers Love These Feeders

Stays dry in all weather

"Rain for days... Feed inside stayed bone dry. Weatherproof lid works perfectly."

Feed waste dropped dramatically

"Used to sweep up handfuls daily. Now barely anything on the ground. Brilliant."

Refill once a week now

"15kg lasts my six hens over a week. Saves so much time on daily chores."

Took a day to adjust

Hens were suspicious at first. By day two they were using it confidently. Port design really works."

Your Chicken Feeder Questions Answered

Port-style feeders are one of the most effective designs for reducing waste. The deep, tunnel-shaped ports limit how much feed chickens can flick or scatter, and weatherproof lids help keep feed dry and protected.

Gravity feeds pellets or crumbles down into the port opening. The tunnel shape encourages chickens to reach inside to eat, rather than sweeping feed outward with sideways beak movements. Elevation helps keep bedding and dirt away from the feed.

Most users see a dramatic reduction in waste compared to open feeders or troughs. Some determined chickens may still pull out small amounts, but overall waste is significantly lower.

A 15kg feeder suits 2-12 chickens with a 2-port design, or 4-24 chickens with a 4-port design. One feeding port per 3-4 chickens reduces competition.

Depends on flock size. Six chickens use approximately 15kg every 7-10 days. Twelve chickens every 3-5 days. Twenty-four chickens every 1-2 days.

Yes. Port feeders work with pellets, crumbles, mixed grains, and scratch. Avoid wet or damp feeds that can clump.

Use port plugs to close feeding holes overnight when rats are most active. Elevating feeders and reducing ground spillage also helps deter rodents.

Both work. Weatherproof feeders handle outdoor placement well. Inside saves space and provides additional weather protection. Elevation helps either way.

Fine crumble feeds can occasionally compact, especially in humid conditions. Shake the feeder to redistribute feed and break up any bridges.

Monthly: Empty remaining feed, wipe interior with dry cloth, check ports for compaction. Every 2-3 months: Wash with warm water and poultry-safe disinfectant, dry completely before refilling.