Different Types of Chicken Feeders for Your Flock

So, you’ve decided to invest in a chicken feeder for your backyard flock. But with so many options out there, how do you know which one is right for you? Don’t worry—we’re here to guide you through the different types of feeders for chickens and help you figure out what type of feeder is best for your flock.

Here is our assessment on chicken feeder types in Australia.

Types of Feeders for Chickens

There are several main types of chicken feeders you’ll come across, each with their own advantages and disadvantages.The most common types of chicken feeders include:

1. Bell Feeders
2. Treadle Feeders
3. Tube Feeders (also known as Pipe Feeders)

You might also see some feeders advertised as "Gravity Feeders" or "Automatic Feeders". The Tube Feeders can usually tick both of these boxes as well.

Each of these feeders serves a purpose, but not all are created equal. Let's break them down, so you can make the best choice for your chickens.

Quick Answer:

For those looking for a quick answer, based on our experience as backyard chicken keepers and years of product development, we can confidently recommend the Dine-A-Chook chicken feeders.

What Should You Look for in a Feeder?

A Quality designed chook feeder is made in such a way to help prevent:

• Deterioration in the sun and elements
• Rodents and vermin
• Feed contamination from chicken faeces (poop)
• Feed getting wet

Not all types of chicken feeders achieve this. As a backyard chicken keeper, you need a feeder which lessens rodents in the coop. Also, it is vitally essential for the health of your flock that feed is contamination free. Plus if the feed stays dry, it means you are not wasting money replacing wet feed.

So before you go and spend your hard-earned money, you should consider the following.

Bell Feeder Review

Overall rating: ⭐ 1 out of 5 stars

Cheap but prone to contamination and feed waste, and it doesn't keep rodents away.

A bell feeder is probably one of the first types you’ll come across. These are typically made of plastic and get their name from the bell-shaped dome that sits above a round feed tray. They’re easy to find and usually inexpensive, but they do have some significant drawbacks.

• Material: Most bell feeders are made from cheap plastic that isn’t treated to withstand UV rays. This means they don’t last long under the harsh Australian sun, so it’s not the best option if you’re after a long-term, sustainable solution.
• Feed Contamination: Because bell feeders sit directly on the ground, chickens can easily flick dirt and faeces into the feed. The result? A mess that’s not great for your flock’s health.
• Rodent Attraction: Chickens often flick feed out of the tray onto the ground, which is basically an open invitation for rats and other vermin.
• Weather Issues: One good downpour, and your feed is soaked. Spoiled feed means wasted money, as it will need to be replaced before it goes mouldy.

Our overall rating: 

Reason for the score - Cheaply made plastic. Allows feed contamination. Allows feed to get wet. Attracts rodents and vermin. 

Treadle Feeder Review

Overall rating: ⭐ 3 out of 5 stars

A solid option, but it may rust over time, and it’s not completely rodent-proof.

Treadle feeders are a popular choice for many backyard chicken keepers. They’re typically made of metal and use a simple mechanism where chickens step on a pedal to open the lid and access the feed. While they help deter rodents, they’re not without their own set of issues.

• Rodent Deterrence: Treadle feeders are better at keeping pests away since chickens need to step on the pedal to open the lid. However, feed can still get spilled during the day, attracting rodents.
• Durability: Although treadle feeders are often made of metal, even galvanised steel will rust over time in Australian weather conditions. Moving parts, such as springs, may also wear out and need to be replaced.
• Feed Protection: Treadle feeders do a decent job of keeping feed dry, but chickens can still kick dirt onto the feed tray. If they’re feeding in the rain with the lid open, moisture can still get in.

Our overall rating:

Reasons for the score - Rusts over time, moving parts require replacing, allows feed to end up on the ground as a rodent attraction.

Dine-A-Chook Chicken Feeder Review

Overall rating: ⭐ 5 out of 5 stars

Built to last, rodent-resistant, and keeps feed clean and dry—Dine-A-Chook is the best chicken feeder for your money.

Looking for the best kind of chicken feeder? The Dine-A-Chook feeder is a top choice for backyard chicken keepers who want a durable, low-maintenance option that ticks all the boxes.

• Rodent Prevention: The Dine-A-Chook feeder is specially designed with a multi-paddle system that stops chickens from scattering feed, significantly reducing the risk of rodent problems.
• Feed Contamination: Unlike other feeders, only the chicken’s head can reach the feed bay, keeping dirt, faeces, and moisture out. This ensures a cleaner, safer feeding environment for your flock.
• Weather Resistance: Dine-A-Chook feeders are made from high-quality ASA plastic, which is UV-resistant and built to last in the harsh Australian sun. No more worrying about brittle, cracked feeders!
• No Rust: With no moving parts and no metal components, you don’t have to worry about rust or frequent repairs. It's a maintenance-free feeder.
• Cost Efficiency: Dine-A-Chook’s patented rain hood and gutter system ensure your feed stays dry, even in heavy rain. You’ll save money by not having to replace wet, wasted feed.

Our overall rating: 

Reasons the Dine-A-Chook feeder is the best

First, a quick revisit on what a Quality Chicken feeder should do: 

• It should withstand the sun and elements
• Help stop Rodents and vermin
• Prevent Feed contamination
• Keep feed dry

Dine-A-Chook feeders do all the above plus more. Just read the reviews from our customers to see for yourself.

→ Buy a Dine-A-Chook Chicken Feeder

Incredible durability in the Australian Sun

Dine-A-Chook feeders use commercial ASA plastics. ASA looks similar to PVC; however, it uses different material to protect it from harsh UV light and prevent it from becoming brittle. So if you are into sustainable living, a Dine-A-Chook will last for years and years before needing to be replaced. Dine-A-Chook is purposefully built robust and durable to give you peace of mind. Where others give up the ghost, a Dine-A-Chook keeps on going.

The best way to prevent rodents

We use a unique multi paddle system in the feeding hopper which prevents chickens thrashing feed out of the hopper onto the ground. The number one cause of rats in the chicken run is feed on the ground. Dine-A-Chook helps prevent this. If you use a Dine-A-Chook together with a good management plan for your chicken coop, you can almost say goodbye to rodents. If you already have a rodent infestation in your coop, read our article on How to get rid of Rats in the Chicken Run.

Stop Chicken feed contamination

The unique design of the Dine-A-Chook Poultry feeder makes it impossible for anything other than the chickens head to enter the feed bay. Therefore, chickens can not walk dirt or poop into their feed. This makes our design one of the cleanest ways to feed your chickens.

Keep the feed dry

Unless you get horizontal rain squalls, the Dine-A-Chook patented rain hood and rain gutter system keeps feed dry even in the biggest downpours. If your feed stays dry, you save money instantly by not having to replace the wet feed. 

You can use Dine-A-Chook feeders for pellet and layer mash feed. 

As the saying goes, but wait there's more...

No cement or adhesives

Our design employs a patented click-together system. We use no toxic chemical cement or glue. Our unique system ensures a watertight seal to prevent rain from entering into the feed silo.

No moving parts

The Dine-A-Chook is a maintenance-free feeder for chickens and poultry. So outside of cleaning, there is no moving part that shall wear out or require replacing.

Moulded Mounting Hooks

We genuinely have considered every aspect. Unlike imitation feeders, Dine-A-Chook has moulded rear hooks for mounting on most rigid cage wire. Others have hooks which are screwed on. Nothing on a Dine-A-Chook can rust.

Easy Carry Handle and Lockable Lid

Our lockable threaded lid keeps out the rain and rodents. Also, it has a moulded carry handle so moving your Dine-A-Chook around is a breeze.

Join the Dine-A-Chook family.

Tried, tested and loved by over 50,000 backyard chicken coops. Dine-A-Chook Chicken and Poultry feeders are sold in Australia, New Zealand and also the UK. Try Dine-A-Chook yourself today and change the life and health of your chickens instantly.

Buy a Dine-A-Chook chicken feeder or get one of our feeder and drinker kits for the best price!