6 Best Hanging Chicken Feeders For Small Spaces That Stop Feed Waste
Save space and cut feed costs with a hanging feeder. We review 6 top models for small coops that prevent spillage and keep feed clean and dry.
You toss a scoop of expensive, non-GMO layer feed into a cheap trough, and within minutes, your hens have scratched half of it into the bedding. That feed is now mixed with droppings, damp, and completely wasted. Choosing the right feeder isn’t just about convenience; it’s a critical decision for saving money, keeping your flock healthy, and reducing pests in a small coop.
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Why Feed Waste Matters in a Small Backyard Coop
Spilled feed is wasted money, plain and simple. If your chickens waste even 15% of their feed—a conservative estimate for a poor feeder—you’re essentially throwing away one out of every seven bags you buy. Over a year, that adds up to a significant, and completely avoidable, expense.
More importantly, wasted feed creates a dangerous environment. It attracts rodents and wild birds, which are notorious for carrying mites, lice, and diseases that can devastate a small flock. A rat problem that starts with spilled chicken feed can quickly become a much larger issue for your entire property.
Finally, that wasted feed gets wet, trampled, and mixed with manure. This creates a breeding ground for mold and harmful bacteria. Chickens that eat this spoiled feed can develop sour crop or other digestive illnesses, leading to vet bills or flock loss. A good feeder isn’t just a container; it’s a biosecurity tool.
RentACoop T-Post Feeder for Mess-Free Eating
This feeder design is one of the most effective at stopping waste from chickens themselves. It’s typically a PVC tube with covered ports near the bottom. To eat, a chicken has to stick its head into the port, which makes it nearly impossible for them to scratch or "bill out" the feed onto the ground.
Because it hangs vertically and has a small footprint, the RentACoop feeder is perfect for coops where floor space is at a premium. You can hang it from a ceiling joist or even strap it to a post in the run. This keeps the feed clean and off the ground, where it would otherwise get soiled.
The main tradeoff is that some chickens need a day or two to figure it out. If they’re used to an open trough, the ports can be intimidating. Breeds with very large combs, like a mature rooster, might also find the ports a bit snug. But for most backyard flocks, the learning curve is short and the feed savings are immediate.
Harris Farms Galvanized Feeder: A Durable Classic
If you want a feeder that will last a lifetime, this is it. The Harris Farms hanging feeder is a classic for a reason: its galvanized steel construction is completely chew-proof for rodents and withstands years of abuse from both chickens and the elements. There are no plastic parts to get brittle and break.
This feeder significantly reduces waste compared to an open trough. The circular pan design and the lip around the edge make it harder for chickens to aggressively scratch feed out. By hanging it so the lip is at back-height to your birds, you force them to eat more carefully, which naturally cuts down on spillage.
However, it’s not waste-proof. A determined hen can still sling some feed, and the open pan does nothing to deter mice or sparrows from helping themselves. Think of this feeder as a major improvement in durability and a moderate improvement in waste reduction. It’s a solid, reliable workhorse, but not a high-tech solution.
Grandpa’s Feeders for Ultimate Pest Protection
Let’s be clear: this isn’t a hanging feeder, but it’s the undisputed champion of stopping feed waste, especially from pests. A Grandpa’s Feeder uses a treadle system. When a chicken stands on the platform, its weight opens the lid to the feed trough. When it steps off, the lid closes, sealing the feed away.
This mechanism is revolutionary for pest control. Rats, mice, and wild birds are too light to activate the treadle, meaning they are completely locked out. This can save you hundreds of dollars a year in feed that would otherwise be stolen by wildlife. For anyone with a serious rodent problem, this feeder is the ultimate solution.
The downsides are significant: price and training. These feeders are an investment, costing many times more than a simple hanging feeder. You also have to commit to a training period to teach your flock how to use it, which can take a week or more. While it takes up floor space, its ability to eliminate pest-related waste makes it a top contender for any small coop operator serious about efficiency.
Little Giant Metal Feeder for Small Flocks
Think of the Little Giant as the smaller, more compact version of the classic Harris Farms feeder. It’s built from the same durable galvanized steel but is designed specifically for flocks of just a few birds, typically holding between 5 and 15 pounds of feed. This is a huge advantage for hobbyists with three or four hens.
The smaller capacity prevents feed from sitting around for weeks and going stale or absorbing moisture. Fresh feed is more palatable and nutritious for your birds. The design, with its feed-saving lip and hanging capability, offers the same waste-reduction benefits as its larger cousins, just scaled down for a smaller coop.
Its limitations are the same, too. It won’t stop a persistent mouse, and a messy hen can still make some trouble. Because of its smaller size, you’ll be refilling it more often, which may not be ideal if you need to leave your flock for a weekend. But for daily management of a tiny flock, it’s a durable and affordable choice.
Royal Rooster Feeder with Weather Protection
The Royal Rooster feeder takes the waste-reducing port design and adds a critical feature: a built-in rain hood. This small but brilliant addition makes it one of the best choices for placing in an uncovered or partially covered run. The hood extends over the feeding ports, keeping rainwater out.
Wet feed is more than just waste; it’s a health risk. It clumps, clogs the feeder, and quickly grows mold, which can be toxic to chickens. By keeping the feed in the ports bone-dry, the Royal Rooster feeder protects both your investment in feed and the health of your flock. This is a problem-solver.
Like other port-style feeders, it excels at preventing chickens from spilling feed themselves. The combination of mess-free eating and weather protection makes it an incredibly efficient system. The main consideration is that it’s typically made of plastic, so while durable, it could be damaged by a very determined rodent, unlike an all-metal feeder.
The OverEZ Feeder for Less Frequent Refills
The primary mission of the OverEZ feeder is to maximize capacity and minimize your workload. Often holding 50 pounds of feed or more, this feeder is designed for the "set it and forget it" flock owner. For a small flock, a single fill-up could last for a month or more, which is a game-changer for busy people or those who travel.
Despite its large size, it’s designed to stop waste. The feeding trough is deep and sheltered, forcing chickens to put their heads in to eat rather than scattering the pellets. It’s made from heavy-duty, food-grade plastic that holds up well over time.
The main tradeoff is its size. While it can be hung, it has a substantial presence and might be overkill for a tiny coop. You also have to balance the convenience of its large capacity against feed freshness. If you only have three hens, 50 pounds of feed might sit for too long, especially in a humid climate. This feeder is best for those with at least 6-8 birds who prioritize convenience above all else.
Choosing the Right Feeder for Your Flock Size
The "best" feeder is the one that solves your most pressing problem. Don’t get sold on a feature you don’t need. Start by identifying your primary goal: eliminating spillage from messy hens, stopping rodents, or reducing your daily chores.
A simple framework can help guide your decision. Your choice should be a balance between your flock size, your budget, and the specific challenges of your setup.
- For maximum savings and mess prevention: A port-style feeder like the RentACoop or Royal Rooster is your best bet.
- For durability and simplicity: A classic galvanized feeder like the Harris Farms or Little Giant is a reliable, long-lasting option.
- For ultimate pest-proofing: Grandpa’s Feeders is the only real choice, if it’s in your budget.
- For maximum convenience and fewer refills: The OverEZ feeder is designed for you.
Ultimately, a feeder is a tool. A small flock of 3-5 birds will thrive with a Little Giant or a small port feeder. A larger flock of 10-15 birds in a rodent-prone area might justify the investment in a Grandpa’s Feeder. Match the tool to the job, and you’ll see an immediate improvement in your coop’s cleanliness, your flock’s health, and your feed bill.
Investing in a good feeder pays for itself quickly, not just in saved feed, but in reduced labor and a healthier, more secure environment for your chickens. Stop feeding the sparrows and the rats, and start putting that money toward a system that works for you and your flock.
