6 Best Upside Down Feeders For Reducing Mess That Keep Your Coop Clean
Reduce feed spillage and maintain a cleaner coop with an upside down feeder. Explore our top 6 picks for efficient, no-mess poultry feeding solutions.
You fill the feeder in the morning, and by noon, half the feed is kicked into the bedding, mixed with dirt and droppings. This isn’t just frustrating; it’s a waste of money and an open invitation for rodents and wild birds. A clean coop and healthy flock start with controlling the feed. That’s where upside-down feeders, also known as port feeders, change the game entirely.
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Why Upside Down Feeders Reduce Coop Mess
The magic of an upside-down feeder is in its design. Instead of an open trough where chickens can scratch, stand, and flick feed everywhere, these feeders use small ports. A chicken must stick its head into the port to eat, making it nearly impossible to scatter feed with its feet or beak.
This simple change has a massive impact. You’ll see an immediate reduction in wasted feed, which can cut your feed bill significantly over a year. The feed also stays clean and dry inside the container, free from contamination by droppings or damp bedding. This leads to healthier birds and a coop that is far less attractive to pests like mice and rats, who thrive on spilled grain.
Think of it as the difference between a buffet and a vending machine. A traditional feeder is a free-for-all buffet where chickens make a huge mess. A port feeder is a vending machine; they can only get what they intend to eat, one beakful at a time. This controlled access is the key to a cleaner, more efficient coop.
RentACoop Feeder: Ideal for Small Flocks
For anyone with a backyard flock of a dozen birds or fewer, the RentACoop feeder is often the perfect starting point. It’s a simple, effective system that comes fully assembled. You just fill the bucket, hang it up, and you’re done. No tools, no fuss.
These feeders are typically made from food-grade, BPA-free plastic, which gives you peace of mind. The ports are well-designed to prevent chickens from "billing out" or raking feed onto the floor. It’s a reliable, no-nonsense solution that works right out of the box. For the busy hobby farmer, that convenience is a huge win.
The main tradeoff is capacity. The standard bucket size might require refilling every few days for a flock of 8-10 hens. But for a small flock of 3-5 birds, it can last a week or more. It’s an excellent, low-commitment way to see if port feeders are right for you and your flock.
Royal Rooster Feeder for Durability and Value
If you’re looking for something that will stand up to years of use and abuse, Royal Rooster is a name that comes up often. Their feeders are typically constructed from heavy-duty PVC, which is incredibly tough and UV-resistant. This makes them a fantastic choice for placing in the run where they might be exposed to the elements.
What sets them apart is the attention to detail. Many models come with excellent rain hoods over the ports, keeping feed perfectly dry even in a downpour. The mounting systems are also robust, designed for secure attachment to mesh or solid walls. You’re not just buying a feeder; you’re investing in a long-term feeding solution.
While the upfront cost might be higher than a simple bucket feeder, the value is in its longevity. You won’t be replacing it in a few years due to cracked plastic or sun damage. For a permanent coop setup, especially one with an outdoor run, the durability of a Royal Rooster feeder makes it a very smart investment.
Farm-Tuff Port Feeder Kit for DIY Projects
For those of us who like to build things ourselves, a port feeder kit is the way to go. The Farm-Tuff kit (and others like it) provides just the essential parts: the ports and sometimes the hole saw bit needed to install them. You supply your own container, which is where the real advantage lies.
This KATA hole saw kit delivers fast, clean cuts in soft wood, PVC, and plywood. The set includes four common sizes (1-1/4" to 2-1/8") and features durable, heat-treated carbon steel for long-lasting performance.
This DIY approach offers total flexibility. You can use a 5-gallon bucket for a small flock or a 30-gallon barrel for a large one. You get to control the capacity, shape, and cost of your feeder. It’s a great way to repurpose a sturdy, food-safe container you already have.
Of course, this requires some work. You’ll need a drill and the confidence to cut clean holes in your chosen container. But the process is straightforward, and the result is a custom feeder perfectly sized for your needs at a fraction of the cost of a pre-made one of similar capacity. It’s the ultimate solution for the resourceful hobby farmer.
OverEZ Gravity Feeder for Larger Capacity Needs
When you have more than 15 or 20 birds, or you simply want the convenience of refilling the feeder less often, a large-capacity gravity feeder is the answer. The OverEZ feeder holds up to 50 pounds of feed, meaning you could potentially go weeks between refills, depending on your flock size.
This isn’t just about convenience; it’s about consistency. A large-capacity feeder ensures your flock has a constant supply of food, which is crucial for consistent egg laying. The heavy-duty, UV-protected plastic construction is designed to last for years, whether you keep it inside the coop or out in the run.
The downside is the initial cost and the space it requires. These are not small feeders. But if you’re managing a larger flock or need to leave your birds for a long weekend, the peace of mind that comes with a massive feed reservoir is invaluable. It simplifies your chores and centralizes your feeding station.
Harris Farms Hanging Feeder for Easy Placement
Keeping a feeder off the ground is one of the best things you can do for coop hygiene. The Harris Farms hanging port feeder is designed specifically for this. By hanging the feeder, you prevent chickens from kicking bedding into the ports and make it much harder for rodents to access.
Hanging also allows for easy height adjustment. You want the feeder ports to be roughly level with your chickens’ backs. As your pullets grow, you can simply raise the chain a link or two. This ergonomic height reduces strain on the birds and further minimizes the chance of them scratching feed out.
While many port feeders can be hung, this one often comes with the necessary hardware included, making it a simple, integrated system. It’s a practical design that combines the no-waste benefits of ports with the cleanliness of a suspended feeder. It’s a smart, simple setup that addresses multiple coop management issues at once.
YAP Feeder: Great for Bantams and Mixed Flocks
One detail that’s easy to overlook is the size of the birds themselves. A standard feeder port might be too high or deep for smaller breeds like Silkies or other bantams. This is where a specialized feeder like those from YAP (Your Automatic Poultry) can be a flock-saver.
These feeders often feature smaller, shallower ports that are perfectly sized for bantam breeds. This ensures your smallest birds can eat comfortably and safely without having to strain or risk getting stuck. If you have a mixed flock of standard and bantam chickens, providing a bantam-friendly feeder is essential for maintaining a healthy flock hierarchy where everyone gets enough to eat.
Even if you don’t have bantams, consider the age of your birds. For juvenile birds that are too big for a chick feeder but not quite full-sized, a feeder with smaller ports can be an excellent transitional option. It’s a reminder that the "best" equipment is always the one that best fits the specific needs of your animals.
Final Tips for a Cleaner, Waste-Free Coop
Choosing the right feeder is a huge step, but a few extra practices will lock in the benefits and create a truly clean feeding station. These small habits make a big difference.
First, get the height right. The bottom of the feeding ports should be about level with the middle of your chickens’ backs. This is the most comfortable position for them and discourages them from trying to flick feed. You may need to hang the feeder or place it on a couple of cinder blocks to achieve this.
Second, place a shallow tray or a large, flat paver stone directly underneath the feeder. While port feeders eliminate 99% of the mess, a tiny bit of feed dust or a dropped pellet is inevitable. A catch tray makes cleanup effortless and keeps that last little bit out of the bedding.
Finally, check the ports periodically. With very fine crumble feed, dust can sometimes build up and cause a minor clog. A quick check once a week when you’re collecting eggs is all it takes to ensure the feed is flowing freely.
Switching to an upside-down port feeder is one of the simplest, most effective upgrades you can make to your coop. It directly translates to less wasted money, fewer pests, and less time spent cleaning. It’s a small change that delivers a big return by letting you focus more on enjoying your flock and less on managing their mess.
