7 Best Large Capacity Quail Feeders For Hobby Farmers That Last

You fill the quail feeder, and two days later it’s empty again, but the ground around it is covered in feed. It’s a frustrating cycle of wasted money and hungry birds. The right feeder isn’t just a container; it’s a tool that saves you time, protects your feed from pests and weather, and ensures your quail get the nutrition they need without waste. Choosing a large-capacity model means fewer daily chores, giving you more time to simply enjoy your flock.

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RentACoop Trough Feeder: No-Spill for Ground Birds

The biggest problem with many feeders is waste. Quail are notorious for "billing out" feed, flicking it everywhere as they search for the best bits. The RentACoop trough feeder directly addresses this with its partitioned grid design. Birds stick their heads through the openings to eat, which dramatically reduces their ability to rake feed onto the ground.

This design is particularly well-suited for ground-dwelling birds like quail. It sits low, matching their natural feeding posture. Made of durable plastic, it’s easy to clean and won’t rust, which is a significant advantage in a damp coop environment.

The main tradeoff is its lack of weatherproofing. This feeder is best used inside a coop or a well-covered run where it’s protected from rain. While it solves the waste problem brilliantly, it doesn’t offer much defense against determined rodents, so your coop’s overall security is still a factor.

Little Giant Hanging Feeder: A Classic Metal Option

Hanging feeders are a staple for a reason. By elevating the feed, you keep it clean from droppings and bedding, which is a major step toward flock health. The Little Giant hanging feeder, typically made of galvanized steel, is a durable, long-lasting option that can withstand the rigors of a busy coop.

The challenge with these classic designs is port size. Many are built for chickens, and quail, especially young ones, can either waste a lot of feed through the large openings or even get stuck. You’ll want to look for models with an adjustable feed flow or smaller ports. Some hobbyists even add a metal or mesh ring to the base to shrink the openings.

This feeder’s greatest strength is its simplicity and durability. The galvanized metal resists chewing by rodents and will last for years. Paired with a rain hat, it can be used in an open run, offering flexibility in your setup. It’s a workhorse, but one that might require a small modification to be perfect for quail.

Brower Galvanized Feeder for Ultimate Durability

When you want to buy a piece of equipment once and have it last a lifetime, you look for something like a Brower feeder. These are often built from heavy-gauge galvanized steel, designed to take a beating from weather, animals, and time. They are the definition of "buy it for life" coop equipment.

Most Brower models are trough-style, featuring a feed-saving lip or wire grill that functions similarly to the RentACoop, preventing birds from flicking feed out. The sheer weight and robust construction also mean they are less likely to be knocked over by larger animals or severe weather. This is a serious piece of hardware, not a flimsy plastic container.

Of course, this level of durability comes at a price. Brower feeders are an investment. They aren’t the cheapest option on the shelf, but the cost is offset by their longevity and the feed you’ll save over the years. This is the right choice for a farmer who prioritizes resilience and is building a permanent, long-term setup.

Grandpa’s Feeders: The Premier Rodent-Proof Choice

Feed is expensive, and nothing is more infuriating than feeding the local rat and sparrow population. Grandpa’s Feeders solves this problem with an ingenious treadle system. The feeder remains closed until a bird stands on the platform, its weight opening the lid to reveal the feed.

This mechanism is a game-changer. It makes your feed completely inaccessible to rodents and wild birds, and it also protects it from rain and snow. The amount of money saved on feed that would otherwise be lost to pests can be substantial, often paying for the feeder itself over time.

The two main considerations are cost and training. These are premium feeders with a premium price tag. You will also need to train your quail to use it, which involves propping the lid open for a few days until they get comfortable with the platform. For those battling persistent pest problems, however, the investment in time and money is often well worth the peace of mind.

Royal Rooster Treadle Feeder for Clean, Protected Feed

Similar to Grandpa’s, the Royal Rooster feeder uses a treadle mechanism to provide on-demand access to feed while keeping it secure from pests and weather. They often use a combination of aluminum and plastic in their construction, making them lightweight yet durable and completely rust-proof.

One key difference can be the design of the feeding bay. Royal Rooster models often feature individual partitions, which can help prevent bossier birds from dominating the feeder. The treadle sensitivity is also crucial; you’ll need to ensure you get a model calibrated for the light weight of quail, as some are designed for heavier chickens.

Choosing between a Royal Rooster and another treadle brand often comes down to material preference, price, and specific design features. Both offer a fantastic solution to the common problems of feed waste and pest infestation. They represent a shift from simply holding feed to actively managing and protecting it.

The DIY PVC Feeder: A Customizable Budget Solution

For the hobby farmer on a budget or with a knack for building things, the DIY PVC feeder is an unbeatable option. The concept is simple: a vertical length of large-diameter PVC pipe serves as the reservoir, with feeding ports cut into the bottom using wye fittings or drill bits. You can make it as tall as you want, holding a week’s worth of feed or more.

The beauty of this approach is its infinite customizability.

• Capacity: A longer pipe means more capacity. Simple.
• Port Size: You control the size of the feeding holes, ensuring they are perfect for quail and not chickens.
• Cost: The materials are cheap and widely available at any hardware store.

The downsides are real, however. A basic PVC feeder isn’t rodent-proof; rats can and will chew through plastic if they’re determined. It also requires your time and a few basic tools to construct. But for a covered, secure coop, a well-made PVC feeder is arguably the most cost-effective way to provide a large volume of feed to your flock.

Harris Farms 30 Lb Feeder: High-Capacity Plastic

Sometimes, you just need a feeder that holds a massive amount of feed with minimal fuss. The Harris Farms 30 Lb Feeder is a prime example of a simple, high-capacity plastic feeder. Its main selling point is volume—this can hold an entire bag of feed, drastically reducing the frequency of your refills.

Made from durable, UV-resistant plastic, it’s designed to be hung, which helps keep the feed clean. The plastic construction means it won’t rust, and it’s lightweight and easy to handle, even when full. The feed tray is deep, which helps contain some of the mess from birds billing out their food.

This is not a rodent-proof solution, and like other hanging feeders, you’ll want to ensure the feeding ports are suitable for quail. But for a large flock in a secure coop, its combination of huge capacity, durability, and affordability is hard to beat. It’s a practical, no-frills tool for the busy farmer.

Choosing a Feeder: Port Size and Weatherproofing

Ultimately, the best feeder depends on your specific situation. Two factors should guide your decision above all others: port size and weatherproofing. Get these wrong, and even the most expensive feeder will fail you.

Port size is non-negotiable for quail. A feeder designed for standard chickens will lead to immense waste as small quail heads let tons of crumble fall out. Worse, tiny Coturnix chicks can sometimes get into the feeder tray and become trapped. Look for feeders specifically marketed for quail or bantams, or choose a design like a trough or a DIY PVC feeder where you can control the opening size.

Weatherproofing dictates where you can place your feeder. An open trough is fine inside a dry coop. For an outdoor run, you need something that will keep feed bone-dry.

• Indoor Use: Trough feeders, simple hanging feeders, and basic DIY options work great.
• Outdoor Use: Treadle feeders are the gold standard. A hanging feeder with a wide rain hat or a covered trough feeder are also viable options.

Don’t just buy the most popular feeder; buy the one that fits your flock’s size, your coop’s location, and your tolerance for dealing with pests and wasted feed.

A quail feeder is more than a bucket for their food; it’s a critical component of your farm’s efficiency. By investing in a large-capacity feeder that minimizes waste and protects its contents, you’re not just feeding your birds. You’re saving yourself labor, cutting down on costs, and creating a healthier environment for your flock to thrive in.