Best Outdoor Feeder And Waterer For Chickens
Getting your feeding and watering setup right is one of the most important parts of keeping chickens. The right equipment will keep your flock healthy, reduce mess and waste, and make your life a whole lot easier. In this guide, I’ll walk you through what to look for and recommend some of the best chicken water and food feeders currently available in the UK. All are suitable for outdoor use and well reviewed by real keepers.
What to look for in an outdoor feeder and drinker
Capacity
Think about how many chickens you have and how often you want to refill the food and water. As a guide:
- A 5-litre drinker is suitable for 3–5 hens for a day or two
- An 11 kg feeder can keep a flock of six fed for 5–6 days
We use a mix of sizes depending on the weather and the coop setup, and I always check them daily just in case they’ve been knocked over or fouled.
Feeding access and pecking order
Make sure your setup allows several chickens to eat and drink at once. Narrow basins or small ports can lead to squabbles, especially if your hens have a clear pecking order.
- Look for multi-port or circular designs
- For larger flocks, two feeders or drinkers may work better than one big one
Build quality and materials
Outdoor feeders and drinkers need to withstand the elements. Galvanised steel is best for long-term durability, while BPA-free, UV-resistant plastic is good for lighter options. Avoid flimsy plastic – we’ve had those crack in frost or warp in heat.
Cleanliness and hygiene
Choose models with wide lids, detachable bases, and smooth interiors for easier cleaning. I try to scrub ours out at least once a week, and more in summer when algae can build up.
Vermin resistance and spillage control
If rats or wild birds are an issue, go for a treadle feeder or covered ports. Hanging feeders also help reduce waste. For drinkers, raised bases stop mud and bedding getting kicked in.ing. While I don’t own these particular products personally, they are similar to ones I have used or seen others use and which have been given good reviews by verified purchasers.
Top UK options for a feeder and drinker for Chickens
Feedomatic Automatic Feeder (8 kg)
A mid-range treadle feeder made of galvanised sheet metal and ABS plastic, designed to protect feed from rats, mice and wild birds. It features an adjustable trigger weight and weather-resistant build.
- Capacity: 8 kg (feeds 4–6 hens for up to 5 days)
- Reader review: “Once you’ve adjusted the settings, the hens are happy and the rats are annoyed they’ve lost their free buffet.”
- Build: Galvanised steel and durable ABS plastic with adjustable weight (250 g to 5 kg)
- Caveats: May require adjustment depending on the weight of your birds, as some may be too light to trigger opening
- Best for: Outdoor flocks where rodent resistance, rain protection and minimal waste are priorities.
Visit Amazon.co.uk for more information about the Feedomatic Automatic Feeder
Grandpa’s Feeder (Galvanised Treadle Feeder)
Visit Amazon.co.uk for more information about Grandpa’s Feeder
My personal favourite, this really is the granddaddy of backyard poultry feeders. A premium, automatic treadle feeder made from high-quality galvanised steel, designed to keep feed dry, prevent spillage and block access to rats, mice and wild birds. Has a great design too – looks the business.
- Capacity: 9 kg (20 lb), suitable for 6–12 chickens for up to 10 days
- Reader review: “Much less food waste, no rats, and our hens took to it quickly.”
- Build: Stainless steel with weatherproof lid, anti-flick grill and wide feed access
- Caveats: Significantly more expensive than plastic options; some hens need training to use the treadle
- Best for: Long-term outdoor use, serious rodent problems, and keepers looking for a durable, low-waste solution from a trusted brand
Note: Grandpa’s Feeder has a lot of imitators, many of which look similar but are not of the same build quality and don’t function as well.
6kg Blenheim Outdoor Chicken Feeder with Rain Hat (Ollie’s Chirpy Chickens)
A sturdy UK-made plastic feeder with a rain cover, detachable legs, and anti-waste grill – ideal for most small to medium backyard flocks.
- Capacity: 6 kg
- Reader review: “Super weather-proof – rain doesn’t get in. Very sturdy and keeps food dry, even during heavy rain.”
- Build: Heavy-duty plastic with removable hat and hanging handle
- Caveats: Some hens may need time to adjust to the design; a few users noted legs can be knocked off if not secured properly
- Best for: Flocks of 3–6 birds in outdoor runs, especially where space or shelter is limited
Visit Amazon.co.uk for more information about the Blenheim Feeder
Eton Plastic Chicken Feeder (6 kg)
A basic but reliable freestanding feeder with a covered top and low price. There are a lot of feeders that have a similar design, but looking at the reviews, this was considered one of the best in terms of build quality and ease of use.
- Capacity: 6 kg
- Reader review: “Super weather-proof – rain doesn’t get in. Very sturdy and keeps food dry, even during heavy rain.”
- Build: Heavy-duty plastic with removable hat and hanging handle
- Caveats: Some hens may need time to adjust to the design; a few users noted legs can be knocked off if not secured properly
- Best for: Flocks of 3–6 birds in outdoor runs, especially where space or shelter is limited
Little Hen Supplies 15 kg No-Waste Feeder
A plastic, multi-port feeder with a rain hood and internal baffles to stop feed flicking. Not the prettiest of feeders, but it ticks most of the boxes and is very ergonomic.
- Capacity: 15 kg
- Reader review: “Easy to fill and hens don’t waste a bit.”
- Caveats: Larger footprint, as chickens eat from all sides. Best for medium to large flocks – four or more.
- Best for: Reducing waste in exposed runs
Visit Amazon.co.uk for more information about the Little Hen Supplies Feeder
Visit Amazon.co.uk for more information about the Little Hen Drinker
Little Hen Supplies 15 L Drinker
This large, gravity-fed drinker has four nipple valves and a wide, stable base. Great for summer when water demand spikes. Like the Little Hen feeder, it’s not a looker, but it really does its job well.
- Capacity: 15 litres
- Reader review: “Heavy-duty build, no leaking, and hens took to it straight away.”
- Best for: Larger flocks needing multiple access points
Supa Deluxe Heavy-Duty Drinker (6 L)
A traditional bell-style drinker made from thick plastic. These can last for years in all weather and are simple to clean and carry.
- Capacity: 6 litres
- Reader review: “Solid and reliable. Easy to carry and clean.”
- Best for: Daily use in small to medium coops
- Legs make it easier for the hens to drink and help keep dirt away from the trough.
- Circular trough makes it suitable for multiple hens to drink at once.
Visit Amazon.co.uk for more information about the Supa Deluxe Drinker
Visit Amazon.co.uk for more information about the Novtal Drinker
Novital Ascott Poultry Drinker (30 L)
A serious drinker for free-range setups or big flocks. The float valve keeps water levels steady and hens well hydrated.
- Capacity: 30 litres – which is quite a lot of water
- Reader review: “Perfect for large flocks. Fills easily and holds plenty.”
- Best for: Larger runs, free-ranging hens or larger flocks
Eton Plastic Poultry Drinker (1.5 L)
Lightweight and compact. Larger models are good for flocks, and the smaller versions are a great option for a spare or when you’ve got hens separated.
- Capacity: four different sizes available starting at 1.5 litres.
- Reader review: “Lightweight, clean water, perfect for a trio of hens.”
- Best for: Small to medium flocks or for smaller models, quarantine setups or broody hens
Visit Amazon.co.uk for more information about the Eton Drinker
Tips for using a poultry feeder and waterer outdoors
Here are a few things I’ve found helpful over the years when setting up feeders and drinkers outside:
- Use separate setups for chicks, sick birds or broodies, especially in hot weather when access to clean water is vital.ips for using outdoor feeders effectively
- Keep them raised or under cover to stop rain, mud and bedding from getting in. Even with a rain hat, a bit of extra shelter goes a long way.
- Check daily, even if the feeder or drinker is large. Wind, pests or a spilled container can leave your birds without essentials.
- Clean regularly with hot water and a stiff brush. It’s amazing how quickly green slime can build up in drinkers during summer.
- Avoid placing near perches or dust baths, where droppings and debris can get in the feed or water.
Final thoughts
You don’t need to spend a fortune to get a good feeder and waterer for chickens. Think about your flock size, coop layout, and how often you want to be refilling and cleaning. High-end options like Grandpa’s or the Feedomatic are great for outdoor flocks with rodent concerns, while budget-friendly plastic feeders like the Eton, Blenheim or Little Hen are perfect for smaller or more sheltered runs.
Look for sturdy materials, waste-reducing designs, and something your hens can easily use – and you’ll save time, money and hassle in the long run.
If you’re still setting up your coop or run, take a look at our full Advice On Housing Chickens guide for help with choosing the right layout, equipment and safety features.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you buy through these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Product suggestions are based on personal experience and user feedback. Always check suitability for your setup and consult a vet for health-related concerns.
Kevin O’Hara got his first chickens back in 1972. A backyard chicken keeper based in Yorkshire, he created of KeepingChickens.uk back in 2012. With years of hands-on experience, he shares practical, UK-specific advice to help others care for happy, healthy hens. Learn more about Kevin on the author page.
