From feed milling facilities, feed stores to chicken pens, rodents are common threats to feed cost efficiency.
In the past, millers and farmers devised different means of keeping rodents away, such as raising cats, using traps, repellents, rat poison etc.
For poultry farmers, these methods can be costly, time-consuming, and ineffective sometimes.
For example, in Autumn, when rats are most active, how many rodent repellents would you get to stop rats from eating from your bird feeders?
Best Rat-Proof Chicken Feeder Review
The good news is that you can feed your birds without attracting rats if you adopt rat-proof chicken feed storage and a feeder.
These feeders are built to keep out sneaky rodents like rats, mice, squirrels, and the like that are always on the lookout for free meals.
They are usually made from metal or a very tough material that rodents can’t chew through.
Unlike traditional chicken feeders that are open, rodent-proof chicken feeders are built like a storage container with an opening that allows birds to peck at their feed.
The openings of some feeders are covered with a lid or flap which opens and closes as the chickens peck at it.
In some others, when a chicken steps on a treadle plate, it uses its weight to trigger the opening of a lid
Since a rat weighs far less than a chicken, the feeder stays shut when pests try to get in.
Rat-proof chicken feeders are also waste-proof since they discourage foraging, and other natural behaviors of chicken that waste feeds in open feeders.
Not only is it waste-proof, it’s rain-proof, and also prevents the spread of diseases caused by rodents.
Top Rat-Proof Chicken Feeders
While many bird feeders claim to be rodent-proof, there are fewer than 10 of them worth talking about.
When it comes to effective mouse-proof storage and feeders, Grandpa’s Automatic chicken feeder is our best recommendation.
It’s made with a heavy-duty galvanized steel and is weatherproof.
It uses a treadle system that chickens learn to operate, but rats and wild birds can’t figure out.
The lid only opens when a chicken steps on a treadle plate, keeping most rodents and wild birds away, and also helps prevent feed wastage.
The downside is that it’s pricey and takes some time and training for the chickens to get used to it.
Ratproof Chicken Feeder (RP Feeder)
RP feeder uses a cover that only opens when the treadle is depressed.
It helps prevent rodents from reaching into the feed storage.
It has dual spring doors, and the storage can hold a good amount of food so you don’t have to refill often.
It is neatly built, durable, does the job well, and is fairly priced.
Roamwild PestOff Rat Proof Chicken Feeder
The Roamwild PestOff feeder is also sturdy, has an 8lb capacity, spring-loaded feeding ports, and an automatic closing hatch.
It is built with metals, weather-proof design, and helps reduce feed waste.
It comes 3rd in our list because there are complaints about the openings which often get clogged with feed dust and that crafty rodents can still find ways in.
The Kuhl RF-50 Range Feeder
It is a big capacity option for larger flocks. It holds a whopping fifty pounds of feed and is also weather-resistant.
The downside is that it’s not fully rat-proof since it’s more of a gravity feeder.
Feed is somewhat exposed, and that makes it easier for pests to sneak snacks if you’re not careful.
Hanging feeders like the Kuhl poly hanging model with a built-in guard works better.
By lifting the feed pan off the ground and reducing spills with a guard ring, these feeders cut down on rodent attraction.
Still, plastic parts are vulnerable to chewing, so they’re not the best defence if rats are already a problem in your area.
Royal Rooster Feeder
Though it has a smaller capacity than the top 3, it comes with a rain cover, has divisions in the tray to reduce spillage, and is designed in such a way that the feed is less exposed.
It’s not ideal for large flocks but good for smaller backyard coops.
OverEZ Chicken Feeder
OverEZ is not rat-proof per se. It only has a large feed storage, durable construction, and relatively low waste.
The con is that it’s a gravity-fed style, and feed can still be exposed, so while it helps, rats may still gain access if they’re not deterred from the whole environment.
Homemade Pest Off Chicken Feeders (DIY)
If you don’t want to get automatic feeders, there are ways you can make your own mouse-proof bird feeders.
You can use a bag, barrel, or metal bin. Just make sure it’s airtight, keep the opening very small, and no gap or hole should be in your coop.
Suspend the feeder, and don’t hang it near a wall. Some poultry farmers even build their own treadle feeders from wood and scrap metal, adding a weighted flap that shuts unless a chicken presses down.
Make sure you clean up spilt feed every evening so you don’t invite rodents.
You can also deter rodents with a smell they hate. Sprinkling cayenne pepper or growing mint around the coop is helpful.
Conclusion
Keeping rats away from bird feeders is an important part of reducing feed cost, and maximising your feed efficiency.
Blocking all the holes, sealing gaps, cleaning feed spills, and using hanging feeders all help but adoption of pest-proof bird feeders can reduce much stress, and be more effective.
Grandpa’s Feeder and the RP Feeder top our charts in our review of the best waste-proof and pest-off feeders, and you can choose any one of your choice depending on your preferences and budget.
