Independent buying guides for backyard chickens

Feeding & Water

Feeders and waterers keep hens healthy and reduce waste. The right setup keeps feed dry, discourages rodents and supplies clean water in all weather.

Best Chicken Feeders

Best Chicken Feeders

Chicken feeders compared on capacity, waste control, weather protection and cleaning, so every bird gets to eat without billing half the ration onto the ground.

Best No-Waste Chicken Feeders

Best No-Waste Chicken Feeders

No-waste chicken feeders compared on port design, spill control, rain resistance and rodent defense, so more of every bag of feed ends up inside your birds.

Best Automatic Chicken Feeders

Best Automatic Chicken Feeders

Automatic chicken feeders compared on capacity, dispensing reliability, power backup and weatherproofing, so your flock keeps eating on time while you are away.

Best Chicken Waterers

Best Chicken Waterers

Chicken waterers compared on capacity, cleanliness, spill resistance and refill ease, so your flock always has clean water without turning the run into mud.

Best Heated Chicken Waterers for Winter

Best Heated Chicken Waterers for Winter

Heated chicken waterers and base warmers compared on wattage, thermostats, cord safety and capacity, so your flock has liquid water through freezing weather.

Best Chicken Nipple Waterer Kits

Best Chicken Nipple Waterer Kits

Nipple waterer kits compared on flow, leak resistance, hardware and bucket fit, so your flock drinks clean water without bedding, algae or daily scrubbing.

Best Chicken Treat Dispensers and Boredom Feeders

Best Chicken Treat Dispensers and Boredom Feeders

Treat dispensers and boredom feeders compared on durability, mess control and mounting, so your flock stays busy in the run without turning treats into waste.

Best Chicken Feed Storage Containers

Best Chicken Feed Storage Containers

Feed storage containers compared on seal quality, rodent resistance, capacity and moisture control, so every bag stays fresh, dry and out of reach of pests.

Best Grit and Oyster Shell Feeders

Best Grit and Oyster Shell Feeders

Grit and oyster shell feeders compared on dual compartments, weather protection and mounting, so your flock can self-serve supplements without waste or mixing.

Best Chicken Scratch and Treats

Best Chicken Scratch and Treats

Chicken scratch and treats compared on ingredients, freshness, particle size and value, so your flock gets real foraging without crowding out complete feed.

How to choose

  • Choose feeders that reduce spillage and rodent access.
  • Use heated waterers in freezing climates.
  • Offer grit and oyster shell free choice.
  • Store feed in sealed metal or rodent-proof containers.

Common questions

How much do chickens eat per day?

A standard laying hen eats roughly 1/4 pound of feed per day, more in cold weather.

Do chickens need oyster shell?

Laying hens benefit from free-choice oyster shell for strong eggshells, even when fed layer feed.