Grandpas Feeders Automatic Chicken Feeder, 20 lbs No Waste Rat Proof Treadle Feeder, Galvanized Steel Review (2026)

Who this feeder is for

Grandpa's Feeders built this as the standard size in their treadle lineup, sized to feed about six chickens for up to ten days per fill according to the manufacturer. That makes it a fit for backyard flocks rather than large operations, where the smaller footprint also matters in a tighter coop or run. If your main problem is grain disappearing overnight to rats or sparrows rather than simple convenience, this style of feeder addresses that directly in a way an open hopper cannot, which is the reason to pick a treadle design over a cheaper tube feeder in the first place.

How the treadle system works

The lid sits on a hinged plate that a hen's weight pushes down to reveal the feed trough underneath, then springs shut when she steps off. The manufacturer notes a standard feeder needs roughly 14 ounces of downward pressure to open, while an adult rat weighs around 9 to 11 ounces, which is why rats and mice generally cannot trigger it. Construction is galvanized steel with an aluminum textured tread plate, and an anti-flick grill over the trough stops birds from scattering feed onto the ground where it can pick up droppings and pathogens. Two training bolts are included to prop the lid partly open while hens learn the motion.

Setup and getting hens trained

Expect a learning curve of several days to a couple of weeks depending on the flock, since hens raised on open feeders need to associate stepping on the plate with food appearing. The included training bolts hold the lid ajar at first so birds can see and smell the feed before you remove the bolts and let the treadle close fully. Once trained, refilling is straightforward since the body opens from the top, and the galvanized steel and aluminum tread plate are built to handle outdoor weather without rusting through the way an untreated steel feeder would over a wet season.

How it compares with other treadle feeders

Grandpa's own 40 pound version of this same feeder holds twice the feed and suits larger flocks or keepers who want fewer refills, at a higher price and larger footprint than this 20 pound standard size. RentACoop's 40 pound metal treadle feeder is a similar rat resistant, rainproof step-on design from a different manufacturer, worth comparing if you want a second brand's take on the same mechanism. Against plastic port style automatic feeders, this metal treadle costs more up front but avoids the cracking and chewing that plastic housings are prone to outdoors.

Verdict and who should consider other options

Small flock keepers dealing with rodent losses who are willing to spend a week training hens onto the treadle will find this a durable, effective fix, reflected in our score of 8.6 out of 10 overall. Keepers who need to feed more than six or seven birds per fill should size up to Grandpa's 40 pound version instead of stretching this one further, and anyone who wants the cheapest possible feeder with no training period involved will likely be happier with a basic open hopper despite the pest exposure that comes with it. Weigh the higher metal treadle price against how much grain you are currently losing to rats and mice before deciding, since the payback period is often faster than keepers expect once losses stop.

Frequently asked questions