Potchen 2 Pcs Slide-Top Galvanized Metal Chicken Feeder Trough with Removable Top, Multi-Hole Tray, 12 Inch Review (2026)

Who these small metal troughs fit

This feeder is sized for young or small poultry, including chicks, quail, pigeons, and ducklings, rather than a flock of full grown adult hens. Because it comes as a set of two, it works well for keepers who want to space out feeding stations across a brooder or small pen so birds are not crowding around a single trough at mealtime. Anyone who has dealt with a plastic feeder cracking or getting chewed on by rodents is a natural fit for this product, since galvanized metal resists both wear and pecking far better than lighter plastic troughs. It is less suited to a flock of a dozen or more full size hens, where the 12 inch length and multi-hole design would create bottlenecks at feeding time.

How the slide top and multi-hole tray work

Each trough is built from galvanized steel, chosen for durability and resistance to rust and corrosion compared with plastic alternatives, with independent feeding holes running along both sides of the tray. That multi-hole layout is designed to space birds out around the trough, which helps young or timid chicks get access to feed without being pushed out by more dominant birds. The top slides open for filling and lifts off entirely for cleaning, which is a meaningful upgrade over troughs with a hinged or flip lid that can be harder to fully empty and scrub. Because the metal tray has no hidden crevices once the top is removed, leftover feed and droppings are easier to rinse out completely between uses.

Setting it up and living with it

The trough is lightweight enough to move easily between a brooder box, a small pen, or a covered outdoor spot, which makes it convenient for keepers who rotate feeding stations as chicks grow or as weather changes. Because it is made of metal, it is worth running a hand along the edges before the first use to check for any sharp spots left from manufacturing, a reasonable precaution for any galvanized steel product used around young birds. Regular use mostly involves sliding the top open to refill feed and periodically removing the top entirely for a full wash, which keeps the multiple feeding holes from clogging with damp feed or droppings. Two troughs let a keeper split a brood across a brooder box or small run so birds are not all crowding one feeding point.

How it compares with plastic flip top feeders

This set ranks first of seven in our chick feeder guide with our score of 8.6 out of 10, ahead of plastic flip top troughs from other brands that share a similar no-spill design but lack the metal build. Against those plastic competitors, the galvanized metal here holds up better to pecking, sunlight, and repeated washing over a full brooding season, which is the main reason it scores higher on build and materials. The honest trade-off is length, since at 12 inches this trough is shorter than some plastic options and can feel crowded once chicks grow past the first few weeks and start eating more at once. Keepers who expect to keep using the same feeder well into a bird's adult life should plan to size up rather than relying on this trough long term.

Bottom line and who should size up

For a keeper raising chicks, quail, or other small poultry who wants a durable, easy to clean feeder for the brooder stage, this 2 pack earns our score of 9 out of 10 for build and materials and is a solid, practical pick. Anyone managing a larger brood that is outgrowing the 12 inch length should plan to add a bigger feeder as birds mature rather than relying on this trough alone. Keepers who specifically need a feeder for full grown adult hens, rather than chicks or smaller birds, will likely be better served by a larger capacity trough or a hanging feeder sized for their flock.

Frequently asked questions