I have spent a considerable amount of time and money on finding the perfect chicken feeder. I have tried various types of feeders, including gravity feeders, treadle feeders, and trough feeders, but none of them seem to be the perfect fit for my flock. That’s when I discovered the wall-mounted chicken feeder. In this article, I will discuss the benefits of using a wall-mounted chicken feeder and share my personal experience with this type of feeder.
What is a Wall-Mounted Chicken Feeder?
A wall-mounted chicken feeder is exactly what it sounds like – a feeder that is mounted on a wall or fence. These feeders come in various sizes and styles, but most have a hopper or container for holding the feed and a tray or trough for dispensing the feed to the chickens. The feeder is typically mounted at chicken height, which makes it easy for the birds to access their food.
Benefits of Using a Wall-Mounted Chicken Feeder
There are several benefits to using a wall-mounted chicken feeder, including:
- Space-Saving Design: A wall-mounted chicken feeder takes up less floor space than other types of feeders, making it a great option for small coops or runs.
- Easy to Clean: Wall-mounted chicken feeders are typically easy to clean, as the feed tray or trough can be removed for cleaning.
- Reduces Waste: Wall-mounted chicken feeders are designed to minimize feed waste, as the feed is dispensed in small amounts and the chickens are less likely to scratch or spill the feed.
- Keeps Feed Dry: A wall-mounted chicken feeder can help keep the feed dry, as it is mounted off the ground and away from moisture and other contaminants.
- Easy to Refill: Wall-mounted chicken feeders are typically easy to refill, as the hopper or container can be easily accessed from the top.
- Reduces Rodent Problems: A wall-mounted chicken feeder can help reduce the likelihood of rodent problems, as the feed is mounted off the ground and inaccessible to rodents.
My Personal Experience with a Wall-Mounted Chicken Feeder
I have been using a wall-mounted chicken feeder for several months now, and I am very happy with the results. Here are a few things I have noticed since switching to a wall-mounted feeder:
- Reduced Feed Waste: Before switching to a wall-mounted feeder, I was constantly cleaning up spilled feed and dealing with chickens that were wasting their food. Since switching to a wall-mounted feeder, I have noticed a significant reduction in feed waste, which has saved me both time and money.
- Easy to Clean: The feeder is very easy to clean, as the feed tray can be easily removed for cleaning. I typically clean the feeder once a week, and it only takes a few minutes to do so.
- Easy to Refill: The feeder is very easy to refill, as the hopper can be easily accessed from the top. I typically refill the feeder every other day, and it only takes a few minutes to do so.
- Reduced Rodent Problems: Since switching to a wall-mounted feeder, I have noticed a significant reduction in the number of rodents in and around my coop. This has been a huge relief, as rodent problems can be a major headache for chicken owners.
Choosing the Right Wall-Mounted Chicken Feeder
When choosing a wall-mounted chicken feeder, there are several factors to consider, including:
- Size: The size of the feeder will depend on the size of your flock. Be sure to choose a feeder that is large enough to accommodate your chickens’ needs.
- Material: Wall-mounted chicken feeders come in various materials, including plastic, metal, and wood. Be sure to choose a material
Types of Wall-Mounted Chicken Feeders
- Tube Feeders: This type of feeder has a cylindrical tube made of plastic or metal, with holes on the sides for chickens to access the food. It can be mounted on the wall or hung from a chain. Tube feeders are great for providing a continuous supply of food and keeping it clean and dry.
- Trough Feeders: This feeder has a long, narrow trough with raised edges to prevent the feed from spilling. Trough feeders can be made of plastic, metal or wood and can be mounted on the wall or hung from chains. They are great for feeding larger flocks and are easy to fill and clean.
- Gravity Feeders: This type of feeder has a hopper that holds the feed and dispenses it as chickens peck at the tray or dish below. Gravity feeders can be mounted on the wall or hung from chains. They are easy to use and can hold a large amount of feed, making them great for larger flocks.
- Automatic Feeders: These feeders are designed to dispense a predetermined amount of feed at set intervals, using either gravity or electronic mechanisms. They can be mounted on the wall or placed on a stand. Automatic feeders are great for busy chicken owners who don’t have time to refill the feeder multiple times a day.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Wall-Mounted Chicken Feeder
- Capacity: The feeder should be able to hold enough feed to last for a few days, depending on the size of your flock. If you have a large flock, choose a feeder with a higher capacity.
- Material: The material of the feeder should be durable, easy to clean, and resistant to weather and pests. Plastic and metal feeders are the most common materials used.
- Ease of Use: Choose a feeder that is easy to fill and clean. Look for features such as a removable tray or hopper for easy cleaning.
- Price: The price of the feeder should be within your budget. Automatic feeders tend to be more expensive than tube or trough feeders.
- Space: Consider the space where the feeder will be mounted. Make sure it is easily accessible for your chickens and won’t take up too much space in your coop.
Installation of a Wall-Mounted Chicken Feeder
Once you’ve chosen the right feeder for your flock, it’s time to install it on the wall. Here are some steps to follow:
- Choose the location: Find a suitable spot on the wall for the feeder. It should be easily accessible for your chickens and away from other equipment in the coop.
- Mount the bracket: Most feeders come with brackets that need to be mounted on the wall. Use screws and a drill to secure the bracket to the wall.
- Attach the feeder: Once the bracket is secure, attach the feeder to the bracket. Make sure it is level and secure.
- Fill the feeder: Finally, fill the feeder with the appropriate amount of feed and monitor it regularly to ensure it doesn’t run out.
Conclusion
A wall-mounted chicken feeder is a great investment for any chicken owner. It provides a clean and efficient way to feed your flock, saves space in the coop, and prevents the feed from getting wet or contaminated. With a wide range of feeders available in the market, it’s easy to find one that fits your budget, capacity and space requirements. Remember to choose a feeder that is easy to fill and clean, durable, and appropriate for your flock size.
