4 Reasons to Avoid Chicken Treadle Feeders

A treadle feeder may seem like an efficient solution at first glance. A treadle chicken feeder is a metal box that opens when your chickens step on a platform, designed to control feed access. However, despite its long-standing use, the step-on chicken feeder has four glaring weaknesses that make it less than ideal for backyard chicken keepers.

Tube-shaped feeders are designed to address the feed waste and spoilage issues the treadle feeder has.

How Does a Treadle Feeder Work?

The treadle feeder works by using a step-on mechanism that lifts the lid when a chicken steps on the platform, allowing access to the feed.

1. Treadle Feeder Is Not Rodent-Proof

One of the biggest myths surrounding treadle feeders is that they prevent rats from stealing your flock’s feed.

While it sounds logical that only a chicken’s weight could trigger the treadle feeder for chickens, rodents are far more clever than that. Numerous reports from chicken keepers reveal that rats can work together to trigger the step-on feeder, gaining access to the feed bay.

This can turn into a costly problem as your feed disappears at an alarming rate, and you end up feeding pests rather than your chickens.

2. Feed Waste

Another frustrating issue with a treadle feeder for chickens is feed waste.

Chickens have a natural habit of raking feed onto the floor while eating, and treadle feeders don’t prevent this. The spilled feed creates three key problems:

1. Attracting pests – Feed on the ground is a magnet for rats and other vermin.
2. Wasting money – Uneaten feed means throwing away hard-earned dollars.
3. Health risks – Feed mixed with dirt and faeces increases the chances of diseases spreading in your flock.

Even when some treadle feeder models attempt to reduce waste by adding modifications like floating grates, the problem persists. Feed continues to end up on the ground, leading to unnecessary expenses and health hazards.

Read more about preventing feed waste.

3. Feed Gets Wet

If you live in an area that experiences regular rain, treadle feeders can become a nightmare. When the lid of the chicken step feeder is open, rainwater can enter, especially if the wind blows from the sides. Wet feed quickly becomes spoiled, attracting pests with its strong odour and putting your chickens at risk of consuming moldy, unhealthy feed.

Sure, you can put the feeder under a roof or cover, but this makes a treadle chicken feeder far from reliable when it comes to keeping feed dry and fresh.

4. Breakdown of Parts

Lastly, treadle feeders have many moving parts—springs, screws, hinges, and more. The durability of these parts is dependent on the quality of the feeder.

With cheaper imported models, rust and wear can cause the parts to fail prematurely, leading to ongoing repairs and, eventually, a complete replacement. If you’re looking for a feeder that will stand the test of time, a stand on chicken feeder may not be the answer.

The Dine-A-Chook Difference

Since 2009, Dine-A-Chook has been tackling the issues that treadle feeders can't solve. Our feeders, designed with the help of a mechanical engineer, outperform any treadle chicken feeder.

Here’s why:

Rodent-Resistant

Unlike a treadle feeder for chickens, which pests can easily outsmart, Dine-A-Chook feeders are rodent-resistant. Our secure design ensures only your chickens access the feed—no more feeding unwanted pests.

No Feed Waste

Dine-A-Chook’s silo-inspired design prevents chickens from raking feed onto the ground. This reduces waste, saves money, and keeps your yard pest-free.

Weather-Proof

Unlike treadle feeders that allow rain to spoil feed, Dine-A-Chook feeders feature a patented rain hood that keeps feed dry, even during heavy downpours. Your feed stays fresh no matter the weather.

Built to Last

Forget about springs, hinges, or rust-prone parts. Dine-A-Chook feeders have no moving parts and are made from durable, rust-free PVC, far outlasting the average step-on chicken feeder.

Minimal maintenance, no breakdowns—just long-lasting performance.

Made in Australia with high-quality materials, Dine-A-Chook feeders are built to last and come with a lifetime guarantee. With over 50,000 sold worldwide, they’re trusted by chicken keepers everywhere—something a chicken treadle feeder can’t compete with.

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