How to Keep Chickens from Wasting Food with the Right Feeder
How to Keep Chickens from Wasting Food with the Right Feeder
If you’ve noticed your chickens wasting feed, you’re not alone. It’s a common issue for backyard chicken keepers across New Zealand. Whether it’s feed being scratched onto the ground, blown away by the wind, or contaminated by dirt and droppings, wasted feed means wasted money. Fortunately, there are practical steps you can take to reduce this problem—starting with choosing the right feeder.
At Dine-A-Chook, we understand this issue firsthand. The Dine-A-Chook feeder was created by Ryan Biggin and his father, a retired mechanical engineer after they struggled with the same challenges as you with their own backyard chickens. They tried various options, but nothing stopped the waste—until they designed their own solution. After years of testing and fine-tuning, they developed a feeder that nearly eliminates feed waste, keeping your chooks healthy and your feed bill down.
Trusted by over 50,000 backyard chicken keepers worldwide, Dine-A-Chook feeders and chicken drinkers are built on real experience and expert engineering. If you’re tired of wasted feed and want a reliable, long-lasting solution, it’s time to make the switch.
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Why Are My Chickens Wasting Feed?
Chickens are notorious for making a mess with their food.
They scratch, spill, and toss feed onto the ground, leaving you with wasted food and higher costs.
But why does this happen?
Often, it’s because of the type of feeder being used. Traditional open feeders or poorly designed models make it easy for chickens to rake food out with their beaks and feet.
In some cases, raising the feeder higher off the ground can reduce waste. When the feeder is too low, chickens tend to scatter the feed. Keeping the feeder at an “uncomfortably high” level, just above their chest, can help minimise this behaviour.
Another tip is to switch from crumbles to pellets. Pellets tend to stay intact, while crumbles encourage chickens to scratch and spread the food around.
In some flocks, the natural pecking order may cause dominant chickens to bully others at the feeder, causing them to scatter the feed as they rush or get pushed aside. Multiple feeding stations and enough space for all chickens to comfortably access the feed can help reduce this.
You can also try portion control, feeding your chickens measured amounts instead of letting them free-feed.
Finally, don’t overlook the impact of the weather. Wind can blow feed out of open feeders, and rain can turn it soggy, leading to spoilage. Keeping feeders in sheltered areas or using covered feeders can help protect the feed and prevent it from going to waste.
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How Dine-A-Chook Feeders Stop Feed Waste
One of the biggest frustrations for chicken keepers is seeing their flock rake feed onto the ground, where it’s wasted.
Dine-A-Chook feeders were specifically designed to tackle this issue head-on. The smart, no-spill design ensures that 99.9% of the feed stays where it belongs—in your chickens' bellies.
The feeder’s shape and layout make it impossible for chooks to scratch or spill their food, and the carefully engineered feeding ports allow just the right amount of access without any waste. This means less feed on the ground and more going directly to your chickens, saving you time and money.
Years of development went into creating this waste-free chicken feeder, and the results speak for themselves. With feedback from thousands of satisfied customers, Dine-A-Chook has become the go-to solution for chicken keepers wanting to stop feed waste for good.
→ Discover the Best Chicken Feeder to Prevent Waste
Keep Feed Clean, Safe, and Protected from Pests
Keeping your chickens' feed off the ground not only reduces waste but also helps maintain a healthy flock.
When feed gets contaminated by dirt, droppings, or moisture, it can lead to illness and spoilage. Dine-A-Chook feeders are designed to keep feed clean and dry, ensuring it stays fresh and safe for your chooks.
Rodents are another common issue for chicken keepers.
Traditional feeders are often outsmarted by pests, leading to wasted feed and contamination. Dine-A-Chook feeders, however, are rodent-resistant, designed to keep pests out and protect your feed, saving both food and money in the long run.
Weatherproof Design for New Zealand Conditions
New Zealand’s weather can be unpredictable, with heavy rain, wind, and sudden changes that can ruin unprotected feed. Dine-A-Chook feeders are built to withstand these challenges.
The patented rain hood and gutter system keep feed dry and fresh, no matter the weather.
These feeders were originally tested in Queensland’s harsh climate, and they’ve been designed to handle everything from rain to strong winds.
By keeping feed dry and protected, Dine-A-Chook feeders help prevent spoilage and waste, even in New Zealand’s unpredictable weather conditions.
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Built to Last
When you invest in a feeder, you want to know it will last.
Dine-A-Chook feeders are built from high-quality PVC, making them rust-free and durable enough to handle New Zealand’s conditions. They won’t break down in the elements or require constant repairs.
Each feeder is assembled in Townsville, Australia, under strict quality control. Dine-A-Chook feeders are so reliable that they come with a 6-year warranty, giving you peace of mind that your investment is protected.
With over 50,000 backyard chicken keepers already using these feeders, you know they’re built to last.
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Save Money by Reducing Feed Waste
When chickens waste feed, it’s not just frustrating—it’s expensive. Every bit of feed that ends up on the ground is money out of your pocket.
Practical steps like raising the feeder to chest height, switching from crumbles to pellets, and controlling portions can make a noticeable difference. But the biggest impact comes from using a feeder specifically designed to prevent waste.
At Dine-A-Chook, we’ve engineered our feeders to ensure 99.9% of the feed goes directly to your chickens, not on the ground. By investing in a waste-free feeder, you’ll save money and keep your feed clean and dry, making a big difference to your bottom line.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Feed and Feeders
When it comes to feeding chickens, there are a few questions that often come up:
How long does chicken feed last?
Chicken feed can last several months if stored properly in a cool, dry place. Keeping it sealed and away from moisture helps prevent spoilage. Using a waste-free feeder, like Dine-A-Chook, ensures that your feed stays clean and dry, reducing waste and extending its shelf life.
How can I stop my chickens from wasting food?
The right feeder makes all the difference. Dine-A-Chook feeders are designed to stop chickens from raking feed out or spilling it onto the ground, thanks to years of engineering and testing. By minimising feed waste, you’ll save money and keep your flock well-fed.
For more answers to common questions, check out our FAQ page. If you have specific questions about our feeders or need advice on keeping chickens, feel free to contact us here.
Get a Waste-Free Feeder for Your Flock Today
If you’re tired of seeing feed go to waste, it’s time to make the switch to a Dine-A-Chook feeder.
These feeders aren’t just built to reduce waste—they’re made to last, resist pests, and stand up to New Zealand’s weather.
With over 50,000 chicken keepers around the world relying on Dine-A-Chook, you know you’re getting a product you can trust.
So why wait? Get a feeder that saves you money, keeps your feed clean, and lasts for years.