Grandpa's Feeder Chicken Treadle Feeder

Grandpa’s Feeder Chicken Treadle Feeder

Grandpa’s Feeder is a galvanized steel chicken treadle feeder designed to help keep dry poultry feed available to trained adult birds while making it harder for rats, mice, and wild birds to reach the food. For a broader prevention plan, see our guide to rat and mouse control around the chicken coop. When a chicken steps onto the weight-activated treadle, the lid opens to expose the feeding trough. After the bird steps away, the lid closes again.

Choose the 20 lb Standard feeder for a smaller backyard flock or the 40 lb Large feeder for more birds and greater feed capacity. Both sizes use the same treadle-operated approach and include two training settings to help chickens become comfortable with the movement of the lid.

Standard vs. Large Grandpa’s Feeder

Specification	Standard	Large
Dry-feed capacity	Approximately 20 lb	Approximately 40 lb
Suggested flock size	Up to 12 chickens	12 or more chickens
Birds feeding at once	Approximately 3 to 4	Approximately 4 to 5
Overall dimensions	Approximately 11.5 x 17 x 20 in	Approximately 16.5 x 21.75 x 24.75 in
Empty feeder weight	Approximately 15 lb	Approximately 23 lb
Approximate activation weight	14 oz (500 g)	2 lb (900 g)

Capacity and flock guidance are useful comparison points, but refill frequency depends on the number and size of your birds, their feed consumption, and how often they use the feeder. Measure the planned location before ordering and select the size that gives every bird reasonable access.

How the Weight-Activated Chicken Feeder Works

The treadle platform is connected to the feeder lid. A chicken’s weight lowers the treadle and raises the lid so the bird can reach the trough. Once the chicken steps off, the lid returns to the closed position. This covered design helps protect feed from unwanted animals and rain while reducing opportunities for feed to be scratched or scattered from an open container.

The feeder should be described as a feed-protection tool, not as universally rat-proof, wildlife-proof, weatherproof, or spill-proof. Results depend on correct assembly, placement, training, maintenance, and local conditions.

Assembly and Placement

Grandpa’s Feeder arrives mostly assembled. Attach the treadle using the four supplied bolts, then follow the current instructions included with the feeder. Place it on a firm, level surface where the treadle can move through its full range without rubbing, rocking, or collecting bedding underneath. If you are planning the surrounding housing, use our beginner’s guide to building a chicken coop as a broader setup reference.

Allow enough space for birds to step fully onto and off the treadle.
Keep the hinge, lid, treadle, and feeding area clear of dirt, ice, bedding, and packed feed.
Confirm that the lid opens and closes smoothly before adding feed.
Use the feeder only for dry poultry feed and avoid locations exposed to flooding or standing water.

The hinged lid helps keep ordinary rain away from the feed when the feeder is correctly assembled and closed. A sheltered location can provide additional protection from severe or wind-driven weather.

Two-Stage Chicken Training Process

Do not skip the training period. The supplied training settings hold the lid progressively closer to its normal operating position so adult chickens can learn that stepping on the treadle provides access to feed.

First training setting: Secure the lid in the initial open position and allow approximately one week for the flock to eat comfortably.
Second training setting: Move to the next position for approximately another week so birds become accustomed to more treadle and lid movement.
Normal operation: Remove the training hardware as directed and observe each bird using the weight-activated treadle.

Some birds learn faster than others. Watch the entire flock, make sure timid or lower-ranking birds continue to eat, and extend a training stage when needed. Do not use this feeder with baby chicks; a chick may not operate the treadle reliably and could be placed at risk around larger birds.

Compatible Dry Poultry Feeds

The feeder is intended for dry poultry feeds, including pellets, crumbles, grain, and scratch. Do not add wet mash or other damp feed that can compact, spoil, or interfere with movement. Check the trough regularly and discard any feed that becomes wet, moldy, contaminated, or otherwise unfit for the flock.

Feed condition, particle size, and local humidity can affect flow. If feed does not move freely toward the trough, empty and clean the feeder according to the product instructions before refilling it.

Routine Care and Flock Safety

Inspect the feeder regularly rather than treating it as maintenance-free. Check the treadle, bolts, lid, hinge, trough, and surrounding surface. Test the full opening and closing motion after cleaning, relocation, severe weather, or any adjustment.

Continue normal flock and feed checks even when using a higher-capacity feeder. Confirm that every bird can operate it, that feed remains clean and dry, and that the lid closes after use. A treadle feeder can simplify feeding and help reduce waste, but it does not replace observation or responsible poultry care.

Grandpa’s Feeders Since 1994

The original Grandpa’s Feeder was developed in New Zealand in 1994 after Bill “Grandpa” Kirkham looked for a practical way to reduce feed losses to sparrows, rats, and mice. The durable galvanized steel design has since become a familiar treadle-feeder option for backyard chicken keepers.

Want a closer look at setup and everyday use? Read our hands-on Grandpa’s Feeder review.

Grandpa’s Feeder FAQs

Which Grandpa’s Feeder size should I choose?

The Standard model holds approximately 20 lb of dry feed and is suggested for flocks of up to 12 chickens. The Large holds approximately 40 lb and is intended for 12 or more birds. Also consider the available space, how many chickens need to eat at once, and your preferred refill schedule.

How does the chicken treadle feeder open?

A chicken steps onto the weight-activated platform, lowering the treadle and raising the lid over the feed trough. When the bird steps away, the lid returns to the closed position. Correct assembly, free movement, and flock training are essential.

How long does treadle-feeder training take?

The manufacturer recommends approximately one week in the first training position and another week in the second position before normal operation. Chickens learn at different rates, so observe the entire flock and extend either stage when timid or lower-ranking birds need more time.

What chicken feed can I put in Grandpa’s Feeder?

Use dry poultry feed such as pellets, crumbles, grain, or scratch. Do not add wet mash or damp feed that could compact, spoil, or interfere with feed movement. Check the trough regularly and discard feed that becomes wet, moldy, or contaminated.

Can baby chicks use Grandpa’s Feeder?

No. The feeder is intended for trained adult birds, not baby chicks. A chick may not operate the treadle reliably and could be placed at risk when larger birds step onto or off the platform.

Is Grandpa’s Feeder rat-proof or weatherproof?

The covered treadle design helps make feed harder for rats, mice, and wild birds to reach and helps shield it from ordinary rain. It is not a universal rat-proof, wildlife-proof, or weatherproof guarantee. Results depend on setup, maintenance, training, placement, and local conditions.

How much assembly does the feeder require?

The feeder arrives mostly assembled. Attach the treadle with the four supplied bolts and follow the current instructions included with the product. Place it on a firm, level surface and confirm that the treadle and lid move freely before adding feed.

How often will I need to refill the feeder?

Refill frequency varies with flock size, bird size, feed consumption, and use. The 20 lb and 40 lb capacities are reliable comparison points, but they do not guarantee a specific number of feeding days. Continue checking feed condition and quantity as part of the normal flock routine.