How to choose your pest control feeder? (2025 Guide)
How to choose your pest control feeder? (2025 Guide)
Looking for the best rat-proof chicken feeder ? Learn how to choose between a treadle feeder and a hanging feeder to protect your grain, reduce waste, and keep your poultry healthy.
Rodents, pigeons, and sparrows are formidable grain thieves: they devour up to 30% of the ration and can transmit parasites and diseases to your poultry. Investing in a rodent-proof feeder is therefore a real lever for savings and animal welfare. In this guide, updated for 2025, we review the two most popular technologies— pedal and suspended —to help you make the right choice.
The two families of pest control feeders
| Family | Principle | For which chicken coop? |
|---|---|---|
| Pest-proof pedal feeder | The hen presses a pedal ; its weight opens a trapdoor giving access to the grain. | Stabilized ground, no overhead attachment points, small numbers. |
| Hanging rat-proof feeder | Hung 20-30 cm from the ground; the feeding opening remains out of reach of rats. | Available support: post, wall or tree. |
Pedal-operated pest feeder: operation, advantages, limitations
How does it work?
A hinged pedal triggers the opening of a tilting lid when the poultry climbs onto it. As they descend, the hatch closes: no more nighttime feasting by rats and no more rain-soaked grain.
Benefits
- Hermetically sealed : zero intrusion after dark.
- Rain protection : the hatch also serves as a waterproof roof.
Limits & field returns
- Noisy movement that can scare chickens.
- Sharp corners on some budget models; our rooster cut his comb during the first test.
- No anti-waste : the projected grains pass through the pedal grid and accumulate under the mechanism, attracting... rodents! Boomerang effect guaranteed.
Please note: suitable for small, calm, well-trained livestock; requires a quality model without sharp edges.
Hanging pest feeder: operation, advantages, limitations
The principle
Placed at head height (20-30 cm) and suspended by a hook, it leaves no support for rodents whose vertical jump is limited. The smooth wall prevents any climbing.
Benefits
- Proven effectiveness against rats : tested without intrusion!
- Reduced waste : wide anti-splash collar.
- Cocobol® models : XXL mouthpiece compatible with large-crested roosters; quick disassembly for express cleaning.
Disadvantages
- Essential support : stake or solid.
- Height to adjust : too low? The rats will return. Too high? The chicks will remain hungry.
Express comparison table
| Criteria | Pedal feeder | Hanging feeder |
|---|---|---|
| Rat-proof security | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ |
| Anti-waste | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★★★☆ |
| Facility | On the ground (single) | Hanging bracket (wall/stake) |
| Interview | Lubricating hinges | Quick rinse/disassembly |
| Average cost (2025) | 45–80 € | 35–90 € |
Checklist for choosing the right one
- Take stock of your constraints : number of hens, presence of roosters, available wall support, climate.
- Evaluate the budget over 3 years : purchase cost + grain loss + possible injuries.
- Choose stainless steel or thick food-grade plastic to avoid corrosion and sharp edges.
- Look at the reviews : a model rated as “quiet” is a plus for acceptance by livestock.
FAQ – Pest Control Feeder
What is the ideal height for a hanging feeder?
Aim for 25 cm between the ground and the edge of the feeder: inaccessible to adult brown rats but comfortable for the majority of hens.
How do I get my chickens used to a pedal feeder?
Lock the trapdoor in the open position for 48 hours . Then gradually reduce the opening to familiarize the herd with the movement.
Can I set up a hanging feeder in the rain?
Yes, Cocobol feeders have a large hood that protects the opening from rain.
Want to go further?
Discover the Cocobol® range – Hanging rat-proof feeders tested in real conditions.
Share your feedback in the comments; your tips will be invaluable to the entire chicken coop community!
Article updated on July 31, 2025.