Best Rat-Proof Treadle Chicken Feeders UK (2026)
This guide contains affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. Find out more.
If rats, mice or wild birds are helping themselves to your hens’ food, a treadle feeder is the most effective fix. The lid only opens when a hen steps on the plate, so the feed stays sealed away from pests the rest of the time. It also keeps rain out of the feed and cuts the amount of pellets flicked onto the ground. In this guide we pick the best treadle feeders on Amazon UK, explain what makes a good one, and show you how to train your hens to use it.
Our top picks at a glance
| Feeder | Capacity | Best for | Price (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grandpa’s Feeders Treadle Feeder | 9kg | Best overall | £160 |
| Feedomatic Automatic Feeder | 8kg | Best adjustable step plate | £65 |
| 5kg Treadle Feeder with Lid | 5kg | Budget option | £29 |
Why use a treadle feeder?
- It keeps rats and mice out. Open feeders left in the run overnight are one of the main reasons rats move into gardens with hens. See our guide on stopping rats eating chicken feed.
- It keeps wild birds away. That saves feed and, importantly, reduces contact between your hens and wild birds during bird flu season.
- It keeps feed dry. Wet pellets go mouldy quickly in a British winter.
- It cuts waste. Many treadle designs stop hens flicking pellets onto the floor.
- It saves time. Larger models hold enough feed for a week or more.
The best treadle feeders in the UK
1. Grandpa’s Feeders — best overall
The original treadle feeder, with over a thousand reviews on Amazon UK. It’s built from galvanised steel and aluminium, so rats can’t chew through it.
- Holds up to 9kg — six hens for up to 10 days
- Full lid protects against rats, wild birds and rain
- Anti-flick grill to cut waste
- Side guards so hens feed from the front
What we like: Proven, sturdy and genuinely effective against pests.
Worth knowing: Expensive, and hens need a few days to learn to use it.
2. Feedomatic Automatic Feeder — best adjustable step plate
A galvanised treadle feeder with a step plate you can adjust to the weight of your birds — useful if you have a mixed flock.
- 8kg capacity
- Step plate adjusts from 250g to 5kg
- Galvanised steel and ABS plastic
- About 28 x 23 x 46cm
What we like: The adjustable weight setting means you can set it so bantams can open it but rats can’t.
Worth knowing: Owner reviews are good but more mixed than Grandpa’s.
3. 5kg Treadle Feeder with Lid — budget option
A smaller, low-cost treadle feeder for two to four hens.
- 5kg capacity
- Lid and step plate
- Supplied with a feed scoop
What we like: An affordable way to try a treadle feeder.
Worth knowing: It has a low number of reviews and a lower rating, so it’s a gamble compared with the others.
What to look for in a treadle feeder
- Metal construction. Galvanised steel or aluminium resists gnawing and lasts for years. All-plastic feeders can be chewed.
- The right step weight. Heavy enough that a rat or squirrel can’t open it, light enough for your smallest hen. Adjustable plates are ideal for mixed flocks.
- Capacity. As a rough guide, a large hen eats around 120–150g of pellets a day, so a 9kg feeder lasts six hens around ten days.
- A full lid. Keeps feed dry and stops wild birds from reaching it.
- Anti-waste features. Grills or lips that stop hens flicking feed out.
- Easy filling and cleaning. A wide opening at the top makes life easier.
How to train hens to use a treadle feeder
- For the first few days, wedge the lid fully open so hens get used to eating from it.
- Lower the lid gradually over a week, so they have to step on the plate to see the feed.
- Once they’re confident, let it work normally. Most hens learn quickly by copying each other.
- Keep an eye on timid or low-ranking hens for the first week to make sure they’re eating.
Where to put your feeder
Place it on firm, level ground in a covered part of the run, so rain can’t get in and the step plate can move freely. Standing it on a paving slab stops it sinking into mud and makes it harder for rats to burrow underneath.
Frequently asked questions
Can rats open treadle feeders?
A well-set treadle feeder is very effective. Occasionally a large rat may learn to open a light step plate, so choose a model with a suitable weight setting and remove spilled feed.
Are treadle feeders suitable for bantams?
Yes, if the step plate is light enough. Adjustable models are best for bantams.
Can I use mash in a treadle feeder?
Pellets work best. Mash can clog the mechanism and get damp.
Not convinced you need a treadle? See our wider best chicken feeders guide.
Prices, ratings and specifications were checked on Amazon UK in October 2026 and may have changed since. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
