When you’re raising chickens, keeping feed costs low and the coop tidy can feel like a daily challenge.
Besides giving your flock tasty snacks or fresh greens, having the right feeder setup makes a world of difference.
These 20 budget-friendly DIY chicken feeders are designed to reduce waste, save time, and make feeding simpler than ever.
#1. Barrel-Style Gravity Feeder Setup
This clever DIY chicken feeder turns a simple plastic barrel into a practical, mess-free feeding station.
Using PVC elbows inserted near the base, it allows chickens to peck at the feed inside without scattering it across the ground.
The large trash can holds a generous amount of feed, minimizing refilling chores and protecting the grain from rain and pests.
#2. Raised Red Plastic Feeder Setup
This sturdy red feeder is a simple yet effective design that every backyard chicken keeper can appreciate.
Elevated slightly above the ground, it keeps dirt and debris out while making feed access easier for hens of all sizes.
Its covered top prevents rain from soaking the feed, keeping everything dry and fresh even on damp mornings.
#3. Simple Round Pan Chicken Feeder
Ever wondered if the easiest feeding method could also be the most effective? This round pan feeder proves that simplicity often wins in the chicken yard. Using a shallow metal basin or repurposed oil pan, this design gives every bird equal access to feed while minimizing crowding and waste. It’s especially practical for smaller flocks or backyard setups where space is tight. Just pour in your grain mix, set it on a level patch of ground, and watch your hens gather around for a peaceful meal.
#4. Automatic Metal Treadle Chicken Feeder
This clever automatic feeder keeps your flock fed while protecting their food from pests and weather.
Built from durable galvanized metal, it opens only when a chicken steps onto the treadle, preventing wild birds and rodents from stealing feed.
It’s especially useful for outdoor coops where grain waste can attract unwanted guests.
Plus, the sloped lid keeps rain out, and the feeder’s reflective surface makes it easy to clean and monitor.
#5. Upcycled Rubber Boot Chicken Feeder
This creative setup gives worn-out rubber boots a second life by turning them into rustic, wall-mounted chicken feeders.
Simply fill each boot with grain and fasten them securely to a wooden post or wall inside the coop.
The tall shape keeps feed dry and contained, while the open tops make refilling effortless.
#6. Wooden Hexagon Chicken Feeder Table
This beautifully crafted wooden feeder adds a touch of charm to any coop while keeping feeding time neat and organized.
Built in a hexagonal shape, it allows multiple chickens to gather comfortably around the edges, minimizing crowding and squabbles.
The raised design helps prevent dirt and debris from mixing with the feed, ensuring cleaner and healthier meals.
#7. Galvanized Barrel Chicken Feeder
Your chickens will love this sturdy, farm-style galvanized feeder that looks straight out of a vintage homestead.
Made from a repurposed metal grain bin, it holds a generous amount of feed, perfect for large flocks.
The conical lid keeps moisture out, while gravity steadily releases feed into the trough below.
Elevated slightly on cinder blocks, it prevents dampness and rodent access.
#8. Vertical Gravity Wall Chicken Feeder
Want a feeder that saves both floor space and effort? This vertical wall-mounted gravity feeder is the perfect hands-off solution.
Built using scrap wood and wire mesh, it lets feed flow downward as chickens eat, ensuring a constant supply without daily refilling.
The slanted back keeps grains from clumping, and the raised trough minimizes waste while keeping food clean.
#9. Dual Bottle Feeder and Waterer for Chicks
Tiny chicks deserve a setup that’s just as smart as it is adorable.
This DIY dual feeder and waterer uses two recycled plastic bottles mounted on a simple wooden frame including one for feed, one for fresh water.
The gravity-fed design ensures a steady supply without constant refilling, while the shallow trays at the bottom make it easy for little beaks to reach.
#10. Trash Bin Gravity Chicken Feeder
This DIY feeder turns an ordinary trash bin into a smart, large-capacity chicken feeder that saves time and reduces waste.
By cutting holes near the bottom and fitting PVC elbows, the design lets chickens peck at the feed without scattering it everywhere.
The vertical storage keeps the grain dry and protected from rodents or rain, while gravity ensures a steady flow of food.
#11. Hanging Veggie Treat Feeder for Chickens
This clever hanging feeder is a fun and healthy way to keep your flock entertained while providing fresh greens.
Using a simple suet cage, you can stuff it with lettuce, kale, cabbage, or other leafy veggies.
The feeder is suspended by a sturdy rope, allowing it to swing slightly, turning snack time into a playful challenge that prevents boredom and stress in confined coops.
#12. Gravity Barrel Chicken Feeder with PVC Ports
If you’ve got a big flock and hate constant refilling, this gravity barrel feeder might just become your favorite DIY upgrade.
Made from a large metal drum fitted with PVC feeding ports, it lets chickens eat comfortably without scattering food everywhere.
The design uses gravity to keep feed flowing steadily while protecting it from rain and debris.
#13. PVC Pipe Chicken Feeder Coop Setup
This modern coop design features two vertical PVC pipe feeders that blend efficiency with clean aesthetics.
Each pipe acts as a gravity-fed dispenser, fill from the top, and feed flows smoothly to the openings at the base where hens can easily peck without scattering it.
Mounted securely inside the coop, these feeders keep grain dry, safe from pests, and easy to refill.
#14. Hanging Treat Tray Chicken Feeder
Who says feeding time can’t be fun? This DIY hanging treat tray adds a playful twist to your coop setup.
Suspended securely with chains, the bright yellow feeder keeps fruits and veggies like watermelon slices off the ground.
The wire base allows dirt to fall through while letting chickens peck comfortably from all sides.
Plus, the swinging motion keeps your birds entertained, turning mealtime into a mini workout.
#15. Triple PVC Gravity Feeder Design
Clean, efficient, and brilliantly simple, this triple PVC pipe feeder is a modern take on DIY chicken feeding.
The design uses three sturdy vertical pipes secured to the coop wall, each serving as a gravity-fed dispenser.
Feed naturally flows down to the open ends, giving multiple hens access at once without crowding or waste.
#16. Hanging Bucket Chicken Feeder Setup
If you’re tired of feed spilling everywhere, this hanging bucket feeder idea is a game-changer.
Simple metal pails are suspended from sturdy ropes within the run, keeping the feed elevated, clean, and dry.
The design reduces waste by preventing chickens from scratching feed onto the ground while still making it easy for them to peck comfortably.
#17. Hanging Bottle Chicken Feeder
You can make this smart little feeder using an old plastic bottle and a few bits of string.
By cutting and shaping the bottle, then taping it for reinforcement, the design allows feed to flow gradually into a small dish at the bottom.
Hanging it slightly above the bedding keeps debris out and prevents tipping.
#18. Stylish Outdoor Chicken Feeder
By blending modern design with practical function, this outdoor feeder brings a sleek look to your backyard flock.
Made of durable, weather-resistant material, it features a curved handle design that also serves as a rain guard, keeping the feed dry even in damp conditions.
Its circular base provides easy access for multiple hens while preventing excessive waste.
#19. DIY Plastic Bin Chicken Feeder
This creative feeder uses a simple plastic storage bin with PVC elbows inserted on each side, turning it into a clean, efficient feeding station.
The closed design keeps feed dry and protected from pests while allowing multiple chickens to eat comfortably through the pipe openings.
Its see-through sides make it easy to check the feed level at a glance, and the removable lid ensures quick refills.
#20. Long PVC Tube Chicken Feeder with Roof Cover
This practical feeder design is perfect for larger flocks, allowing multiple chickens to eat at once without crowding.
Built using a long PVC pipe as the feed trough, it’s supported on sturdy cinder blocks and framed with wood for stability.
The slanted wooden roof keeps the feed dry and protected from rain while reducing waste from scattering.
Read more: 20+ Homemade Chicken Treat Ideas for a Happy, Healthy Coop
