Chicken Treadle Feeder - 18.5kg Rodent-Proof, Weatherproof Automatic Poultry Feeder

Automatic Treadle Chicken Feeder 18.5kg Large Rodent-Resistant Chicken Feeder For Australian Flocks This heavy-duty 18.5kg automatic treadle chicken feeder helps protect poultry feed from rats, mice, wild birds and other unwanted visitors while reducing feed waste. The lid opens when a chicken stands on the treadle and closes after the bird steps away. This helps keep feed covered, cleaner and less accessible to pests than an open feeder. With a large 18.5kg feed capacity, this feeder is suited to backyard chicken keepers, breeders, hobby farms and medium to large poultry flocks that want to refill less often. Quick answer: This feeder is designed for pellets, crumbles, mash and suitable grains. Position it on firm, level ground in a sheltered part of the coop or poultry run for the best performance. Key Features Automatic treadle mechanism: The feed lid opens when a chicken stands on the pedal. Rodent-resistant design: Helps discourage rats, mice, wild birds and other pests from accessing feed. Large 18.5kg capacity: Reduces the need for frequent refilling. Enclosed feed compartment: Helps keep poultry feed cleaner and more protected. Reduced feed waste: Limits scratching, flicking and easy access by unwanted animals. Weather-resistant construction: Suitable for chicken coops, covered poultry runs and outdoor feeding areas. Rust-resistant metal construction: Designed for durable everyday poultry use. Suitable for multiple feed types: Use with pellets, crumbles, mash and many commonly fed grains. Who Is This 18.5kg Chicken Feeder For? This larger-capacity treadle feeder may suit: Backyard chicken keepers Laying hens Breeding flocks Free-range poultry Hobby farms Medium to large flocks Owners experiencing feed loss from rodents or wild birds Owners wanting fewer feeder refills Actual feed duration depends on the number and size of birds, their daily intake, the feed type and the amount of feed lost elsewhere. How The Automatic Treadle Feeder Works A chicken steps onto the treadle pedal. The bird's weight activates the mechanism. The feed-access lid opens. The chicken eats from the protected feed area. The lid closes after the bird steps away. The closed design helps reduce casual access by rodents, wild birds and other animals that do not correctly operate the treadle. No feeder can guarantee complete pest exclusion in every environment. Correct setup, training, feed storage and coop hygiene remain important. Will A Treadle Feeder Stop Rats Eating Chicken Feed? A correctly adjusted treadle feeder can significantly reduce access to chicken feed by rats, mice and wild birds. Unlike open feeders, the feed compartment stays closed when chickens are not eating. For the best rodent-control results: Do not leave spilled feed on the ground overnight Store spare chicken feed in sealed containers Keep the area around the feeder clean Repair gaps and entry points around the coop Position the feeder away from objects rodents can climb from Ensure the lid closes correctly after use Check the feeder regularly for damage or poor adjustment Read our guide to How To Stop Rats Eating Chicken Feed. How To Train Chickens To Use A Treadle Feeder Most chickens can learn to use a treadle feeder, but they may need a short training period. Step 1: Introduce The Feeder Place the feeder in the flock's usual feeding area. Make sure it sits on firm, level ground and does not rock when a bird steps onto the treadle. Step 2: Keep The Lid Open Begin with the lid secured open so the birds can see and access the feed without operating the pedal. Step 3: Partially Close The Lid Once the chickens are confidently eating from the feeder, adjust the lid so it moves slightly when they step on the treadle. Step 4: Use Normal Treadle Operation Gradually move to full treadle operation. Observe the flock to ensure all birds can confidently open and use the feeder. Step 5: Monitor Shy Or Young Birds Some birds may take longer to learn. Make sure every chicken continues eating normally during the transition. Do not remove all alternative feed access until you are confident the entire flock can use the treadle feeder. What Feed Can Be Used? This automatic chicken feeder may be used with many common poultry feeds, including: Chicken pellets Poultry crumbles Suitable mash Layer feed Grower feed Many commonly fed grains Very wet, sticky or badly clumped feed may not flow correctly. Keep feed dry and check the dispensing area regularly. Where Should The Feeder Be Positioned? For the best results, place the feeder: On firm and level ground Inside a covered coop or sheltered run Away from heavy wind-driven rain Away from muddy or frequently flooded areas Where chickens can approach comfortably Where the treadle can move freely Away from walls or objects that interfere with the mechanism Although the feeder is designed for outdoor poultry environments, sheltering it from prolonged heavy rain can help keep feed in better condition and extend the life of the feeder. Why Choose An 18.5kg Treadle Feeder? The large capacity makes this model practical for owners who want fewer refills and a more protected feeding setup. Suitable for larger backyard flocks Convenient for breeders and hobby farms Reduces the frequency of filling the feeder Helps protect more feed at one time Useful when owners are away from the coop during the day Supports cleaner, more organised feeding areas 18.5kg Treadle Feeder Vs Open Chicken Feeder Feature 18.5kg Treadle Feeder Traditional Open Feeder Feed access Covered until a chicken activates the treadle Feed remains openly accessible Rodent deterrence Designed to reduce pest access Rodents and wild birds may access feed more easily Training required Yes, chickens need to learn the treadle Usually no training required Feed protection Enclosed feed compartment Feed is exposed while in the trough Best suited to Owners wanting pest resistance and reduced waste Simple everyday feeding How To Reduce Chicken Feed Waste A treadle feeder works best as part of a broader feed-management routine. Use a feeder suited to the size of your flock Keep the feeder level and correctly adjusted Clean spilled feed promptly Do not overfill open feeding trays Keep feed dry and free from mould Store bulk feed in sealed containers Inspect the treadle and lid regularly Keep wild birds away from poultry feeding areas where possible Compare feeder types in our guide to the Best Chicken Feeders For Backyard Flocks. Cleaning And Maintenance Remove old or damp feed before refilling Brush loose feed from corners and moving parts Wipe internal and external surfaces as needed Allow the feeder to dry fully before adding fresh feed Check that the treadle moves freely Inspect the lid and hinges for damage Check for rust, sharp edges or loose fittings Confirm the feeder remains stable and level Do not use the feeder if damaged parts create a risk to birds or prevent the lid from closing correctly. Complete Your Poultry Feeding Setup 9kg Galvanised Metal Poultry Feeder - A traditional feeder for everyday backyard poultry feeding. 9L Galvanised Poultry Drinker - Helps keep fresh drinking water available for the flock. Vetsense Poultry Coop Cleaner 500mL - For routine cleaning of poultry housing. Vetsense Avi-VITAL 500mL - Poultry vitamin, mineral and prebiotic supplement. Vetsense Avi-LYTE 500mL - Poultry electrolyte supplement. Vetsense Avi-CALCIUM 500mL - Liquid calcium supplement for laying hens. Helpful Chicken Feeder Guides How To Stop Rats Eating Chicken Feed Best Chicken Feeders For Backyard Flocks Best Chicken Drinkers For Backyard Chickens Australia How To Clean A Chicken Coop How To Get Cleaner Eggs From Backyard Chickens Shop Related Poultry Collections Chicken Feeders Australia Chicken Drinkers Australia Backyard Chickens Australia Poultry Health Products Australia Frequently Asked Questions How does an automatic treadle chicken feeder work? The feed lid opens when a chicken stands on the foot pedal. When the chicken steps away, the lid closes and covers the feed. Will this feeder stop rats completely? The treadle design helps reduce rodent access, but no feeder can guarantee complete pest exclusion. Correct setup, cleaning, sealed feed storage and general rodent control are still required. How many chickens is an 18.5kg feeder suitable for? It is intended for medium to large backyard flocks, breeders and hobby farms. The exact number depends on feed consumption, bird size and refill frequency. How long will 18.5kg of feed last? Feed duration depends on flock size, bird type, daily consumption and feed waste. Use your flock's usual daily intake to estimate the refill interval. Can chickens learn to use a treadle feeder? Yes. Most chickens can learn after a gradual training period. Start with the lid open, then progressively introduce treadle movement. Can young chickens use this feeder? The birds must be heavy and confident enough to operate the treadle safely. Observe younger birds carefully and provide suitable alternative access during training if needed. What poultry feed can be used? The feeder may be used with pellets, crumbles, mash and many commonly fed grains. Keep feed dry and prevent clumping. Can the feeder stay outside? It is designed for outdoor poultry environments, but placing it under cover helps protect feed during prolonged rain and may extend the feeder's service life. Does the feeder need to be placed on level ground? Yes. A firm, level surface supports stable operation and helps the treadle and lid move correctly. Will wild birds be able to use the feeder? The covered treadle design helps discourage wild birds, although results depend on setup, adjustment and local bird behaviour. How often should the feeder be cleaned? Inspect it regularly and clean it whenever feed becomes damp, stale, contaminated or built up around moving parts. Is this feeder completely weatherproof? It is weather resistant and intended for poultry environments. A sheltered location is still recommended during prolonged or heavy rain. Why Buy From Pet & Rural Supply Co? Australian-owned online retailer Established online retailers since 2007 Specialists in poultry, pet and rural supplies Practical feeding products for backyard flocks and hobby farms Secure online shopping Australia-wide delivery Buy An Automatic Treadle Chicken Feeder Online Choose this large 18.5kg automatic treadle chicken feeder to help reduce feed waste, discourage rodents and wild birds, and keep poultry feed more protected. Train the flock gradually, position the feeder on firm level ground and maintain good coop hygiene for the best results.