The efficiency of a poultry feeding program is a fundamental requirement for maintaining both flock health and the economic viability of a homestead. In traditional management settings, feed dispersal-often caused by the natural scratching and “billing” behaviors of gallinaceous birds-results in significant grain loss. This discarded feed serves as a nutrient-rich substrate for mold and a primary attractant for rodents. Consequently, modern husbandry has shifted toward engineered, port-based systems that prioritize biosecurity. This article examines the design specifications of the bucket chicken feeder and why it has set the industry standard for durability and waste reduction.
Let’s be honest: we’ve all been there. You walk into your coop with your morning coffee, only to find half of that expensive organic crumble kicked into the wood shavings. It feels like throwing dollar bills directly into the dirt. Chickens are natural excavators; if they can get their beaks or feet into a pile of food, they’re going to toss it. That’s why we believe the traditional open-trough model is outdated. When we look at a bucket chicken feeder, we see more than just a container; we see a way to reclaim your time and your budget.
We didn’t just want to build another feeder; we wanted to solve the problems we faced in our own coops. At Riverbend Resources, our mission was to create a “set-it-and-forget-it” system. By moving the feed into a protected, port-access reservoir, we effectively stop the “scatter and waste” cycle. Our chicken feeder kits allow you to turn any plastic container into a fortress for your flock’s nutrition.
We take great pride in the fact that our products are MADE IN the USA. In a market flooded with thin, brittle imports, we chose to go the rugged route. Our veteran-owned business understands that if a tool isn’t tough, it isn’t useful on a farm. Whether you are using a single port for a small backyard flock or six ports on a 55-gallon drum for a massive operation, our hardware is designed to handle the “beak-bashing” of the hungriest hens.
Of course, nutrition is only half the battle. If you’re going to keep the feed clean, it only makes sense to do the same for the water. Many of our customers pair their feeding setup with a 5 gallon bucket chicken waterer kit. This creates a high-efficiency ecosystem where the water stays debris-free and the grain stays off the floor. Our waterer is even “self-filling”-you can hook it up to a garden hose, and it uses vacuum pressure to keep the trough full without ever overflowing. It’s the perfect partner for your bucket chicken feeder, ensuring your birds are hydrated and happy while you’re busy with the rest of your day.
Our founder, Erik Diedrichsen, knew he had something special, but it was our appearance on Shark Tank that really put the Poultry Pro on the map. We didn’t just walk into the tank with a product; we walked in with a solution for millions of chicken owners. The Sharks recognized the value of a feeder that pays for itself in saved grain. Today, we continue that legacy of innovation, proving that a simple, smart design can fundamentally change how we care for our animals.
The bottom line is that your coop shouldn’t be a source of stress. At Riverbend Resources, we believe that smart design is the ultimate labor-saver. By focusing on “no-waste” technology and rugged, veteran-engineered materials, we’ve turned the most frustrating parts of poultry care into a streamlined process. It’s a fresh perspective on the homesteading life: one where your equipment works as hard as you do, allowing you to spend less time on chores and more time enjoying the rewarding lifestyle you’ve built. That’s our promise-built for life, designed for you.
The best way is to use a port-style feeder. By forcing birds to reach inside a hooded opening, you prevent them from “billing” or scratching the grain out onto the ground.
Yes! Our kits are designed to work with almost any lidded plastic container, including standard 5-gallon utility pails, bins, or even large barrels.
Ours are. We use BPA-free, food-grade, and UV-stabilized plastics to ensure no harmful chemicals leach into the feed and the container stays strong for years.
A typical 5-gallon bucket with 3 ports can comfortably support 10-12 chickens for several days, depending on their breed and the weather.
Usually, it’s a loss of vacuum pressure. Ensure your bucket lid is airtight and all gaskets are properly seated. If using a hose, make sure there are zero leaks at the connection point.
