We’ve been raising chickens on our homestead for decades now, and let me tell you—wasted feed used to drive us nuts. It was like watching money disappear into the dirt. So when we built our first no mess chicken feeder, it wasn’t just a weekend project—it was a mission to stop the waste and keep things clean. And guess what? It worked.
If you’re tired of feed on the ground, pests hanging around the coop, or birds scratching out more than they eat, stick around. We’re going to dig into why these feeders work—and how you can benefit too.
Let’s be honest—chickens are messy little creatures. They’re cute, sure, but when it comes to eating, they’re not exactly refined. With open feeders, most chickens peck and scratch, tossing feed everywhere. Some even stand in the dish like they own the place.
That leftover feed attracts mice, rats, bugs, and even raccoons. And then there’s spoilage—wet feed goes moldy fast, especially in summer. Not only is that money down the drain, but moldy feed can also make your flock sick. Not a good combo.
Here’s where the no mess feeder shines. The design focuses on two simple goals:
Most models use gravity-fed tubes or elbow ports that only allow the chicken to peck what it needs—no scooping, scratching, or throwing food around. And because the opening is narrow and shielded, rain doesn’t get in, and vermin don’t get much out.
We use one of our own feeders made with 5-gallon buckets and PVC elbows. Cost us less than $25 to make—and it paid for itself in two weeks.
So, why does it actually work? Let’s break it down.
Plus, if your feeder is raised off the ground (ours is about 6 inches up), it makes it even harder for critters to mess with it.
Feed Waste By The Numbers
As stated by a source, low quality feeders cause indirect food loss. According to The University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service, the average chicken keeper loses 10-20% of feed to waste when using open pans or trays. That’s 50 pounds wasted per 250-pound bag.
| Feeder Type | Average Feed Loss (%) | Pounds Wasted (per 50 lb bag) | Cost Lost (@ $0.40/lb) |
| Open Tray | 15% | 7.5 lbs | $3.00 |
| Hanging Pan | 10% | 5 lbs | $2.00 |
| No Mess Feeder | 2-3% | 1.5 lbs | $0.60 |
So if you feed, say, 20 chickens, and go through 2 bags a week, you’re looking at up to $300/year in wasted feed. A no waste feeder cuts that down to almost nothing.
Real-World Results (Yes, We Measured It)
We decided to test it ourselves. Two identical coops, same number of chickens, same feed, but different feeders. One with our DIY no mess setup. One with a traditional trough.
After 30 days:
That may not sound huge, but 20 minutes a day adds up to 10 hours a month. We will take that time back, thank you very much.
Are No Waste Feeders Worth It?
You bet they are. Here’s why:
Honestly, if you’ve got even five hens, it makes sense. And if you’re feeding 15, 20, or more? You’d be throwing money out the window not to switch.
We’re homesteaders. We value simplicity, efficiency, and gear that works as hard as we do. A no mess chicken feeder, Made in the USA, isn’t just a “nice to have”—it’s something we’d never go without again.
We know every dollar counts, and every chore adds up. That’s why we built ours and why we offer options at Riverbend Resources that are affordable, easy to set up, and actually make a difference.
Want less waste and more peace of mind? Try one out.
At Riverbend Resources, we’re dedicated to simplifying poultry care. With durable, cost-effective feeders and waterers, our mission is to support backyard chicken enthusiasts and small-scale farmers. Join our growing community committed to quality and sustainability.
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