Is there a 'best' treadle feeder?

[CabritaChicks]

As the title says, I’m looking for the best option—price isn’t an issue. I want something safe (I've heard some can cause injuries), especially since I do plan to train them.

My current coop setup and feeder design are a disaster when it comes to feed waste. I’m not exaggerating—I've even tried a raised feeder, and nothing works. The feed turns to mush, stinks to high heaven and draws in flies. It's a mess.
Thanks!

 

[CabritaChicks]

I will add: not made of metal is ideal as it will be on the beach/sea and the salt destroys all.

 

[MapleLaurelFarms]

Are there treadle feeders not made of metal? We have two of the Grandfather feeders and they're amazing. However, they are galvanized metal. They've been in use for about 3-4 years, one in the run and one inside the coop, and there's absolutely no rust. We get a ton of rain and snow here, but the only salt is on the roads so not sure this will help you.

 

[CabritaChicks]

Thanks! Yeah I am having a hard time with the tropics. Im also thinking of a gravity nipple feeder- but not sure if the chickens will eat out of it. And it costs a fortune to ship.

 

[MapleLaurelFarms]

Thanks! Yeah I am having a hard time with the tropics. Im also thinking of a gravity nipple feeder- but not sure if the chickens will eat out of it. And it costs a fortune to ship.

Are you talking about a gravity nipple waterer? Those are easy to make.

The Grandfather feeders are heavy-duty metal, so you may be surprised at the longevity. I purchased one and loved it so much that I decided to get a second one. I wanted to save some money and bought a cheaper knockoff on amazon. The minute it arrived, I returned it and ordered another Grandfather one. The knockoff was much thinner and almost flimsy. I couldn't see it lasting long in our conditions or yours.

For extra protection, you could always seal it with a clearcoat acrylic spray and do that every year or so.

 

[CabritaChicks]

Are you talking about a gravity nipple waterer? Those are easy to make.

The Grandfather feeders are heavy-duty metal, so you may be surprised at the longevity. I purchased one and loved it so much that I decided to get a second one. I wanted to save some money and bought a cheaper knockoff on amazon. The minute it arrived, I returned it and ordered another Grandfather one. The knockoff was much thinner and almost flimsy. I couldn't see it lasting long in our conditions or yours.

For extra protection, you could always seal it with a clearcoat acrylic spray and do that every year or so.

Just for feed. Not water.
I might be using the wrong terminology here—I keep getting aggressively corrected by people on forum. But I thought this type of dispenser was called a “nipple”?

I apologize for my ignorance on these types of subjects. I work with plants and animals in clinic- not feeders

I’ve already purchased *something (above), and it’s on the way (though shipping is a nightmare—customs sometimes just keeps things, ugh). I like that it has fewer moving parts. Out here, any exposed metal corrodes within days unless you scrub it constantly (just ask anyone with a sailboat!). We’re not just “near” the sea—we’re on it. The coop is literally in the forest, right on the beach.

Still interested in the treadle system—it feels like a more natural approach. That “Grandfather” style is exactly what I had in mind. I’d just prefer sturdier joints—something better than metal-on-metal (Im a car person- can we get ball joints or bearings- how can I make this design more complicated?), especially once corrosion sets in.

Side note: I ordered it on Amazon, and when my husband saw the confirmation image, he exclaimed, “What in the name of God did you buy now?! Is that for kids?” He thought I was ordering some kind of weird baby toy!

... we don't have little kids. lol.f