The Top 8 Biggest Flaws with Current Chicken Feeders and Waterers

If you raise backyard chickens, you know the importance of choosing the right chicken feeder and waterer. These everyday tools provide essential nutrition and hydration for your flock — yet many products fall short. In this guide, we’ll break down the 10 biggest problems found in most commercially available chicken feeders and waterers, so you can avoid costly, stressful mistakes.

One of the most common complaints from chicken keepers is that cheap chicken feeder and waterer products break easily. Whether made of flimsy plastic or thin metals, these feeders and waterers often crack under pressure or after minor bumps from curious hens. Lower-quality builds can warp in sun or cold, leading to wasted feed and spilled water. This problem is especially frustrating when you’re trying to maintain a healthy environment for your birds without constant replacement costs.

Durability should be a top priority when selecting chicken feeders and waterers, yet many products on the market cut corners to hit a low price point. Reinforced materials, thicker plastics, or rust-resistant coatings are rarely found in budget options, meaning you’ll likely replace them again and again.

Cleaning is non-negotiable when it comes to feeding and watering equipment, yet many chicken feeder and waterer designs make it unnecessarily difficult. Small crevices, complicated lids, and non-detachable parts trap feed, water, and bacteria — leading to mold growth and illness in your flock.

Products with compartments that are tricky to access often require extra tools or time to sanitize. A good feeder and waterer should disassemble easily so you can rinse, scrub, and dry every component. Anything less increases disease risk and maintenance frustration.

Another major issue with many chicken feeder and waterer products is feed wastage. Designs that don’t control access or are open at the top allow chickens to scratch feed out onto the ground. This not only wastes food — it attracts pests like rodents and insects.

The best feeders feature protective rims, covered trays, or gravity-fed mechanisms that limit spillage. Unfortunately, many affordable models lack these features, hurting your budget over time.

Water quality is essential for healthy chickens. However, many chicken feeder and waterer products fail to protect water from contamination. Feed dust, dirt, droppings, and bedding can easily enter shallow troughs or open cups, forcing you to change water multiple times each day.

Automatic waterers with narrow openings and protective caps help reduce contamination, but they’re still rare among lower-priced units. If your waterer doesn’t protect against debris, your chickens may drink contaminated water — which leads to health issues and lower egg production.

One of the most common problems with current chicken feeders on the market is shoddy or nonexistent predator protection. Most chicken feeders are either not suspended high enough, or have no overhang to prevent mice and rats from crawling into the feeder. 

Chickens need reliable access to food and water in all weather conditions, yet many chicken feeder and waterer products are not weather-resistant. Rain, snow, and sun exposure can damage unprotected feed and promote algae growth in water.

Waterers that freeze in winter or feeders that rust and warp over time are common complaints. Look for UV-resistant plastics, galvanized steel, and sealed designs that help keep feed dry and water safe regardless of weather.

A common frustration with many chicken feeder and waterer products is the awkward refilling process. Some require you to remove the entire unit from the coop, lift heavy lids, or wrestle with tiny openings. This makes feeding time harder than it should be — especially if you have a larger flock.

Easy-to-refill feeders and waterers save time and effort, but they’re rarely the cheapest options. Look for swivel tops, wide mouths, or removable trays to streamline maintenance and reduce spillage during refills.

Feeders and waterers designed for small backyard flocks often don’t scale well for larger groups of chickens. A small chicken feeder and waterer may work fine for 3–5 birds, but when you exceed that number, feed runs out fast and water becomes a bottleneck.

Products with larger capacity are out there, but many inexpensive units lack the volume needed for bigger flocks. This means you’re refilling constantly — reducing efficiency and increasing labor.

Choosing the right chicken feeder and waterer doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Here are a few tips:

• Prioritize durability — look for solid materials like thick plastic or metal.

• Choose easy-to-clean models — sanitization matters for chicken health.

• Ensure weather resistance — especially if equipment stays outdoors.

• Consider predator-proofing — locks, covers, and enclosed designs help.

• Match feeder and waterer size to your flock — bigger groups need more capacity.

Making smart choices upfront prevents many problems and keeps your chickens healthy and stress-free.

The right chicken feeder and waterer can make raising chickens easier, cleaner, and more efficient. But many products on the market today fall short due to poor design, weak materials, or lack of essential features. By understanding these 10 biggest problems, you can choose smarter, spend less over time, and keep your flock happier. 

Investing in quality feeders and waterers is not just about convenience — it’s about the long-term health and welfare of your chickens.