Ducks are funnier, more complicated, and have a longer lifespan than chickens. Some breeds are specially for meat production, others for egg production and others are just ornamental. However, regardless of the breed, their basic needs are similar: a great quality diet, a clean environment, and protection from predators.
Duck feeders come in plenty of DIY designs and easy styles even for inexperienced tool wielders to make. You can also choose to buy some feeders online, which is easier. Irrespective of the design you settle on, they are better than feeding your duck in a bucket.
A suitable duck feeder should keep your duckling’s feed contained.
When it comes to feeders, it is essential to note that one size does not fit all! Some important things to consider are the size of poultry, size and type of the feeder, refilling process, access for pests, and feed wastage from spillage or the ducks.
This article will focus on the best duck feeders for 2021, where to buy them, thoughts on different feeder features, and how to make duck feeders at home.
Read on to find the perfect feeder for your ducks and some extra handy tips as well!
Factors to Consider While Buying a Feeder
Here are some of the crucial factors to consider before buying a duck feeder:
Duck Feeder Size
The size of the feeder is primarily determined by your floor space and how often you want to refill it. Consider how much feed it can hold, the number of ducks it can feed at a time, and the floor space you expect to cover.
An average duck consumes about 1/3lbs to 3/8lbs per day. Use the average of these numbers multiplied by the number of ducks you have to find out how long a feeder will last before it needs refilling. It would be best if you plan to refill before it runs out to keep your ducks happy and satisfied.
Size/Type of Ducks
Knowing the size of your birds or type of ducks requiring the feeder is also vital. If feeding points are too small, large ducks may not get to the food. On the other hand, duck feeders that are too big would only lead to food wastage.
3″ should be enough for most ducks, and 2″ for smaller poultry if you have any.
Feed Spillage
The last thing you want is to buy a feeder that pours over most of the food. A perfect feeder should minimize food spillage efficiently while the duck feeds. A duck feeder may become messy because ducks root their beaks back and forth while eating.
While you cannot stop them from doing so, you can get a feeder that reduces food wastage. The best feeder is one that allows your pet ducks to get their entire head in to reduce the amount that spills.
Floor Space
Floor space goes hand in hand with the feeder size. If you have limited floor space, find tube-style duck feeders to avoid overcrowding your birds. These feeders are often slimmer than using a rough or bucket feeder.
You should also ensure there are enough duck feeder openings to accommodate all your ducks. It would be best to have one spot for every 7-10 birds if the storage bin weighs 20lbs or more. Provided the feeder always has enough food, then competition among the ducks should be minimal.
Pest Access
The best practice is to minimize or eliminate opportunities for any pests to consume your ducks’ feed. This is not always achievable, but there are specific ways to prevent unwanted visitors.
First, try placing the duck feeder in your coop and doing your best to mouse-proof it. If possible, use a lid on the feeder. If your coop environment proves challenging to manage, it would be great if you tried a weight-activated feeder (treadle feeder), and we will look at whether ducks can use these types of feeders.
Material
There are three types of materials to choose from plastic, metal, or wood. The material you settle on should be in consideration of the kind of environment it will go to. For instance, wood and plastic would not be so perfect for placing outdoors.
Plastic becomes brittle when exposed to long hours of UV, especially if it is low-grade plastic. The best duck feeder to have outdoors is a metallic one because it can stand harsh weather conditions. A plastic feeder is the most economical for indoor conditions, and it is also durable.
Easy to Clean
One of the most challenging facts that poultry farmers face is maintaining all farming equipment, including feeders. It would be best to find a feeder that cleans easily since it is essential to clean feeders regularly.
A duck feeder with a curvy base would be better than one with a sharp edge base because it has fewer stubborn bits of duck feed sticking inside.
Multi-purpose Duck Feeder
An ideal feeder should be multipurpose. Consequently, you should prioritize a multifaceted type of feeder while looking for one. If you have a mixed breed of poultry, it will save you money if you bought a feeder that can also be used for other birds.
Multipurpose feeders should also accommodate different foods, from pellets, grains, soaked feed, and kitchen/garden waste. The best multipurpose duck feeder is the bin feeder, which can be easily made at home or bought from farm stores.
Types of Duck Feeders
There are a variety of feeders to choose from, depending on you and your duck needs:
- Floating duck feeders – these feeders are perfect if you have many ducks and a pond. Rather than feeding them on land, which requires a lot of space around individual feeders, you could use a floating feeder on the pond, letting them eat as they like.
- Automatic duck feeder – it can be a hustle to attend to your duck every day. Automatic feeders make feeding your ducks easier and more enjoyable.
- Weight-activated feeders – these feeders use your duck’s weight to apply a mechanism that opens the feeder door. This feeder is especially useful in keeping unwanted pests from your duck’s feed.
- Tube feeder – these are perfect for use in a duck house with little floor space as they save on space.
- Rain Proof – these are feeders made to withstand harsh climates and stand the tests of time.
Can Ducks Use a Treadle Feeder?
A treadle feeder is simply a large galvanized sheet metal feed box with a lid or seal. The lid opens when a duck stands on the treadle step. They are found in various sizes to suit different flock sizes, from small to large.
The simple answer is Yes. Treadle duck feeders are great if you want to prevent pests or rodents from eating your ducks’ food. They are also good because they reduce wastage and food loss to rodents or other pests.
Moreover, once you buy an automatic treadle feeder, it comes with video instructions on using and training your chicken on how to use one.
A treadle feeder is also suitable for reducing the amount of food spilled on floors. However, such feeders are prone to mechanical breakdowns from time to time.
Where to Buy Duck Feeders
If you would like to have your duck feeder delivered to your doorstep, I recommend buying online from a local trusted farm equipment supplier. All you need to do is select one that fits your birds and liking, pay for it and wait for home delivery.
It may also be helpful to look for secondhand duck feeders from local buy and sell sites. However, if these are fruitless, try bigger retail stores such as eBay or Amazon. They hardly disappoint when it comes to anything.
Homemade Duck Feeders
Some people prefer to DIY everything because it is cheaper or fun and a valuable way to pass the time. If you are one of them, making homemade feeders should be interesting for you.
The most popular DIY feeders are such as buckets and tube-type feeders. They are easy to design, cheap, and pretty simple. Here is a YouTube video you can watch that explains what you need to do step by step: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=awsgpp0nzJY.
- Find the Right Tools and Container
Any bucket would be great, and a small or large bin would also work, provided the base of the container is not so wide that the duck cannot reach the center. The best size is an average radius of about 9″ (23 cm) which an average duck can easily reach the center.
If you have no container at home, consider outsourcing from food-grade manufacturers. You should also have the right tools, but if not, you can always borrow from your friend or family.
- Measure Feed Holes
Using a square template from plastic or cardboard, you can accurately measure equal feeder access points. The ideal size should be six by six inches (15 by 15 cms) with round corners at the bottom, so it appears more like a “U” shape.
The feed holes should be cut not more than 6 inches from the base of the container – any higher height would give your ducks a hard time accessing food from the container’s bottom.
For small containers, two access points should be suitable, while larger containers require two or more.
- Cut out the Feed Holes
After you measure and mark out the feeding holes, cut them out using a box cutter or any other cutter. A few drilled starter holes can make cutting out easier. If, after cutting, you find sharp edges, ensure you trim them.
- Fit the Comfort Rail
Measure about 6-8 inches of hose and cut it along before pushing it over the bottom of the feed hole. The comfort rail serves to provide a nice round, smooth area for your ducks to slide in their necks while feeding. A sharp thin edge could rub or irritate them during frequent use.
- Find a Good Seal
If the container you chose already had a lid, then your feeder is ready. If it has none, use any old lid or covering weighed down with a brick to prevent pests, food spillage, or mixing with stormwater.
Top Picks for the Best Feeder in 2021
1. Grandpa’s Farms Automatic Feeder
If you are looking for a durable duck feeder that is suitable for a large flock at an affordable price, then this is your go-to brand. The automatic duck feeder is ideal for holding up to 20lbs of food, enough for feeding four birds for a whole week.
If you have work or other commitments to attend to and sometimes forget to feed your duck, this is a good option. However, it is only recommended for fully grown ducks because smaller ones may get trapped in its mechanism while feeding.
Pros
- There is no need for feeding your ducks often
- Keeps pests and rodents away
- Prevents food wastage
Cons
- It is not waterproof
- Edges are pretty sharp, which may harm your birds
2. Miller 9112 12lbs Hanging Poultry Feeder
Miller 9112 is a popular feeder type for your ducks that is affordable. Hanging duck feeders usually saves on space and reduces food wastage by eliminating scratching. The best part about it is the heavy-duty galvanized material which ensures that it lasts long before wear and tear.
Ideally, it is hung in your ducks’ house, which prevents the food from touching the ground.
Pros
- Value for money – affordable
- Durable – does not rust easily
- It keeps food off the ground
Cons
- It has no lid cover – can always be bought separately
- It does not keep unwanted rodents away
3. Little Giant Plastic Fencer Feeder
This is a perfect brand for ducklings. It features an ergonometric design, sturdy plastic for durability and is also effortless to clean. It is a trough feeder like no other because most are terrible duck feeders.
Its pretty simple design makes it easy to add food or remove any debris. It is not precisely waste-free, but this is only a minor drawback. You only need to avoid filling it too high.
Pros
- Easy to clean
- Simple ergonometric design
- Perfect for young ducks
Cons
- It does not prevent food wastage
4. Treadle Feeder
Automatic treadle feeders come in a variety of sizes for different sizes and breeds of ducks. Once your ducks figure out how to work with one, they are a perfect option for keeping non-poultry birds and bugs away from your ducks’ feed.
An automatic treadle feeder is an excellent option if you want to go out of town for a day or two without worrying about who will feed your ducks. A treadle feeder’s lift weight can always be adjusted for lighter ducks for them to feed comfortably.
Pros
- Adjustable lift weight
- Variety of sizes
- Effectively keeps rodents and pests away
- Waterproof
Cons
- Prone to mechanical breakdowns
Best Duck Waterers
Rentacoop Automatic Waterer Kit
The Rentacoop waterer kit is a value for money that features a sturdy design suitable for use with many chicks. Its design is also very innovative, but remember, you are not buying the waterer for you but your ducks.
The waterer also has a handle for easy transport when filled with water. Its advanced lock design also makes it hard for the ducks to waste any contents of the waterer.
Royal Rooster Automatic Twin Waterer
Royal Rooster is an automatic twin waterer for duck owners who want to treat their poultry like royalty. It is one of the best innovations that ensure your ducks have enough water to hydrate constantly.
Its storage gallon can hold up to 1 gallon of water. Hence it can serve your ducks’ water for longer. A lid on the gallon prevents the water from getting contaminated.
Kebonnix’s Automatic Feeder
Kebonnix’s automatic feeder is the most affordable combo set that features an automatic waterer and a feeder. It has a capacity of 10 lbs and a translucent side which allows you to quickly tell if your ducks’ food is almost over.
Spending too much money on an item does not guarantee great performance, which is why Kebonnix is a perfect waterer and feeder. Moreover, the feeder comes with accessories, so it can be attached to a wall or fence if you like.
Final Thoughts
Have you been looking for the best duck feeder but have encountered a selection block due to the many brands available? Worry no more because, with the products above, you will have a great experience feeding or watering your ducks.
From the most affordable to the most durable feeders you can find, you are assured of value for your money. Most of these will only require little to no maintenance, making rearing of your ducks a walk in the park.
Also, keep in mind the different considerations before settling on a feeder type: whether you want an automatic or manual feeder, size and age of ducks, among others, to get the perfect feeder for your ducks.