This heavy-duty 18.5kg automatic treadle chicken feeder helps protect poultry feed from rats, mice, wild birds and other unwanted visitors while reducing feed waste.
The lid opens when a chicken stands on the treadle and closes after the bird steps away. This helps keep feed covered, cleaner and less accessible to pests than an open feeder.
With a large 18.5kg feed capacity, this feeder is suited to backyard chicken keepers, breeders, hobby farms and medium to large poultry flocks that want to refill less often.
Quick answer: This feeder is designed for pellets, crumbles, mash and suitable grains. Position it on firm, level ground in a sheltered part of the coop or poultry run for the best performance.
Compare this model with other feeding options in our Chicken Feeders Australia collection.
This larger-capacity treadle feeder may suit:
Actual feed duration depends on the number and size of birds, their daily intake, the feed type and the amount of feed lost elsewhere.
The closed design helps reduce casual access by rodents, wild birds and other animals that do not correctly operate the treadle.
No feeder can guarantee complete pest exclusion in every environment. Correct setup, training, feed storage and coop hygiene remain important.
A correctly adjusted treadle feeder can significantly reduce access to chicken feed by rats, mice and wild birds. Unlike open feeders, the feed compartment stays closed when chickens are not eating.
For the best rodent-control results:
Read our guide to How To Stop Rats Eating Chicken Feed.
Most chickens can learn to use a treadle feeder, but they may need a short training period.
Place the feeder in the flock’s usual feeding area. Make sure it sits on firm, level ground and does not rock when a bird steps onto the treadle.
Begin with the lid secured open so the birds can see and access the feed without operating the pedal.
Once the chickens are confidently eating from the feeder, adjust the lid so it moves slightly when they step on the treadle.
Gradually move to full treadle operation. Observe the flock to ensure all birds can confidently open and use the feeder.
Some birds may take longer to learn. Make sure every chicken continues eating normally during the transition.
Do not remove all alternative feed access until you are confident the entire flock can use the treadle feeder.
This automatic chicken feeder may be used with many common poultry feeds, including:
Very wet, sticky or badly clumped feed may not flow correctly. Keep feed dry and check the dispensing area regularly.
For the best results, place the feeder:
Although the feeder is designed for outdoor poultry environments, sheltering it from prolonged heavy rain can help keep feed in better condition and extend the life of the feeder.
If you're establishing or upgrading your poultry housing as well as your feeding area, explore our Chicken Coops Australia collection for backyard chicken housing options.
The large capacity makes this model practical for owners who want fewer refills and a more protected feeding setup.
The right chicken feeder depends on flock size, feed capacity, pest pressure and whether you prefer an automatic treadle system or a traditional gravity-fed feeder.
This large 18.5kg model is suited to medium and larger flocks where high feed capacity, reduced refill frequency and restricted access to stored feed are priorities.
If you want more choice in feeder capacity, compare the Bainbridge Standard Treadle Chicken Feeder, available in 4kg, 8kg, 12kg and 20kg sizes. The multiple capacity options make it easier to match a treadle feeder to smaller backyard flocks through to larger poultry setups.
Chicken keepers who prefer a simpler gravity-fed design can consider our 9kg galvanised metal chicken feeder. It provides a traditional metal feeding system with generous capacity and an anti-waste feed pan.
For more help choosing between feeder styles, read our Best Chicken Feeders For Backyard Flocks guide or browse the complete Chicken Feeders Australia collection.
| Feature | 18.5kg Treadle Feeder | Traditional Open Feeder |
|---|---|---|
| Feed access | Covered until a chicken activates the treadle | Feed remains openly accessible |
| Rodent deterrence | Designed to reduce pest access | Rodents and wild birds may access feed more easily |
| Training required | Yes, chickens need to learn the treadle | Usually no training required |
| Feed protection | Enclosed feed compartment | Feed is exposed while in the trough |
| Best suited to | Owners wanting pest resistance and reduced waste | Simple everyday feeding |
A treadle feeder works best as part of a broader feed-management routine.
Compare feeder types in our guide to the Best Chicken Feeders For Backyard Flocks.
Do not use the feeder if damaged parts create a risk to birds or prevent the lid from closing correctly.
The feed lid opens when a chicken stands on the foot pedal. When the chicken steps away, the lid closes and covers the feed.
The treadle design helps reduce rodent access, but no feeder can guarantee complete pest exclusion. Correct setup, cleaning, sealed feed storage and general rodent control are still required.
It is intended for medium to large backyard flocks, breeders and hobby farms. The exact number depends on feed consumption, bird size and refill frequency.
Feed duration depends on flock size, bird type, daily consumption and feed waste. Use your flock’s usual daily intake to estimate the refill interval.
Yes. Most chickens can learn after a gradual training period. Start with the lid open, then progressively introduce treadle movement.
The birds must be heavy and confident enough to operate the treadle safely. Observe younger birds carefully and provide suitable alternative access during training if needed.
The feeder may be used with pellets, crumbles, mash and many commonly fed grains. Keep feed dry and prevent clumping.
It is designed for outdoor poultry environments, but placing it under cover helps protect feed during prolonged rain and may extend the feeder’s service life.
Yes. A firm, level surface supports stable operation and helps the treadle and lid move correctly.
The covered treadle design helps discourage wild birds, although results depend on setup, adjustment and local bird behaviour.
Inspect it regularly and clean it whenever feed becomes damp, stale, contaminated or built up around moving parts.
It is weather resistant and intended for poultry environments. A sheltered location is still recommended during prolonged or heavy rain.
For chicken keepers wanting different capacity options, the Bainbridge Standard Treadle Chicken Feeder is available in 4kg, 8kg, 12kg and 20kg sizes.
Choose this large 18.5kg automatic treadle chicken feeder to help reduce feed waste, discourage rodents and wild birds, and keep poultry feed more protected.
Train the flock gradually, position the feeder on firm level ground and maintain good coop hygiene for the best results.
Need a different capacity or feeder style? Compare the Bainbridge Standard Treadle Chicken Feeder range, our 9kg metal chicken feeder, or browse all Chicken Feeders Australia.
