Feed & Water
4 guides to help you buy and build smarter
Feed is the cost that never stops, and wasted feed is what draws rats. These guides cover complete layer feeds and the protein and calcium hens need, feeders that cut spills and keep rodents out, and waterers that stay clean in summer and unfrozen in winter.
The Best Chicken Feed for Laying Hens
The best layer feeds for backyard hens, what protein and calcium they need, when to switch from starter, and why oyster shell goes in a separate dish.
The Best Chicken Feeders (Rat-Proof and No-Waste)
The best chicken feeders for cutting feed waste and keeping rats out: treadle feeders, covered gravity feeders and port feeders, compared.
The Best Chicken Waterers
The best chicken waterers: insulated cup waterers, 5-gallon hanging founts and DIY bucket cups, plus how much water a flock drinks.
How to Keep Rats and Mice Out of a Chicken Coop
How to keep rats and mice out of a chicken coop: lock up feed, remove it at night, use a treadle feeder, clear cover and close gaps with hardware cloth.