Choosing suitable poultry and game bird feeders and drinkers helps provide reliable access to feed and clean water throughout the rearing cycle.
Equipment needs change as birds grow. Small chicks need accessible feeding and drinking points, while larger birds need equipment with suitable capacity, stability and protection from outdoor conditions.
This guide explains what to consider when choosing feeders, drinkers and compatible water-system components.
Choosing Feeders and Drinkers for Your Birds
Before selecting equipment, consider:
- The species, age and size of the birds.
- The number of birds using each feeding or drinking point.
- Whether equipment will be used indoors or outdoors.
- How often you can inspect, clean and refill it.
- The available water supply.
- How equipment requirements will change as birds grow.
Capacity is only part of the decision. Birds also need enough accessible feeding and drinking positions. One large container may not provide the same access as several suitably positioned units.
Follow species-specific husbandry guidance and the equipment manufacturer’s recommendations when planning quantities.
Feeders for Young Chicks
Early feeding equipment should allow small birds to find and reach feed easily.
Choose feeders intended for the species and age of your chicks. Consider access height, stability, ease of cleaning and how the design helps limit contamination and waste.
Position feeders where birds can reach them readily within the prepared rearing area. Check that bedding is not blocking access and that feed is reaching the feeding tray correctly.
Inspect feeding points frequently during early rearing. A feeder containing feed is only useful if the birds can access it.
Feeders for Growing & Adult Birds
As birds grow, review both feeder capacity and the space available around each unit.
Larger-capacity feeders can reduce refilling frequency, but they still require regular inspection. Check for damp feed, blockages, damaged components and uneven feed flow.
When comparing feeders, consider:
- Accessible feeding space.
- Capacity and filling method.
- Suitability for the intended feed.
- Stability or the specified hanging arrangement.
- Protection from weather.
- Ease of dismantling and cleaning.
- Availability of replacement parts.
Browse Ellmor’s Poultry & Game Bird Feeders.
Choosing Feeders for Outdoor Use
Outdoor feeders need to suit the location as well as the birds.
Look for equipment designed for outdoor use and consider how exposed the site is to rain and wind. Covers and accessories must be compatible with the feeder they are fitted to.
Position equipment on a stable site and inspect it after poor weather. Check that rain is not entering the feed and that the surrounding ground allows birds to approach easily.
Avoid topping up repeatedly over old, damp or contaminated feed. Investigate the cause of moisture or spoilage and clean the equipment as required.
Reducing Feed Waste
Feed waste can result from unsuitable equipment, damaged parts, poor positioning or incorrect adjustment.
Use the manufacturer’s guidance when setting feed flow or adjusting equipment. Excess feed in a tray may increase spillage, while insufficient flow can restrict access.
Check for:
- Feed accumulating beneath the feeder.
- Cracked trays or damaged fittings.
- Blocked outlets.
- Damp or compacted feed.
- Equipment that tips or moves during use.
- Uneven access around the feeder.
Review feeder suitability as the birds grow rather than assuming the initial setup will remain suitable throughout rearing.
Choosing Drinkers
A suitable drinker must provide accessible water consistently and be practical to inspect and clean.
The right choice depends on the birds, the scale of the setup and the available water supply.
Small manually filled drinkers can suit some setups, while automatic systems can reduce refilling work where a suitable supply is available. Both require regular checking.
For young birds, choose equipment specifically intended for their size and stage of development. Water depth, access and the risk of birds becoming wet all need consideration.
Browse Ellmor’s Poultry & Game Bird Drinkers.
Manually Filled Drinkers
Manually filled drinkers allow water to be supplied without connecting each unit to a permanent pipe system.
When choosing one, consider its filled weight, carrying arrangement, stability and ease of cleaning.
Plan the number and capacity of drinkers around your inspection and refilling routine. Check them more frequently when demand increases, including during warmer weather.
Do not allow a larger reservoir to replace regular checks of water cleanliness and access.
Automatic Drinkers
Automatic drinkers receive water from a connected supply and use their particular valve or drinking mechanism to control delivery.
Before purchasing, confirm:
- Whether the drinker is suitable for your birds.
- The required water pressure.
- Whether it is intended for a header tank or another supply arrangement.
- Compatible pipework and connections.
- Any filtration or pressure-control requirements.
- The specified mounting or suspension arrangement.
Do not assume a drinker can connect directly to mains water. Follow the manufacturer’s requirements for the complete installation.
An automatic system still needs inspection: a full header tank does not confirm that every drinking point is working.
Header Tanks, Pipework & Fittings
Plan the water system as a complete installation.
The source, available pressure, tank arrangement, pipework and drinkers must work together. Include suitable access for checking, cleaning and maintenance.
When ordering fittings, identify the actual pipe dimensions, connection type and component specification. Similar-looking connectors, valves and seals may not be interchangeable.
Keep a record of the equipment used so replacement parts can be identified more easily.
If you are expanding an existing system, confirm that the supply can meet the additional demand before adding more drinking points.
Positioning Feeders & Drinkers
Arrange equipment so birds can reach it without excessive competition or obstructions.
Follow manufacturer and husbandry guidance on positioning and adjustment. Review access as the birds grow.
Check the surrounding bedding or ground. Persistent wet areas around drinkers may indicate leaks, spillage, incorrect adjustment or unsuitable positioning.
Keep feeding and drinking points accessible for inspection. Equipment placed where it is difficult to reach is harder to clean and maintain.
Cleaning & Routine Checks
Feeders and drinkers need a regular cleaning routine suited to the equipment and rearing system.
Remove spoiled feed, accumulated dirt and deposits using methods compatible with the equipment. Follow cleaning-product instructions, including dilution, contact time and rinsing requirements.
For connected drinking systems, follow the manufacturer’s cleaning and flushing instructions. Check that any treatment used is suitable for the pipework, seals and drinking components.
After cleaning or reassembly, confirm that equipment operates correctly before returning it to use.
Replacement Parts & Compatibility
Replacing a worn component may help keep otherwise serviceable equipment in use.
Before ordering, identify the manufacturer, model and part reference where available. Photographs of the whole unit and the damaged component can help with identification.
Useful details include:
- Model names or markings.
- Pipe and connection dimensions.
- Valve or nipple type.
- Part numbers or diagram references.
- Whether the equipment is an older or newer version.
Do not choose a replacement solely because it looks similar. Confirm compatibility before fitting it.
Common Feeder & Drinker Problems
Feed is not reaching the tray
Check for damp feed, blockages and incorrect assembly or adjustment. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions before changing settings or dismantling the feeder.
Feed becomes wet outdoors
Check the feeder’s suitability for the location, the condition of covers and any points where rain may enter. Remove spoiled feed and address the cause before refilling.
A drinker repeatedly leaks
Check the setup against its instructions, including supply pressure, mounting and valve condition. Repeated leaks need investigation rather than simply replacing wet bedding.
Some drinking points are not supplying water
Check the affected points individually and investigate the supply, pipework and components according to the system instructions. Ensure birds have access to an alternative suitable water supply while the fault is resolved.
You cannot identify a replacement fitting
Contact Ellmor with clear photographs, dimensions and any model information before ordering.
Feeders & Drinkers Equipment Checklist
☐ Equipment suitable for the species and age of birds
☐ Sufficient accessible feeding and drinking points
☐ Capacity matched to the inspection and refilling routine
☐ Outdoor equipment suitable for the intended location
☐ Automatic drinkers matched to the water supply and pressure
☐ Pipework and fittings checked for compatibility
☐ Equipment cleaned, assembled and tested before use
☐ Every drinking point checked for water delivery
☐ Essential replacement parts identified
☐ Larger equipment planned for the next growth stage
Feeders & Drinkers from Ellmor
Ellmor supplies poultry and game bird feeders, drinkers and associated equipment.
Whether you are preparing for young chicks, introducing larger equipment or replacing a component in an existing system, we can help you identify suitable products.
Tell us the species and approximate number of birds, their age, and the equipment or water supply you already use.
Call 01630 685 257 for help choosing equipment or identifying replacement parts.
For the wider rearing setup, read our Poultry & Game Rearing Equipment Guide.
