‘Free Range Feeder’ Chicken Feeder: Review (2024)
One of the essential aspects of chicken keeping is providing your flock with a constant supply of food and water. A large feeder that holds a substantial amount of feed reduces the frequency of refilling and saves you time as a farmer or homesteader. The Free Range Feeder chicken feeding system promises to do just that.
We took their feeder to the test and wrote a thorough review. Let’s start with the main characteristics.
- High-quality & durable
- Capacity of 75 lbs (35kg)
- Flexible mounting options
- Not waterproof
- Rather expensive
Overview
Raising chickens is a crucial aspect of (small) farming and homesteading, and it demands vigilant care to guarantee the birds’ health. A reliable food and water supply is a vital aspect of chicken farming; high-quality products can help with that.
We tested the Free Range Feeder from Wiker Industries, made in the USA and distributed on the Free Range Feeder website and the McMurray Hatchery website. The feeder is made of high-quality galvanized steel, which makes it durable, rust-resistant, and long-lasting. According to the manufacturer, it’s built to last a lifetime, saving you money and time.
The Free Range Feeder from Wiker Industries was voted our ‘Best Feeder for Large Flocks‘ in our in-depth comparative ‘Best Chicken Feeders: From Budget to Best Buys‘ article.
It is important to note that the Free Range Feeder is not suitable for outdoor use, as it is not waterproof. While it is made from heavy-duty materials and features a lid, it is not designed to withstand heavy rain exposure. Mounting the feeder inside the coop or under a shed is recommended to ensure its proper functioning.
Design
The Free Range Feeder chicken feeder CF-0314 has a sturdy and robust appearance that will impress. Its simple yet convenient design makes it easy to use and will fit in with any chicken coop. The feeder’s design was developed with the needs of the small chicken flock owner in mind.
Galvanized steel feeders are considered to be a superior option for chicken farmers due to their durability, longevity, and resistance to pests. A simple design like the Free Range Feeder is also easy to clean, making removing old feed easier. Farmers can spend less time cleaning and more time focusing on other aspects of chicken farming.
Specific Features
The main objective of a high-quality chicken feeder is to provide a consistent food supply to chickens safely and hygienically. It should support the well-being of the birds and make chicken farming more efficient for you as a chicken keeper. One of the most important features is it should be sturdy, reliable, and long-lasting.
These basic features are the minimum requirements for a high-quality feeder, and the Free Range Feeder meets them without trouble. But there are other features worth mentioning.
Let’s have a look:
Flexible Permanent Mounting
The versatility of the Free Range Feeder is highlighted by its design, which allows different mounting options. You can install the feeder either on the surface or through the wall, providing versatility and ease of use.
This means the feeder can be mounted with the lid facing outwards and the trough facing inward so that you don’t need to enter the coop to fill it. Alternatively, the feeder can also be mounted inside the coop on the wall.
Space Saving Design
The Free Range Feeder features a space-saving design that allows it to fit between the studs in the wall. This design optimizes the available space, reducing the floor space taken up inside the coop.
The compact size of the feeder makes it ideal for use in smaller coops, where space is often limited. The feeder measures 28″H x 14.5″W. This design provides a practical and convenient solution for small chicken flock owners who want to organize their coops.
Reversible and Height-Adjustable Feed Tray
The Free Range Feeder is designed with versatility in mind, and this is reflected in its reversible and height-adjustable feed tray. You can easily adjust the feed tray to different heights, ensuring the chickens can reach their feed comfortably.
Additionally, the tray is reversible, which enables you to distribute feed through the wall with the lid on the outside of the coop and the food tray on the inside or the other way around.
75 Pounds Capacity
The Free Range Feeder chicken feeder has a large capacity of 75 lbs (35 kg), making it ideal for large chicken flock owners. With this feeder, you no longer have to worry about storing partial bags of feed, as it can hold enough feed to support up to 15 chickens for three weeks.
This is an excellent solution for chicken keepers who want to minimize the amount of time required to feed their chickens.
Ease of Installation
Installing the Free Range Feeder is easy, thanks to the instruction manual that is included with the feeder and its straightforward design. The manual provides step-by-step instructions that make it simple for anyone to set up the feeder in their chicken coop.
Additionally, instructional videos on the Free Range Feeder website can help you better understand the installation process and provide additional guidance if needed.
It took us around 40 minutes to install the feeder and mount it to the wall. With only a few components, it is straightforward to put together and requires no special tools.
Potential Drawbacks
While the Free Range Feeder has many good qualities, it’s important to understand that every product has its strengths and weaknesses. One of the potential drawbacks of the Free Range Feeder chicken feeder is that it isn’t waterproof, so it can solely be used inside the coop or under a covered run.
Additionally, the price of the feeder may be considered an investment by some customers. Still, it is important to note that many other smaller galvanized feeders on the market cost just as much or more.
Maintenance and Durability
The Free Range Feeder chicken feeder is designed for durability and longevity. Made from heavy-duty galvanized steel and equipped with stainless steel screws and rivets, this feeder is built to last. You can easily clean the feeder with a damp cloth.
It is important to note that this feeder is not waterproof, so it should be installed inside the chicken coop. With proper maintenance and care, this feeder will provide a reliable food source for your chickens for many years.
What is Inside the Box?
The feeder weighs 34.4 lbs (15.5 kg) and has dimensions of 29 inches in length, 19 inches in width, and 9 inches in height (74cm x 48cm x 23cm). Due to its weight, the Free Range Feeder must be packed in a sturdy box during shipping to prevent any potential damage.
This heavy feeder comes in a large, firm box with all components protected. The box protects the feeder from any potential damage during shipping.
The package includes all feeder parts, including the necessary screws and bolts to install the feeder. You only need a toolbox with some basic tools like a screwdriver.
Availability and Price
Free Range Feeder and McMurray Hatchery distribute the 75-lb chicken feeder on their websites. The feeder is a product of Wilker Industries, a small business owned by Park Wilker, who is both a seasoned farmer and a chicken keeper.
With years of experience and knowledge in the field, Park Wilker builds these chicken feeders on his own farm, ensuring the highest quality and attention to detail in every feeder produced.
The cost of this feeder is approximately $200, which may appear to be quite the investment initially. However, it is important to consider that many smaller galvanized chicken feeder systems with a lesser feed capacity tend to have a similar price range as the Free Range Feeder.
One feeder can contain up to 75 pounds (35 kg) of chicken feed, ensuring a flock of up to 15 chickens for three weeks or more of feed.
So, as the price seems relatively high, we must admit it’s worth the money. One investment will save you time and money in the long run.
Summary
The Free Range Feeder is a versatile and convenient solution for small chicken flock owners. It features a 75 lbs capacity and can support up to 15 chickens for three weeks or more.
The feeder has a convertible design that allows for different mounting methods, ensuring you can install it as you want. It is made of heavy-duty galvanized steel and is easy to install and clean. If you’re looking for a high-quality feeder made by chicken owners for chicken owners, the Free Range Feeder from Wiker Industries will match your needs.
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