If space is a premium in the chicken coop then this mini feeder is the one for you 😊 The best thing about the Appletons MINI Step On Feeder is that it takes up ONLY half the space of the Appletons Large Step On Feeder and does the same job.
What Size is Best?
The large step on feeder or mini step on feeder?
The large size is more suitable for a larger walk-in hen house especially if you plan to position the feeder inside the hen house or outside in the poultry run where there is plenty of space. The large step on is twice as wide as the mini and therefore offers more hens the opportunity to feed at once (+ it also holds more food.) The mini 6kg version is perfect for smaller flocks living in movable chicken coops where the footprint of the coop is small and space is a premium. Using two mini step on feeders in a larger flock (instead of one large one) can work well as two feeding stations can dissipate any possible dominance over the feeder by a bossy hen/s and also help when introducing new birds.
Step on feeders reduce hierarchy in flocks ensuring all birds get enough feed which results in happy hens and better egg production. Step on feeders keep out rats, mice and sparrows ensuring your poultry feed is not contaminated. Clean feed helps to reduce the worm burden. Auto feeders save time and in the long run, less feed is wasted so save money!
Suitable for all commercial hybrids (brown shavers and hylines), heavy breeds and most larger light breeds of poultry plus guinea fowl and ducks. The unit is made out of aluminium with alloy rivets, plated steel hinges, nuts and bolts so it keeps working in adverse weather. We have had no issues with damp or wet feed. They work efficiently both indoors and out. All our step on feeders include our very own Appletons training instructions which are clear and easy to follow. Training is very important and not to be rushed or shortened. Chickens need to be POL and older for training.
Dimensions: app. 47cm long x 29cm wide x 22cm high (Height when fully open is 40cm)
"At one stage we were feeding all the neighbourhood sparrows, mice and rats and it was costing us a fortune. When we moved to these step-on feeders (now 16 years ago!) and got the chooks trained to use them our feed bill was considerably reduced and the feed now stays clean and is no longer contaminated with mouse/sparrow droppings. Plus our chook houses are also now free of sparrow droppings and easier to keep clean reducing risk from contamination like salmonella and other diseases carried by the wild birds and rodents. Definitely worth the investment. It will pay for itself in no time!"