Grandpas Feeders 20 lb Automatic Treadle Chicken Feeder vs SnapLock Formex Large Chicken Coop

Head-to-head spec comparison to help you pick the right coop for your needs.

Grandpas Feeders 20 lb Automatic Treadle Chicken Feeder

Grandpas Feeders

$189

vs
SnapLock Formex Large Chicken Coop

SnapLock

$399

Spec Winner

Grandpas Feeders 20 lb Automatic Treadle Chicken Feeder

Wins on 3 of 4 spec categories

Spec-by-Spec Comparison

SpecGrandpas Feeders 20 lb Automatic Treadle Chicken FeederSnapLock Formex Large Chicken Coop
Capacity6 hens4 hens
MaterialGalvanized steelRecycled plastic
Run IncludedNoNo
Coop Floor Area0 sq ft16 sq ft
Predator Rating5 /55 /5
Auto-Door ReadyNoYes
Weather Rating4 /55 /5
Assembly Time0.5 hrs0.5 hrs
Price$189$399
Rating8.8/108.7/10
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Pros & Cons

Grandpas Feeders 20 lb Automatic Treadle Chicken Feeder

Pros

  • Treadle mechanism eliminates feed waste — hens step on the platform to open the lid
  • Galvanized steel construction is rat-proof, mouse-proof, and weather-resistant
  • 20-pound capacity feeds 6 chickens for up to 10 days without refilling
  • Adjustable treadle weight lets you tune it for bantams or heavy breeds
  • Lid seals tight in rain — feed stays dry even in uncovered runs

Cons

  • Hens need 2-3 days of training to trust the treadle — some skittish birds never adapt
  • At $189, it costs more than 5 years of basic hanging feeders
  • Sharp edges on early production units required gloves during assembly
  • Lid hinge can squeak and spook nervous hens until lubricated

SnapLock Formex Large Chicken Coop

Pros

  • Double-walled recycled polyethylene construction is effectively predator-proof with no gaps or seams
  • UV-resistant plastic never rots, never needs paint, and hoses clean in minutes
  • Tool-free snap assembly takes under 30 minutes — take it apart and move it just as fast
  • No wood means zero risk of mites, mold, or rot in humid climates
  • Removable litter tray and large access door make deep cleaning a 15-minute job

Cons

  • Plastic aesthetic is polarizing — looks like a garden shed, not a farmhouse coop
  • No run included — budget another $100-200 for a hardware-cloth run or free-range plan
  • Interior space is best for 3-4 standard hens despite marketing claims of 4-6
  • Higher price per square foot than wood coops of comparable capacity

Our Verdicts

Grandpas Feeders 20 lb Automatic Treadle Chicken Feeder

The only feeder we have tested that truly stops rodents and waste simultaneously. The upfront cost is high, but it pays for itself in saved feed and eliminated pest attraction within two years.

SnapLock Formex Large Chicken Coop

The lowest-maintenance, most predator-resistant coop we have tested. If you value durability over aesthetics and can add a run separately, the Formex is worth the premium.

Grandpas Feeders 20 lb Automatic Treadle Chicken Feeder

$189

Buy on Amazon

SnapLock Formex Large Chicken Coop

$399

Buy on Amazon

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