Choosing Between Grandpa’s Feeders and the Gillandra Automatic Chicken Feeders

1. How do the feeders operate?

Neither feeder needs mains power — so they’re both totally off-grid friendly. Gillandra runs on 4 × AA batteries with a solar sensor that pops open at sunrise and shuts at sunset (or you can set your own times if you’re fancy like that). Grandpa’s is all mechanical: your chook steps on the treadle, lid opens, dinner is served. No wires, no apps, no nonsense.

2. How easy are they to assemble?

No IKEA-level dramas here. Grandpa’s arrives mostly done — just bolt on the treadplate and you’re set. Gillandra? Flip the handle, attach the timer, and you’re good to go. Both are quick jobs, even if you’re not particularly “handy”.

3. Is training required once setup?

Grandpa’s works on weight, so your birds need a couple of weeks to learn the trick. Training bolts hold the lid open while they figure it out. Bantams might need a small weight added to the treadle to make it easier. Gillandra doesn’t need training — the door opens automatically and most chickens tuck straight in without hesitation.

4. How much feed do the different feeders hold and what flock size are they best for?

Feeder Model	Capacity	Best Suited Flock Size
Grandpa’s 9kg	9kg	Small to medium flocks (up to 12)
Gillandra 10kg	10kg	Small to medium flocks (up to 12)
Grandpa’s 18kg	18kg	Medium to large flocks (8–12+)
Gillandra 40kg	40kg	Larger flocks (15+ chickens)

5. I have limited space in my coop. What are the dimensions of the two brands?

• Grandpa’s 9kg feeder: 430mm (W) × 510mm (D) × 290mm (H)

• Gillandra 10kg feeder: 410mm (W) × 215mm (D) × 910mm (H)

• Grandpa’s 18kg feeder: 550mm (W) × 630mm (D) × 400mm (H)

• Gillandra 40kg feeder: 410mm (W) × 215mm (D) × 910mm (H)

6. Are they suitable for bantams and smaller birds?

Gillandra is bantam-friendly straight out of the box — no weight needed to open the door. Grandpa’s works too, but lighter birds may need a helping hand with the treadle at first.

7. Can other poultry use these feeders?

Grandpa’s isn’t just for chooks — turkeys, ducks, geese (if they can stand and reach in), and pheasants can use them too. Gillandra is designed with chickens in mind but will also work for other poultry species, thanks to its large open feeding trough. 

8. How rodent and wild bird-proof are they?

Grandpa’s treadle system is weight-based, so mice and rats don’t stand a chance. Gillandra reduces feed waste with its low trough and closes at night, which helps with pests — but it’s still an open-door design, so clever wild birds can sneak in during the day. Grandpa’s limits lighter birds, though determined cockatoos or a gang of big pigeons have been known to outsmart it. Moral of the story? Both work well, but your local pest situation should guide your choice.

9. What about weather protection?

Both feeders are galvanised steel tanks in disguise — built to handle Aussie conditions. They keep feed dry, though with Gillandra it’s smart not to face the opening directly into driving rain.

10. How do they reduce feed waste for poultry?

Grandpa’s includes an anti-flick grill and side guards so your birds can’t scatter feed everywhere like confetti. Gillandra’s design keeps the feed lower in the trough, and the timed closing nudges chooks to polish off leftovers before bedtime.

11. How often will I need to refill them, and can I go away for a few days?

This depends on flock size and feeder capacity. A 9kg or 10kg model lasts 6 hens around 10 days. Larger versions — Grandpa’s 18kg or Gillandra’s massive 40kg — give you even more breathing room.

Chooks eat about 120g per bird per day. Four hens will chomp through roughly 500g daily, so you’ll need about 3.5kg for a week away. Do the maths on your flock and feeder, and you’ll know exactly how long you can disappear without anyone going hungry. 

12. Do they both work with any type of feed?

Stick with dry feed — pellets are best. Mash or molasses-laced mixes can gum things up, no matter which feeder you choose. 

13. How long do the batteries last in the Gillandra feeder?

Gillandra sips power like a pro. Four AA batteries will keep it running for around 18 months, since the door only opens and closes for about 15 seconds per day. A handy low-battery light lets you know when it’s time to swap them out. 

14. Are they safe for young chicks?

Not really... The treadle on Grandpa’s is too large and heavy, and Gillandra’s opening is too a fraction too tall to be accessed easily by baby chicks. After a few weeks when chicks get larger they should be able to jump in and out to feed easily (although you will have to ensure they have the correct formula food). 

15. How do I clean and maintain the feeders?

Galvanised steel means easy upkeep externally. If they get dirty for some reason, give them a quick scrub and rinse off (avoiding harsh chemicals). With Grandpa’s, check the treadle moves freely; with Gillandra, make sure the door motor keeps gliding smoothly. 

16. Do they come with warranties?

Grandpa’s comes with a 24-month, money-back guarantee against defects — but if you need to return one, it has to be scrubbed spotless and sent back with tracking at your cost. Fair’s fair.

Gillandra doesn’t advertise a set warranty, but the Aussie manufacturer has a strong reputation for standing behind their product. On the rare occasion something goes wrong, they’ve been quick to sort it out so customers aren’t left in the lurch.