Top UK Stores and Practical Guide to Buying Livestock Feeders & Waterers

If you keep chickens, pigs, sheep, goats, or cattle, the right feeder and waterer can feel like the single best farm upgrade you ever made. It saves time, cuts waste, and keeps animals healthier — and who doesn’t want that? In this guide I’ll walk you through the types of feeders and waterers, what materials to pick, how to size them in gallons and pounds, and where in the UK you can buy reliable kit from recognised suppliers and marketplaces. Think of this as your one-stop shopping map for smarter, cleaner, and more efficient livestock care.

Why good feeders and waterers matter

It’s easy to overlook feeders and waterers as just boxes and basins, but they’re central to animal health and farm efficiency. The right system reduces feed wastage, prevents contamination, and lowers labour — and that adds up to real savings over a season. Good water access also supports digestion, milk production, and weight gain. Put simply: the right kit feeds your pocketbook while keeping your stock thriving.

Common types of feeders and when to use them

Not all feeders are created equal. Choosing the correct style depends on the animal, herd size, and whether you want hands-off automation or a basic, rugged trough. Below are the main categories and what they’re best for.

Hopper and gravity feeders

Hopper or gravity feeders are popular for poultry and small flocks. They hold a stack of feed in a covered hopper and let it flow into a tray as birds eat. You get lower waste because feed stays covered, and capacity is usually measured in pounds — common hopper sizes range from 10 to 50 lb for backyard use up to several hundred pounds for larger setups.

Trough and pan feeders

Trough feeders are the workhorses for pigs, cattle, and sheep. Usually made from galvanized steel, plastic, or concrete, troughs can be simple pans or long channels. For cattle, lengths of 6 to 12 feet are typical depending on the number of animals. Pigs and sheep do well with shallower pans, often measured in gallons or pounds of feed per feeding.

Automatic and timed feeders

If you want precision and less daily lifting, automatic feeders are the answer. These devices dispense set amounts at programmed times — great for young stock that need frequent small meals. Capacities vary; many automatic feeders hold 10 to 50 lb, while larger commercial systems can be scaled up for herds.

Waterer options: keep water flowing year-round

Clean water is non-negotiable. Water systems vary from simple troughs to advanced frost-proof automatic waterers that deliver a steady stream without freezing, even in winter. Choose by species, herd size, and your local climate.

Nipple drinkers and small troughs

Nipple drinkers suit poultry, pigs, and goats; they limit spillage and contamination. Expect flow rates near a few ounces per minute per nipple. Small troughs are good for lambs or calves, but require more cleaning and can be vulnerable to dirt and bedding.

Automatic and frost-proof waterers

For sheep, cattle, and outdoor pigs, automatic waterers with thermostatic or insulated designs save time and headaches. Many automatic tanks hold 10 to 50 gallons, and commercial troughs often exceed 100 gallons for larger herds. For farms in colder parts of the UK, look for models with heating or frost-proof valves to keep water flowing when it’s below freezing.

Materials: what to pick for durability and hygiene

Material choice affects lifespan and hygiene. Galvanised steel is tough and bite-resistant for pigs and cattle, plastic is lightweight and easy to clean for poultry, and concrete troughs survive rough treatment and last decades. If you want rust resistance, choose galvanised or stainless steel, and for lightweight mobile solutions, UV-stable heavy-duty plastic works well. Remember — smoother surfaces mean less bacterial build-up and easier cleaning.

Sizing feeders and waterers: rules of thumb

Getting the size right prevents crowding and reduces waste. Use these practical rules: give each chicken 2 to 4 inches of feeder space and 1 to 2 inches of water space; for pigs, allow 8 to 12 inches of trough space per animal; for cattle, provide 12 to 18 inches each. For waterer capacity, aim for at least 1 gallon per 100 lb of animal in hot weather as a base — so a 1,500 lb group should have access to 15 gallons at any one time during warm days. Always round up to avoid shortages on busy days.

Top UK places to buy livestock feeders and waterers

Where you buy matters: specialist stores, well-known online marketplaces, and local agricultural co-ops all have strengths. Below are reliable options available to UK farmers and smallholders.

Countrywide Farmers and national co-ops

Countrywide Farmers and other agricultural cooperatives stock a wide range of feeders, waterers, and accessories. They’re a great source for standard troughs, galvanised feed bowls, and branded heavy-duty items. Co-ops often offer practical advice and regional knowledge, so if you’re unsure about sizing or frost-proof needs, they’re worth a visit.

Premier1 UK and specialist brands

Specialist suppliers such as Premier1 (available via UK distributors) focus on electric fencing, poultry drinkers, and precision feeders. These brands are ideal when you want built-for-purpose systems like nipple drinkers or automatic dispensers, and they often have parts and spare valves so your system can be maintained for years.

Amazon UK and eBay UK

Online marketplaces are convenient for quick replacements and low-cost options. You’ll find everything from simple chick feeders to mid-range automatic systems. Be careful with specification sheets and reviews: check capacity in pounds or gallons, read the Q&A, and prefer sellers with clear return policies or visible brand names.

Independent farm merchants and local agri-stores

Don’t forget independent merchants — they often have the best local knowledge and offer bespoke solutions, such as custom-length troughs or on-site delivery for large tanks. Buying locally also means you can inspect materials before purchase and get immediate advice on installation and winterisation.

Installation basics: fitting feeders and waterers safely

Installation isn’t always just screwing a feeder into a wall. Position feeders away from muddy or wet spots to avoid contamination, and mount waterers at an appropriate height: nipples for adults are around 18 to 24 inches off the ground depending on species; chicks and piglets need lower setups. Anchor troughs and heavy feeders to prevent tipping and protect against boisterous animals. For automatic systems, ensure valves are installed by a competent person to avoid leaks and pressure problems.

Cleaning and maintenance: keep systems healthy

Regular cleaning saves costly treatments later. Empty and wash feeders weekly with hot water and a farm-safe detergent; disinfect monthly depending on stock density. For waterers, check flow daily and descale valves every few weeks if you have hard water. Replace worn seals and float valves before they fail — small parts are cheap compared to replacing the whole unit.

Winter-proofing and frost protection

Cold snaps are the big test. Insulate above-ground tanks with straw bales or foam covers, and invest in thermostatically controlled heaters for tanks you can power. Frost-proof waterers or heated bowls avoid ice and prevent emergency trips. If you rely on gravity tanks, ensure pipes slope and drain to prevent burst lines. Think ahead and stock spare valves and seals before frost hits.

Choosing by animal: targeted recommendations

Different animals demand different solutions. Match the feeder or waterer to the species’ feeding behaviour and your management style for best results.

Chickens and small poultry

For chickens, gravity feeders and trough-style feeders with a covered hopper keep feed dry and reduce waste. Nipple drinkers are excellent for chicks and adult birds to prevent splashing. For broilers, choose feeders that deliver 2 to 4 inches of feeder space per bird to avoid crowding and ensure uniform growth.

Pigs and piglets

Pigs are messy eaters who prefer low, sturdy troughs and turnable feeders that resist rooting. For piglets, use small creep feeders that hold a few pounds to limit spoilage. Adult pigs need strong, bite-proof troughs, and if you use wet feeding systems, ensure drainage and cleaning are simple to avoid souring.

Cattle, sheep, and goats

Ruminants need wide troughs and long feed racks to reduce competition. For cattle, a minimum of 12 inches of feed space per animal prevents bullying. Sheep and goats benefit from raised troughs to keep hay off the ground. Automatic waterers sized at 10 to 50 gallons are typical depending on herd size; scale up capacity for hot spells.

Cost-saving tips and getting value

You don’t need to buy the most expensive kit to get great results. Buy the right material for the job — plastic for poultry, galvanised steel for pigs and cattle — and invest in spare parts. Buying in season can bring discounts, and refurbished or second-hand heavy troughs often represent excellent value. If you’re experimenting with automation, start small with a single pen before scaling up.

Regulations, welfare and biosecurity

Feeding and watering systems affect animal welfare laws and biosecurity. Always keep feed covered and water clean to minimise disease risk, and separate sick stock during outbreaks. For commercial operations, make sure your choice meets any industry or certification standards relevant to your production system.

Making the final choice: a quick checklist

Before you click buy, run through this checklist: what species and how many animals will use it; is the material suited to the animal’s strength and the local weather; what capacity in gallons or pounds is needed; can you install and maintain it easily; and are spare parts available locally? Answering these will help you choose a feeder or waterer that pays for itself over seasons, not months.

Where to get help if you’re unsure

If you’re still undecided, ask your local farm merchant or a specialist dealer about demo units or references. Many suppliers can advise on sizing in feet or gallons, recommend frost-proof options, and point you to compatible spare parts. If online, check seller ratings and product Q&A to avoid buying the wrong size or flow rate.

Investing in the right feeders and waterers is one of the smartest moves a smallholder or farmer can make: it’s about cleaner animals, less waste, and fewer headaches. Armed with the right knowledge of types, materials, sizing in gallons and pounds, and reputable UK suppliers, you’ll be ready to pick gear that fits your herd and your budget. Think of it like supplying your animals with good boots and a reliable water bottle — comfort and dependability from dawn to dusk.