I am doing this with my chicks although I would make wood on all four sides if I had to do it again. So I used a plastic tub, attached wire to 2 pieces of would I would use 4 pieces just to make it easier to clean. So all of the droppings in my box I clean and throw in there. I have also found they poop there a lot also. then I just take that out and add it to my compost, wash it and start over. Totally saved me with clean water and no mess, kept the food clean also. I am going to hang my waterer and food when we move to the coop. I wanted to make the pvc waterer and feeder we might make one I found it on youtube. Other wise I might use this same concept under food and water still not sure.We are currently using a store bought 11 lb feeder for our girls, but they have started scattering their food EVERYWHERE!! We have gone through 40lbs of pellets in 3 weeks for 4 girls and the mess is attracting flies and mice, despite the daily cleaning.
I ordered chicken nipples to help with the water and we are building the waterer this Saturday... but we are stumped on the feeder... we need something that will make it harder to scatter and waste... something that will fill somewhat automatically (fill a hopper and have it funnel down type thing)... Cheap and effective!!
Please help as we have lots of ideas, but not sure which way to go as these are our first ladies...