We use a 5-gallon bucket with nipples, so no water exposed. In the brooder, we have a smaller version made out of a Tupperware container. In the coop, we do no maintenance on the pellets but in the brooder, I use a stick and stir them.Those "pellets" are great for wet coops too. Careful using the pellets, if they kick some up into the water, it will absorb the water. I tried using for brooder but I smell a "scent" but that was few years ago. TSC pine shaving come in two "flavors" fine & flakes, I find the find is "dustier" than the flakes.