I did this with my chick feeder also, but put screen over a shallow cardboard box to collect the copious amount of food the billed out of the feeder.
Here are pictures of the "wire floors" I elevate our feeders and waterers on. This shows them after 2 days without changing. The bedding is rice hulls, which fall easily through the 1/2" holes in the wire mesh. I think this only would work well if the bedding can pass through the wire grid easily. I add about the equivalent of 1/2 tsp more or less of chlorine bleach to the water each time I fill it which further prevents bacterial problems. It does not seem to negatively affect the digestion of the chicks; we never have to medicate and they grow very well. Just showing what has worked rally well for us. Note: I have to wire down the feeders to the platforms or they will get knocked off as the chicks grow larger. You could avoid the wire probably by having a screw protrude through the bottom of the feeders to catch on the wire, but I don't like to drill holes in my feeders. The metal feeders also outlast the plastic many many times over, the one shown is about 40+ years old and good as new. I do prefer plastic founts though, to monitor the water level. Plus they can be soaked in bleach solution which isn't so good for galvanized metal, though those wash up easily with soap and a brush, especially after a brief soaking in water to soften the manure. Hope this helps.
That's the kind of water I used too, it fits nicely on the 8oz (or 16oz after they get taller) sour cream type container to raise it up. I had one shorter chick that I had a little block of wood it could stand on to get a drink easier.I think I would use a block of Wood good idea!
Well I use a waterer like this
The chicks are about 5 inches
