Are Plastic Chicken Feeders, & Waterers Food Grade?

[MysteryChicken]

Asking cuz my Aunt believes they contain PFAs, & wants to switch to metal.

Also if they contained PFAs, wouldn't that make all poultry unhealthy?(Internally, Meat/Egg/Manure Contamination).

 

[FrostRanger]

I think that might depend on the particular feeder you're using as I imagine different brands vary on this.

Whether you use them or not depends on your own comfort level. Metal feeders and waterers certainly have their own sets of pros and cons

 

[MysteryChicken]

I think that might depend on the particular feeder you're using as I imagine different brands vary on this.

Whether you use them or not depends on your own comfort level. Metal feeders and waterers certainly have their own sets of pros and cons

She uses apple cider vinegar in their water on occasion, metal(Galvenized) can't be in contact with acidic stuff because it causes it to leach zinc, which may result in toxic levels.

 

[FrostRanger]

She uses apple cider vinegar in their water on occasion, metal(Galvenized) can't be I contact with acidic stuff because it causes it to leach zinc, which may result in toxic levels.

I have heard about that and that is certainly a con. She certainly has a choice to make based on which is more important to her, metal waterers or using apple cider vinegar

That said, I would think the amounts used in chicken waterers would be too little to be problematic, but don't quote me on that

 

[MysteryChicken]

I have heard about that and that is certainly a con. She certainly has a choice to make based on which is more important to her, metal waterers or using apple cider vinegar

That said, I would think the amounts used in chicken waterers would be too little to be problematic, but don't quote me on that

Another con of the metal one's is they're not as easy to clean.

 

[Bawkbok]

We tried galvanized steel waterers and you cannot add anything to it, especially ACV as it rusts quickly and they are extremely difficult to clean. Since we add additives frequently to the water (vitamins, electrolytes, amino acids, ACV, etc.) I find the plastic ones work best for us. Plastic is easy to clean and we wash ours every day. We have a smaller flock so I can see where this process wouldn't work for 50 birds. I would be less worried about plastics leaking toxins than the issues with steel or metal.
I've yet to find a stainless steel waterer anywhere. Feeders, yes, but not waterers. If there is one out there, please advise.

 

[FrostRanger]

We tried galvanized steel waterers and you cannot add anything to it, especially ACV as it rusts quickly and they are extremely difficult to clean. Since we add additives frequently to the water (vitamins, electrolytes, amino acids, ACV, etc.) I find the plastic ones work best for us. Plastic is easy to clean and we wash ours every day. We have a smaller flock so I can see where this process wouldn't work for 50 birds. I would be less worried about plastics leaking toxins than the issues with steel or metal.
I've yet to find a stainless steel waterer anywhere. Feeders, yes, but not waterers. If there is one out there, please advise.

It's expensive, but here's one
https://www.amazon.com/Permafarm-12L-3-2Gal-Food-Grade-Bottom-Fill/dp/B0D9PCLZ14

 

[Toothpick]

If they are specifically chicken feeders / waterers then I trust that they are safe. If they are any other type of plastic you have to look for the plastic triangle label thing, usually on the bottom.

 

[Toothpick]

It's expensive, but here's one
https://www.amazon.com/Permafarm-12L-3-2Gal-Food-Grade-Bottom-Fill/dp/B0D9PCLZ14

Heck nah. $5 plastic bucket from Lowes with chicken nipples works for me.

 

[FrostRanger]

Heck nah. $5 plastic bucket from Lowes with chicken nipples works for me.

Same, although I use cups rather than nipples but they wanted to know if stainless steel waterers existed so i dug one up