Best commercial auto waterer/feeder

[arenea74]

Hi all. I just put my babies outside. Their run is small and I want to make the most of the space that's available. I want to buy something already built but I'm overwhelmed at the choices. I think want something that has a 5 gallon water supply on the outside of the run.

I'm still using a pint sized chick feeder & waterer. They are going thru them almost in a day. I have 6 straight run chicks right now but will end up with 3 or 4 in the end (freezer camp for the boys). I appreciate all advice

 

[debid]

http://www.farmandfleet.com/products/670915-plastic_hanging_feeder.html?source=googleps

I was looking at this feeder because it has a short & wide shape so it will fit nicely underneath my nest box shelf where it's entirely protected from perching and pooping. It's hard to tell from your photo but it looks like you might have 18-20" clearance under the coop? If so, you could put this one under there to give it good weather & perch protection. There are other feeders of similar capacity that are taller and skinnier if you prefer to hang it where you have your feeders now rather than under the coop but with any tube feeder, you need protection for the top or the birds will perch there.

My folks have 8 heavy breed birds and are finding that they need to fill their 7-pound feeder every 3 days so you might be able to go a week with 3 or 4 hens and a similarly sized feeder.

 

[BellevueOmlet]

I would recommend things that take up as little space as possible since the spoace the chickens have is limited.
Waterer - go with nipples or water cups and have the water bucket outside of the coop.
Feeder - go with something like http://www.mypetchicken.com/catalog/Chicken-Supplies/Solid-Bottom-Feeder-7-42-oz-capacity-p603.aspx, which can be put on the side of the coop and not interfer with their running-around space.
That's my recommendation and what I use and am happy with. I attached a large PVC pipe to my feeder so I don't have to fill it as often for added convenience but it works either way.
The top link in my signature shows what the cups look like so you have an idea of what I mean.

Cute chicken coop!!