Best Supplier?

[rosemarythyme]

and a word of advice: don't get the feeders and waterers without lids. I've never had a drowning from falling in, but I had an idiot who died presumably of thirst after falling into the feeder

I actually don't have a top for my current chick feeder (it's one of those round plastic bases meant to screw onto a mason jar) but it's so shallow that the chicks can climb into and out of it if they want.

I could see a chick maybe getting into more trouble with a larger adult feeder, if they somehow fell into the top, though doing regular headcounts of chicks would probably be the best counter to that.

 

[Ridgerunner]

I actually don't have a top for my current chick feeder (it's one of those round plastic bases meant to screw onto a mason jar) but it's so shallow that the chicks can climb into and out of it if they want.

I could see a chick maybe getting into more trouble with a larger adult feeder, if they somehow fell into the top, though doing regular headcounts of chicks would probably be the best counter to that.

By the time they are just a few days old the chicks should be able to jump pretty well. I make steps out of pavers and they can climb those to get in and out of the coop with the broody hen after two or three days off of the nest. But if you have any concern about this put a brick, paver, or just rocks in it so they can walk out. They'll be pooping in it anyway when they are walking in it so you'll need it regularly dump it.

 

[SamLockwood]

I don't have any one supplier for everything, it just depends on what I'm buying.

Most frequently I use TSC or my local feed store (which is only a couple of miles from me), because they're close by. If I have more time I order online from a variety of suppliers.

I had good luck on two separate orders from Meyer: the big one of 30 chicks and keets (15 of each) they all made it. I had two guinea keets that arrived lethargic but I hand-fed them water with electrolytes and they perked up within 24 hours.

The second order was smaller (6 male chicks) and boys came in fine.

Note that I was strategic in ordering my chicks: I picked a hatchery that wasn't too far away (less than a 12 hour drive from my location), and ordered during milder weather (the end of August for the big order, and April for the roosters). Plus my local post office is very used to handling chicks, as my part of Georgia is "chicken central."

 

[JAbraham]

Where are you brooding, in a climate-controlled house or outside subject to temperature swings. If outside, what are those temperature swings? (That's basically where are you located and what time of the year will you be brooding them?) How many chicks? How big will the brooder be? Do you know what it will look like? I'd suggest different brooder heaters depending in this type of info.


I don't have a "best" for everyone for these. We use different things. You can buy, make, or repurpose things. For chicks, those long red plastic feeders with 16 holes for them to eat out of are pretty popular. Some people like the hanging feeders that look like bird feeders. I've made a trench out of wood. For the first few days when they are learning what to eat something like the paper plates Rosemary mentioned are not bad.

For older chickens you have a huge choice. Some people use hanging feeders that look like bird feeders. Some make feeders out of PVC using 90 degree bends, there are examples on this forum. Some use trenches or bowls of some type. I cut 2-1/2" holes in the sides of a 3 gallon plastic bucket and hang that.

Waterers also vary. You can get those that chick waterers look like a bird feeder, similar to some feeders. Make sure those stay level or they will leak. Some people use nipples, either horizontal or vertical. I use a black rubber dog bowl with rocks so they don't drown by walking in it. If they can, they will poop in it so you need to change it out regularly.

Waterer options for adults are similar to these.

I don't use an automatic door so no comments on those.

Great directions! I planned of buying 6 chicks on March 1. We are in MT, so I planned on putting the 2×5 broader in the house (laundry room) for one week, then the heated, insulated, attached garage. I want to take them outside as much as possible after a couple weeks. Weather dependant, of course. I'll keep shopping for feeders. Sounds like they are as messy as they are cute, so I'll look for something easy to clean. Thanks for the info!

 

[Ridgerunner]

Great directions! I planned of buying 6 chicks on March 1. We are in MT, so I planned on putting the 2×5 broader in the house (laundry room) for one week, then the heated, insulated, attached garage.

If you are brooding in the house and only 6 chicks I suggest a heating plate or a heating pad cave. Those provide plenty of warmth without overheating your house. You do not need your brooder to be the same temperature all over. What works best is to have one spot (the heat plate or heating pad) warm enough with the rest of the brooder cooler so they can find the spots they are comfortable. They tend to run around in the cooler spots until they get cold, then go to a warm spot to warm up.

I'll keep shopping for feeders. Sounds like they are as messy as they are cute, so I'll look for something easy to clean.

Put your feeder up on something to get it above the brooder floor. About shoulder height is good. That keeps them from scratching as much bedding material in it and keeps it cleaner.