Chick feeder & water:how high out of shavings to place?

[limabean]

Just a quick question as I am setting up my brooder. I've read about placing the feeder & waterer on a piece of wood to keep them away from the shavings - how high? Would a brick be okay height? (ie can the babies get up to their food and water when they are brand-new).

Thanks!

 

[markrgriffin]

I had my waterer on two bricks and they still managed to get shavings into it within 2-3 minutes of cleaning and refilling. Ended up with a 20litre container hanging from the ceiling with 360degree nipples underneath. now they have clean water all week and I only have to fill the container about twice in 3 weeks.

 

[limabean]

Do you mean baby chicks got shavings in the water that quickly?

 

[P-Funk]

I read the food and water should be raised to the height of the birds backs. Shavings and poo seem to get in there no matter where they are, so I clean the water at least 3 times a day.

 

[Chickengal505]

If you find they manage to get poo and shavings in it and you dont have the time to clean it out three times a day, try a rabbit waterer. Just touch their beaks to it so the know there is water there. They catch on quickly.

 

[limabean]

Thanks all.

I did not know I could use a rabbit waterer. Since I already have a waterer I'll use that to start but if it becomes an issue, perhaps I'll get a rabbit waterer!

Is there some very large version of that that can be used in the coop when they are full grown? (is that what you are talking about markrgriffin?)

 

[P-Funk]

My 5 week olds managed to knock the feeder off its stand this morning. They had the time of their lives digging thru the shavings! I think it's time they started getting treats other than bugs...

 

[limabean]

Just brainstorming here - can baby chicks use a ramp? Could I put their food up on a platform with a little ramp leading up to it? Is that a totally silly idea?

 

[kjpanda]

My Lil Peepers managed to knock their water over today. They sure let me know too! Bad Lil Peepers!!! I have mine on top of three scraps of wood and still have to clean it out multiple times a day. If anyone figures out a chick proof method, I am all ears!!!

They are really active and play "King of the Hill" on the branch I have in the brooder for them. I put a sand box in for them yesterday and they love scratching around in it.

Karen

 

[Chicken.Lytle]

I am expecting chicks soon. I was hoping to use sand instead of pine shavings. I suppose it is better for them to eat sand than shavings, but still.... Wathcing this thread with interest!