Chick Waterer & Feeder - Question - Will what we plan to use work?

[hen-at-home]

Hi!

I'm new to BYC and new to chickens. I have 4 chicks that I am supposed to be picking up the end of this week and I need a bit of advice. I heard/read I could use a clean tuna can for a chick feeder. Can I use a clean tuna can for a waterer if I put a couple layers of marbles in it so that the chicks can't drown in it? I really don't want to have to purchase a chick waterer which I'll only use for one week or so.

Also, a friend gave me some old galvanized large fountain waterers which had been left on her property when she moved in. I thought I could use them because they still hold water but the bottom tray/bowl is rusted. I researched this on BYC and found that due to toxicity of the zinc or something in the galvanization they should not be used anymore. One person on that discussion mentioned drilling holes and using it as a feeder. Does anyone else think that this would be a good idea and work out ok? Obviously these large feeders would be used in the coop once my babies are moved outside. (I am also expecting 4 more from a hatching date next week for a total of 8 chicks).

Thanks to all of you for the time you spend responding to all the various questions asked on the forum. It's great to have so much help available out there.

 

[bigdawg]

you can buy a chicken waterer and feeder at tsc for under 20.00 and use it for chicks and when they grow up

 

[paulpig]

You will refill a tuna can a hundred times a day.............I agree with earlier post. Get the chicken waterer...the water will stay clean and replenish longer than a tuna can..............Enjoy your chics......!!!

 

[damselfish]

It could work, but you'll likely get a lot of bedding in it. You could help this by putting up a few layers of plywood as little steps above the level of the bedding, then set the waterer on top.

Also, you may be surprised how fast those little chicks grow and decide to perch on the edge, thus dumping it over.

What I ended up doing was simply using the adult galvanized waterer, with some marbles in it for the first few days. It worked out great and I never had to buy a chick waterer. I still used the plywood step method to keep it above the level of the bedding. Even a small chick can climb 3/4 inch "steps".

Edited: because I can't spell and also forgot to say Welcome!

 

[hen-at-home]

Hey, thanks for that advice all. Maybe I should just break the bank and get a large feeder and waterer at TSC and then move them out to the coop later. I was just using a rather small box brooder to start the four chicks with plans to increase the box size in a couple weeks. If I use the larger feeder/waterer I'll have to start with a large box. Not a big deal I guess.

Any others who want to add their thoughts.........I'm still listening.

 

[Backyard Hencam]

The chick waterer that I used was only $1.89 (plastic) and screwed onto a glass quart jar. I've used it later when a hen had to be isolated. Well worth the investment. You'd be surprised how much water they drink. I don't think a tuna can would work. Have fun with those chicks!

 

[Mrs.H]

I bought the bottom of a chick feeder for like $2.50 at TSC, and the chick waterer base and plastic quart jar for I think about $4 to go in their brooder. If you plan to have more chicks in the future you wont be wasting your money.

 

[hen-at-home]

Hi all, thought I'd update. I went to the local Farmer's Exchange and bought a chick feeder bottom and a chick waterer bottom for I think $1.89 each which I will put my own quart jar on. I picked up a bag of chick starter (medicated, they didn't have non-medicated,... didn''t want to use medicated but the guy at the FE said it would be a good idea. ?? I probably shouldn't do this since I've already bought the bag,... but I'll go re-read posts on that subject again later) I also bought a bag of construction sand because that is what we want to use in the bottom of our brooder. I already had a box of extra Gravel 'n Grit from our cockatiel which we will now use for the chicks. Total cost: $19.95 and all I had is a $20 in my pocket.......phew!!

Thanks to all who took time out of their day to help me out!!! I hope I can give back at some point!