Well. my hubby n I are building a walk in coop. Now I’m thinking about using those pvc pipes for feeders. The ones you attach to wall with the elbow at bottom (are they less messy n wasteful?) And the bucket with chicken water nipples, for their water. Or maybe a different set up? Now do I need to put food n water inside coop? I’m going to have water outside for them n a couple pvc pipe feeders. If there’s feed in the coop they’ll need a drink to wash it down. Right ? Any suggestions would be great!
I have not used nipples or the PVC feeder but many people have. A typical way chickens waste feed is that they swipe their heads sideways while eating and shovel food out. A way I've seen people reduce that is to put something so they can only peck, not swipe. You sure do not want them to be able to stand in it and scratch. Hopefully someone that has done this can tell you what they did and how it worked. I would not use a fine wire, I'd be concerned they would cut their combs or wattles. You want to avoid something like those wire cheese cutters.
Another much simpler trick and it may be enough to reduce waste (I'd try it first) is to put a shallow tray underneath to catch the scooped out food. You may find even this much isn't necessary but they can eat out of a shallow tray as easily as the regular feeder.
Another way they can waste feed is to scratch trash into it. If you raise the top of your feeder to about the height of their backs you can greatly reduce how much trash gets scratched into it.
As mentioned above, some of us feed and water inside the coop only, some outside only, and some do both. Some feed in one place and water in another. We all have our reasons and there can be many. A common reason given to feed outside only is to try to avoid attracting mice to the coop. A common reason given for feeding inside only is to avoid feeding wild birds, they can eat a lot. Or if you leave your chickens locked inside the coop pretty late in the morning they will wake up hungry and thirsty. Water inside may get the coop wet if it leaks but it may stay cooler in summer and be easier to keep thawed in winter if you use electricity. In winter I use those black rubber bowls for water and set them where the sun can hit them, solar heat helps keep it thawed when the sun is shining. If they freeze like they do overnight I beat the ice out of them and refill. In summer I use white bowls outside to keep water cooler. If you use nipples you might want that container to be in the shade.
I feed and water in both places. I almost always have juveniles in my flock. By spreading food and water around it gives everybody a chance to eat and drink. The older chickens can be real bullies in keeping younger birds away from food and water. As far as I'm concerned there is no right way or wrong way to do this, do what suits how you manage your birds.
One of my basic rules when designing chicken facilities, keep your comfort and convenience in mind. Your chicken will benefit if you are comfortable taking care of them.
