How can I keep my chickens off the waterer and feeder?

[Amyloumomof2]

I have a couple chickens who seem to have chosen their favorite spot either on my feeder or waterer. How can I discourage this so I don't have to worry about their poop contaminating the food and water?

 

[Percheron chick]

That's why people hang them. If they move around when they hop up on them they'll hop right back off. If you can't hang them, cut down a gallon jug and put it over the top. No place to perch on.

 

[azygous]

I suspend a bit of netting over the waterers, having had hens perch on them and tip them over. I just take about 12 inches of wire, like a coat hanger, shape it into a ninety degree angle, fasten it to the fencing. Then I take a ten inch square of netting (any fabric will work) and just hang it tent-like from the end of the wire so it's directly above the water jug.

It works like a charm to discourage chickens from hopping onto the waterer.

 

[ShockValue]

My feeders are square 4 gallon buckets up against a wall. I slope a piece of plywood on top of each (outer edge of feeder sloping back against the wall) so if the chickens jump up there they just slide off.

 

[Amyloumomof2]

Thanks! I have them hanging, but my girls don't seem to mind the movement when they jump on. I will try some of your ideas and see how it goes!! Thanks for your help!

 

[Amyloumomof2]

How easily do they switch over to the nipple waterers?

 

[chad-o]

How easily do they switch over to the nipple waterers?

Just a matter of minutes they get the hang of it.

 

[HerdAndHome]

Thanks! I have them hanging, but my girls don't seem to mind the movement when they jump on. I will try some of your ideas and see how it goes!! Thanks for your help!

Same