How do you get water and food to your chickens? (Share your storys!)

[homeworkin]

Still planning out food and water for the coops - but I did learn a painful and valuable lesson several years ago with my first flock. I was using 2.5 gallon water jugs as disposable waterers. I cut a large hole in the side and used them for water for a few weeks, then recycled and started over. One day the water got low and a hen climbed in to reach it better. I am guessing she got stuck and panicked - dead when I found her. So, whatever system I use will be closed enough to prevent a chicken climbing in. I know some people use open buckets and the like, but I am too paranoid now!

 

[Mehjr10]

Build your flock a nipple system, they can not climb into them and easy to do.. The bucket feeder that I used has a lid on it and they can only get to the feed that drops into the pan at the bottom.

 

[el pollo rey]

Build your flock a nipple system, they can not climb into them and easy to do..  The bucket feeder that I used has a lid on it and they can only get to the feed that drops into the pan at the bottom.

. I agree the nipple system is by far the best way to go

 

[MsChickenMomma]

I use open buckets. I refresh them 3 times a day, so I haven't had any problems with them. The buckets I use are 3 gallon buckets. I'd like to some day switch to the nipple system. I currently can't because I have one hen who is half blind in both eyes, and she would never be able to figure out how to drink from them.

Im really sorry about your hen @homeworkin. That must have been hard for you

 

[Mr MKK FARMS]

I use open buckets. I refresh them 3 times a day, so I haven't had any problems with them. The buckets I use are 3 gallon buckets. I'd like to some day switch to the nipple system. I currently can't because I have one hen who is half blind in both eyes, and she would never be able to figure out how to drink from them.

Im really sorry about your hen @homeworkin. That must have been hard for you

I have never used the nipple system and I don't think I ever will, because my chickens are doing just fine with the waterer they have now.
It looks like this but its like 4 times as big.

 

[kuntrygirl]

I use open buckets. I refresh them 3 times a day, so I haven't had any problems with them. The buckets I use are 3 gallon buckets. I'd like to some day switch to the nipple system. I currently can't because I have one hen who is half blind in both eyes, and she would never be able to figure out how to drink from them. Im really sorry about your hen @homeworkin. That must have been hard for you

I have never used the nipple system and I don't think I ever will, because my chickens are doing just fine with the waterer they have now. It looks like this but its like 4 times as big.

I agree. They couldn't pay me a million dollars to use a nipple system. NOPE!

 

[Mr MKK FARMS]

I agree. They couldn't pay me a million dollars to use a nipple system. NOPE!

Haha! I don't hate the nipple system but I just don't get it, your chickens have to learn a new way to drink for no reason. It just seems like its a waste. (I don't mean to be rude to any nipple system lovers or anything. Please don't be offended)

 

[kuntrygirl]

I agree. They couldn't pay me a million dollars to use a nipple system. NOPE!

Haha! I don't hate the nipple system but I just don't get it, your chickens have to learn a new way to drink for no reason. It just seems like its a waste. (I don't mean to be rude to any nipple system lovers or anything. Please don't be offended) 

x2.

 

[Mr MKK FARMS]

x2.

Do you use the same kind of waterer as me?

 

[el pollo rey]

...

Haha! I don't hate the nipple system but I just don't get it, your chickens have to learn a new way to drink for no reason. It just seems like its a waste. (I don't mean to be rude to any nipple system lovers or anything. Please don't be offended) 
[/quote. We are not offended at least i am not as far as teaching chickens to drink from a new system it is about as easy as teaching your dog to not drink out of mud puddles , it will take a thirsty bird all of about a milla second to drink from a nipple without interaction from you at all , they work well and are low maintenance but to each there own ,, enjoy