How to stop chicks from pooping in food and water?!

[JennT]

My 3 week olds like to scratch their food. Drives me nuts. We also just added 6 chicks hatched on Easter. I use metal nipple waterers, like for a hamster, and made a trough-like feeder so that only a portion of it is open. I've had no waste ( I do put some down in the bedding for them to scratch for, as well as treats), and from the looks of it, even the chicks at a day old were able to use the waterers.

 

[3riverschick]

Here's an idea. Make a PVC pipe feeder and set it along the wall, instead of sticking out in the room. The pipe should be wide enough to feed in but not wide enough for them to get a grip on it so they can sit/roost in it.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/sashurlows-pvc-water-feeder
Best,
Karen