Ideas and input for feeding /watering options

[Rnk368]

I'm new to chickens, but not new to animals. I got 4 hens last weekend and am in the process of getting their permanent coop and run established. Coop was delivered on Thursday, and we got most of their run built yesterday. Currently, they are in a VERY small coop that was given to me by the girl who gave them to me, and they make a MESS of their water and feed. They have a 3 gallon waterer and a 7 lb feeder. I am looking for input and ideas for the best watering/feeding options to make sure they are happy, healthy and safe in their new home. Thanks in advance for any help!

 

[Fanci Feathers Marans]

Take a look at High End Hen feeders from Jeffer's. I like them and use them. The waterers are no good in freezing conditions, though.

 

[lazy gardener]

I highly recommend fermented feed. You can feed it in a simple home made trough or a dog food bowl.

https://tikktok.wordpress.com/2014/04/13/fermented-feed-faq/

Housing: recommendation is for at least 4 s.f./bird in coop, and 10 s.f./bird in the run.

I'm a fan of deep litter in both coop and run.

 

[Rnk368]

I highly recommend fermented feed. You can feed it in a simple home made trough or a dog food bowl.

https://tikktok.wordpress.com/2014/04/13/fermented-feed-faq/

Housing: recommendation is for at least 4 s.f./bird in coop, and 10 s.f./bird in the run.

I'm a fan of deep litter in both coop and run.

Thanks for the info!


I've been researching like a crazy person...I like the deep litter method for the run, still debating using it for the coop. I have 4 birds currently, and have a 5'x8' coop. The run is 500 Sq. ft., so I think I'm good. I don't plan on more than 10 chickens, and I have plenty of room to expand in both my coop and run. I've also been reading about fermented feed and want to give it a try. My biggest concern is how to keep them from making a mess with their water...If I raise it off the ground, will that keep them from knocking it over?

 

[barred2rock]

I prefer fermented feed and use a nipple waterer. No mess no fuss!

 

[Fanci Feathers Marans]

I highly recommend fermented feed. You can feed it in a simple home made trough or a dog food bowl.

https://tikktok.wordpress.com/2014/04/13/fermented-feed-faq/

Housing: recommendation is for at least 4 s.f./bird in coop, and 10 s.f./bird in the run.

I'm a fan of deep litter in both coop and run.

I use DLM in my run, but where I have concrete, I clean it out every other week. I just really like to know that it's clean.

However, it's totally up to the keeper. The hens are pooping in it, not sleeping in it.

 

[GC-Raptor]

I keep my 2 gallon waterer raised, without them tipping it over, but it's heavy and doesn't go below half full before my weekly cleaning. I also keep it in a corner of the coop. . GC

 

[blackdog043]

Horizontal water nipples work great, no dirty water at all.

 

[chicks are life]

Put your waters on a cinder block the waters is heavy enough it doesn't fall off and prevents shavings and what not to get kicked in it.make sure this is on level ground too or it will all spill out.

Hang your feeder with a string from the roof of your run just make sure all birds can reach it.

Post pics of waters and feeder.