My month-old ladies keep emptying and knocking over (in protest, I guess) their little feeder and waterer-they're the kind that screw on to mason jars. There are 13 chicks. Is there a different kind of feeder to use, or should I put it in a pan or something? They are currently in the basement but will be moved out to their new coop shortly. What do I use out there for feed, also? I don't have access to a 'feed store' or that tractor place folks here always talk about, so I'd have to make something or go online. Or, buy more little feeders maybe?
I'm in Central CT too. Howdy neighbor! I have a circular chick feeder (with lid) that I put up on a Tupperware container just to raise the height and secure it a little more. The big girls insist on jumping on top when they eat but it seems to hold up well and stay cleaner. I have the same kind of water but with the plastic reserve bottle which also sits on a container to raise it enough where they can't roost on it, knock it over or get it too dirty (though they always manage to get some shavings in there). Try putting yours up on some blocks of wood or whatever is handy to raise them off the ground. Hopefully it helps.
You can check out these threads for some ideas. https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=109158 https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=153754 You can can call your county extension agent and ask where the feed supply stores are near you if you want to buy something.
Hang your feeder and water so they move if they try perch on them just did this with my 5 week old chicks and no dirty water or any wasted food at least not as much as i was having before. The water stay almost completely clean. Remember only high enough that your smallest chick can still get food and water.
