New to goats: Auto waterer or pail/tub for water?

[sandy sea]

Gettting my two La Manchas tomorrow. Went to a couple of different feed stores to ask questions. What is better an auto waterer or just a big pail or tub for the water? Should I purchase a metal container to hold the hay? HELP please.

 

[detali]

I used to keep goats. A tub for the water should be just fine.

As far as for feeding the hay, store bought hay dispensers, whatever they are called, usually are expensive. But it is a good idea to have the hay enclosed in some way so the goats can only pull out what they eat and not trample on the rest. I made a hay basket/feeder out of welded wire fencing and hung that on the paddock fencing. The goats then pull out mouthsfull to feed and not waste hay.

 

[Skyesrocket]

Keep in mind that goats like fresh water. Mine won't drink if the water gets hay or dirt in it. So, you might be better off with a bucket or two that can be dumped and changed often.
Goats do waste a lot of hay. So you should use some kind of rack to keep them from getting it on the ground. I have seen some nice homemade wooden racks online. You might want to do a search for pictures.
I love Lamanchas! They are my favorite dairy goat.