Plastic VS. Galvanized

[JOSEPHC]

Being one week new to raising backyard chickens,I am researching the purchase of plastic feeders and waterers as compared to galvanized ones. I do know that I may need a water heater for the Northeast climate. Also, iI plan to keep the waterer in the run and the feeder in the coop ( 6 hens). What are your thoughts on the plastic vs. the galvanized.Thank you for your help!

 

[AlienChick]

I use both and prefer the plastic only because the galvanized ones do tend to look crappy once the coating wears off and they could rust in some spots.
As far as the plastic ones, I ONLY buy the ones that do not leak (if not kept absolutely level).
I check to see how the plastic reservoir screws onto the base. If it "locks" into tabs underneath, I don't buy it because they leak.
If there are NO openings or tabs, I buy those (they simply screw on).
I've purchased enough to know that leaking waterers SUCK!
Also,
I cut out gallon plastic water jugs (since we buy a lot of distilled water) and use those as waterers (and feeders).
When these get dirty or unusable, I just toss 'em.

The galvanized waterers are good if you plan to set it on top of some sort of heater (I use a light bulb inside the 'hole' of a cement block and put the waterer on top of the block).

 

[Gargoyle]

I'm told the galvanized reacts with ACV (unfiltered apple cider vinegar, it's a very good idea to add one or two tbsp per gallon of water, lots of benefits).S
So, go with plastic.

I made a simple cheap heated water dish using the plastic variety (I first used galvanized, after a month it was looking very bad and I was concerned about the galvanized coating leeching into the water, so I switched it to plastic).
Here's an article where I explain it. https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/21-heated-water-dish

 

[Hazard]

I got galvi ones for the nostalgic value. Plastic would probably be easier, but I like the vintage look of metal.

Plus no concern when I put the heater cable on it

Like this idea I found on internet:


http://www.infobarrel.com/How_to_Sa...try_Waterer_for_Subzero_Freezing_Temperatures

 

[Gargoyle]

I got galvi ones for the nostalgic value. Plastic would probably be easier, but I like the vintage look of metal.

Plus no concern when I put the heater cable on it

Like this idea I found on internet:


http://www.infobarrel.com/How_to_Sa...try_Waterer_for_Subzero_Freezing_Temperatures

I tried to load that page, my anti-virus popped up an exploit warning.