It's so interesting to visit the topic of feeding periodically, isn't it? I always get such great ideas! The last year I've just been using the very inexpensive dog bowls (plastic) from Family Dollar, I think the biggest one is $2 maybe? I wash every night (no soap, just clean water and a sponge) and spray with Oxine, have yet to see the slightest hint of degradation. The smallest ones are $1 and very shallow, perfect size for chicks.
I mix FF in plastic bowls too, instead of a 5 gallon bucket I use 3 salad bowls, easier for me to carry. Like Justine, I feed out 2/3-3/4 every day, add dry and water - enough so that once it has absorbed the mix is pretty stiff, not soupy or under water - stir, and let sit the next 24 hours. When I pick it up to feed, it is bubbling, might not be a perfect ferment but there is definitely activity.
I like the idea of glass but I am clumsy, and getting older, just not up to carrying a lot of glass around, and can't afford to keep replacing it when I break it, which would be often. For years I would not keep a glass drinking vessel in the house, because I broke so many. Now I buy the VERY heavy ones made here in the US by Libby. I can still break them, and have, just not as often.
Jockeyba, I wanted to echo the thoughts of so many fellow pet owners in expressing my sympathy for your loss. We all know we will outlive most of our animals, but we still mourn their passing and miss their presence.