If you use the horizontal nipples it doesn't have to hang. Just get a container that will sit flat on the bedding and put the nipple at a height so it won't get covered up with bedding or set the container on a block of wood. The nipple is on the side, not underneath so you have a lot of options. The mama will call the chicks to her. They follow really well.I sooo need to do this. I have a bunch of the nipples, my DH bought a half dozen or so of them, and I just need to make the darn thing. I was really wanting to put something in the big dog house coop they are brooding in, there is no way to hang anything up in there. It is heavy plastic... But what if we make them a little ramp so they can get in and out of that (The lip of the door is about 6 inches up.) and put the waterer just outside the door hanging on the wire....does the mama teach the chicks how to get in and out of the coop if it is that low to the ground? I am so worried they won't get out of the house to the food and water.