Water-er and feeder pro's and cons

[handsomecock]

I was looking into the galvanized hanging feeders. Would anybody be able to shed some light on why that would be better than a plastic one? I live in NYC so the climate fluctuates.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

The galvanized might be better to work with some kind of heater since it won't melt and the metal will wick the heat.
ACV can't be used with galvanized, it will eat it up.

 

[yogifink]

For feeders, check out this link: https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/823248/show-me-your-feeders

It is much more economical to make your own. Not to mention, you can probably make one better than you can buy and will waste less feed.

I have used a variety of waterers, each have there pros and cons. With the amount of space you have in your coop I would look into mocking up your own nipple water system.

 

[Eggcessive]

I find that having a couple of both are best. I like the 2 gallon galvanized one by Little Giant as they are sturdy and not too heavy. The plastic red and white ones from LG are okay and good for putting vinegar in the water. They can get knocked over when less than 1/2 full. Personally, I am lazy, so I use the large wide rubber feed pans for water outside--just scrub rinse and fill. In winter during freezing temps you can dump out the ice and fill with fresh water. I also have 2 electric heated 1 1/2 gallon dog bowls inside the coop for Dec-Feb when my water freezes.

 

[handsomecock]

For feeders, check out this link: https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/823248/show-me-your-feedersIt is much more economical to make your own. Not to mention, you can probably make one better than you can buy and will waste less feed.I have used a variety of waterers, each have there pros and cons. With the amount of space you have in your coop I would look into mocking up your own nipple water system.

Thanx for that. Right now I have small plastic ones each on top of 2 bricks to minimize pine shavings from gettin kicked up in there. The girls are so big now they keep knocking them both over so you can sense my urgency on upgrading. The nipple system seems efficient, however would I have a problem getting the girls to adapt to that?

 

[yogifink]

No, there shouldnt be a problem. There are a few threads in the 'watering and feeding' section about that very topic. Easiest way, from what I have read, is to put a dab of peanut butter on the nipples and show it to your top hen. The others will follow suit. I am messing with the vertical nipples right now, having a hard time with them leaking on me. If I were to re purchase, I would go with the nipples that have the little cup on them.


EDIT: In the iterm, if you're getting shaving in your plastic waterer, get it higher off of the gound. The base can be level with the height of your largest hens back.


PS. just checked out your website. You take some beautiful photographs! Hopefully you'll be gracing us with some great shots of your flock as they grow up.

 

[Bear Foot Farm]

I have a Galvanized Little Giant that is over 10 years old and still works like new.
They will pretty much last forever if kept dry

I prefer plastic for waterers so I can use Vinegar

 

[yogifink]

Quote:
Thats the second time I have read that today. Why do you add vinigar to your water?

 

[Bear Foot Farm]

Quote: It has some nutritional value for the birds but I do it mainly to keep algae from growing in the waterer

Here's one thread about it, although I don't believe all the claims made about it killing/preventing worms:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/41321/raw-unfiltered-apple-cider-vinager

 

[aart]

....... With the amount of space you have in your coop I would look into mocking up your own nipple water system.

Nipple/Cup system would likely freeze in Brooklyn...unless you circulate and heat the water.