what size waterer and feeder for 3 hens?

[dftkarin]

My chicks are almost 3 weeks and I'm wanting to buy a hanging waterer and feeder and I'm wondering what is the most practical size to get considering I'll have only 3 hens, and I think will want to hang both inside their future coop. Would a hanging 1 gallon waterer be adequate? 3 gallons seems like overkill! How about for a feeder? Any suggestions would be very appreciated!! Thank you!

 

[orchidchick]

I have three hens and the one gallon waterer is perfect. As it is, even in the heat, I am only having to clean it out and refill it a couple of times a week, and it is never stinky or scummy or even close to running out, I just like to keep it on the fresh side. I couldn't get my hands on a hanging one so it's up on a block.

The feeder is about the same size, and that is about on the same refill schedule as well. I used to have the feeder out in the run, but it's just easier for me to have both in the coop (I have a back disability) and everything is at a good height for me there.

Good luck with your girls!!!

 

[patandchickens]

1 gallon is good for the waterer. You'll be refilling it every 3-4 days (or so... it depends on your weather, also on spillage) which IMO is about right to avoid excess labor but also sliminess. I don't hang it, btw, I put it on a stack of blocks, b/c I suspect it spills less this way (I can't prove it tho).

Feeders, it totally depends how often you want to have to refill them. Personally I find it annoying to have to refill the feeder constantly, so after trying different arrangements I am using a 2-gallon-bucket sized feeder (homemade) for my 2 (used to be 3) chicken tractor.

But it doesn't really matter a huge amount

Good luck and ahve fun,

Pat