What watering and feeding system do you use?

[marlo1968]

I'm starting a new flock (I just moved from Colorado to Texas) and am starting over with chickens, I didn't have room to move my flock. As such I am also building a new coop, which I have planned out. I want to use water nipples instead of a can waterer. I'm interested in seeing what other folks have put together to use with water nipples. I do know I don't have the extra outside faucet to leave it hooked up, it would have to be a fill system. So if you wouldn't mind posting a pic or two of your system, also telling me what the pros and cons are to it, and what you would do different next time would help too.

Also I'm interested in maybe using the large PVC pipe feeder system. If you use something like this I would really appreciate pics of your system and the pros and cons of it, and what you'd do different next time for it too.

Thank you for helping me out here I see no reason to 'reinvent the wheel'

 

[chikkenfriend]

Hanging waterer with four nipples and lid. The best. Water stays clean. Called the Hen Hydrator. $30. Hanging feeder has less waste since they can't scratch too much. Homemade tractor coop.

 

[iwiw60]

I use the horizontal water nipples as shown below:


Best decision I ever made! I no longer have to clean waterers out every day from poop and litter being flung in them. Mine holds 2-1/2 gallons and I'd never go back to the basic waterers ever again.

One thing, though...if you live in cold northern climates where it freezes in the winter, do NOT use the vertical water nipples that 'hang' down from the bottom of the buckets...they'll freeze up on you no matter what you do in the winter and will leak.

 

[masloozinit76]

I have 2 waterers with nipples, one out of a 3 liter bottle and one out of a hawaiian punch jug. Mine are not the ones in these pics but like it. Only difference is, on both of mine, the nipples are on the bottom, leaving the screw cap to obviously be where I fill without having to take down the waterer every time and to keep the water clean. Just don't tighten it all the way or the nipples will not release water, learned that the hard way lol I put 2 on the jug and 1 on the 3 liter for 5 chickens. They love them and I do too, no more cleaning dirty water! I will never go back to "traditional" water systems again!

As far as feeders, I am currently working on perfecting my PVC pipe feeder. I used the holes method (the picture below is of my feeder) but come to find out, the upright tube should be longer to force feed in. At this length, I have to shake to refill. UGH lol Live and learn! My girls love it and me too, they can't scratch the feed all over or drag it around!

 

[Downeastbeast]

I used a simple 5 gallon bucket from Home Depot, it might have cost 3 dollars, and I added 5 nipples to the bottom. Works well. The whole thing cost about 15 dollars and was simple to put together. You can buy a lid or make one to keep debris out of the waterer, just make sure it is vented so the water can flow freely.

 

[Downeastbeast]

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Simple, cheap, easy to build. Can be hung with rope or a tie down strap, easy to refill.

 

[Downeastbeast]

My feeder, next to my waterer. Holds an excessive amount, but I can go without feeding for up to 3 weeks if I fill it.

 

[chikkenfriend]

As you can see, covered is good. Nipples work. Vertical, horizontal, who gives a FTP. Good job doing some homework. For this Kudos. Do what works for you. And love on your chickens. You're a good chikkken friend. You care. You'll be fine. Thank you for caring enough to look for answers. You rock

 

[timmysixgun]

I use pvc for the feeders. These three are on a door so I can open it and fill them from the outside. The waterer is a 5 gallon bucket with nipple drinkers on the bottom.

 

[masloozinit76]

My feeder, next to my waterer. Holds an excessive amount, but I can go without feeding for up to 3 weeks if I fill it.

I LOVE your feeder! But quick question, do you have issues with them climbing on it and scratching the feed out? I would love a larger feeder that I don't have to fill often!