Best waterer and feeder (no waste) for chicks

[Rick&Chris]

What is the best feeder design for baby chicks (2 weeks old)? We have SO much waste. I fill the 1 quart feeder and it’s all over the bottom of the brooder in no time. I thought I got chicks, apparently they are piglets LOL

I’ve seen a few 5 gallon bucket feeders with a 90 degree elbow with a 2” hole - but also read that this is best for older chickens.

 

[wamtazlady]

Chicks do tend to be messy. I think part of it is the crumbles they get fed. I change mine over to pellets as soon as they are old enough. Nipple waterers will keep the water clean. Vertical nipples can be found at your local feed store. Horizontal nipples can be bought online and are more expensive, but better (in my opinion) than the vertical nipples. I have never worried about my chicks learning to use the nipples. They are attracted to the red color and the shiny metal. Within an hour or so they are using them.

 

[SueT]

Moisten the feed....

 

[Rick&Chris]

Moisten the feed....

They kick it out of the feeder all over the floor of the pen. Do you think I can recycle it back into the feeder? I can take the poop out

 

[SueT]

It helps to use a hanging feeder and hang it so high they have to stand on tippy toe to eat...

 

[Helloworld]

In my newbie brooders we place our water and food on wood blocks as they grow to avoid chicks trying to scratch feed out because thats what they do, and same for waterer. We use untreated 2x4 blocks. Outside, we place water at head level for the bigger ones on stacked patio blocks and hang food. Btw, the chickens will try to sit on top of both. I cover my large food hole with duct tape to avoid poop surprises.

 

[aart]

I made these:



or if too many chicks use the long trough with cover and holes.