My new feeders and waterers :)

[BarnyardChaos]

I just wanted to share my recent project of upgrading the chickens' waterers and feeders with everyone! I've just become weary of dragging feeders into and out of the coop twice a day (I don't like to feed racoons), and refilling waterers that leak, for 40 chickens - and I've got a bunch of youngsters coming along to go into another pen and coop. So finally, I ordered the parts and put them together. Two each for the big run, one for the cockerels. (I still keep a feed trough in the big run, in case the roosters object to sticking their heads into the feeder ports. Watching them to be sure none are refused access to it.)

Here's one of the feeders (oops! I see now I forgot to close one of the latches). I used a tote that is water-tight around the lid with a rubber seal. It holds about 70-80 pounds of feed I think. The ports have a cap that inserts fairly tight into the holes to secure it at night:

The port holes in these are 4-inches in diameter.

For the waterers, I used 5-gallon buckets with airtight lids that have a spout in the top and a screw-on cap. Makes it easy to fill with a garden hose and keeps water clean at all times. I just need to wipe out the cups once a day or so. (FYI I drilled a small air-hole near the top):

In this photo below, you can see my smaller "Schoolhouse" and "Nursery" coops in the background. Both have growing chicks inside. And the front end of the "Big Coop" where all the mature chickens live:

Anyway, I just wanted to share with someone, since my husband doesn't seem much interested

. He just enjoys the breakfast and dinner the chickens provide.

Thanks for following my stories! (@LhickenChicken might be interested in this.)

 

[Quarterhorses1]

I’m so jealous

 

[BarnyardChaos]

Here are the totes I used:
https://www.lowes.com/pd/IRIS-Weath...Quart-Black-Tote-with-Latching-Lid/1001277976
$38.16 each in black, but I bought the gray a couple of years ago.
These are the ports I liked best:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B8S54P6V?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details
$19.99 for a 4-pack. I used 2-1/2 sets (10 total) for each tote, at about $50 per tote.

That makes my cost (pre-tax and shipping) at $88.16 per feeder.
NOT BAD at all.

These are the buckets I used:
https://www.lowes.com/pd/Encore-Plastics-5-Gallon-General-Bucket/3694238
$7.98 each
Lowe's no longer has the lids I used, but this one is just like it:
https://www.amazon.com/Meranti-Gall...ket+lid+with+spout&qid=1680370869&sr=8-3&th=1
$12.98 each, but I'd order a 3-pack for $26.95 instead, makes each $8.98. (And they're available in other colors, I like that)
(Might be smart to order the buckets and lids from the same brand, same source - so they're sure to fit.)
And these watering cups:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B089XZVZMP?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details
$19.98 for a 5-pack. I used 6 cups per bucket, making the cost about $24 per waterer.

And that makes my cost (pre-tax and shipping) at about $41 per waterer.
Also NOT BAD at all.

My total outlay for 3 feeder totes and 3 watering buckets (estimating tax, and I got free shipping on all) was about $425.00.

There are of course much CHEAPER ways to make these, using less expensive containers and manufacturing your own ports with PVC pipe and parts. I just like the convenience of having all the parts together in one package, with the hole saw to make them.

 

[Iluveggers]

Love these! Have a few items in my Amazon cart now, thank you!

 

[Dinoroar]

Brilliant! Upgrading my waterer is on my to do list! I have some automatic but others where I’m having to refill manually. I want to get it sorted before it gets HOT and everyone starts guzzling.

 

[BarnyardChaos]

Brilliant! Upgrading my waterer is on my to do list! I have some automatic but others where I’m having to refill manually. I want to get it sorted before it gets HOT and everyone starts guzzling.

I also like that the buckets are opaque, to help cut down on algae growth inside. And I can help further by adding ACV (vinegar) to help prevent algae, but also support good health in my birds; and unlike metal waterers, the ACV won't rot them out.

 

[LhickenChicken]

I just wanted to share my recent project of upgrading the chickens' waterers and feeders with everyone! I've just become weary of dragging feeders into and out of the coop twice a day (I don't like to feed racoons), and refilling waterers that leak, for 40 chickens - and I've got a bunch of youngsters coming along to go into another pen and coop. So finally, I ordered the parts and put them together. Two each for the big run, one for the cockerels. (I still keep a feed trough in the big run, in case the roosters object to sticking their heads into the feeder ports. Watching them to be sure none are refused access to it.)

Here's one of the feeders (oops! I see now I forgot to close one of the latches). I used a tote that is water-tight around the lid with a rubber seal. It holds about 70-80 pounds of feed I think. The ports have a cap that inserts fairly tight into the holes to secure it at night:

The port holes in these are 4-inches in diameter.

For the waterers, I used 5-gallon buckets with airtight lids that have a spout in the top and a screw-on cap. Makes it easy to fill with a garden hose and keeps water clean at all times. I just need to wipe out the cups once a day or so. (FYI I drilled a small air-hole near the top):

In this photo below, you can see my smaller "Schoolhouse" and "Nursery" coops in the background. Both have growing chicks inside. And the front end of the "Big Coop" where all the mature chickens live:

Anyway, I just wanted to share with someone, since my husband doesn't seem much interested

. He just enjoys the breakfast and dinner the chickens provide.

Thanks for following my stories! (@LhickenChicken might be interested in this.)

Yes yes yesss!!!
This seems like a better substitute then green water bottles that you get from costco with the tops cut off. They kept knocking it down. (I was using that as a waterer.) I have been also exploring new ideas where you take a bottle and cut it in half then take a full bottle, fill it with water, then tip it into the base. Seems to be working so far but the roos can't stick their heads in there because their combs and wattles are just too big. so the waterer seems a good substitute for there.
I think the feeder is good for that too because I don't have to refill it often.

 

[fuzzi]

I like the idea of having an opening in the waterer lid with a screw on cap. My waterer has been created but it has a regular lid.

 

[fuzzi]

I like the idea of having an opening in the waterer lid with a screw on cap. My waterer has been created but it has a regular lid.

Got one, $4.99!

 

[Isadora]

Love seeing this! Definitely going to cut down on your work load.
Was there a particular reason you went with cups for the waterer instead of nipples? Just a preference or do you find they work better?