Choosing a Chicken Feeder & Waterer
Learn how to choose the right chicken feeder and waterer for your flock.
Learn how to choose the right chicken feeder and waterer for your flock.
Once you’ve selected the correct chicken feed for your flock, you’ll need the right chicken feeder and waterer.
Find out which kinds are best for your chicken coop with Blain’s Farm & Fleet.
Types of Chicken Feeders
When you’re choosing a chicken feeder, your main goal should be keeping it clean and avoiding spillage. You don’t want to waste chicken feed or have it ruined by debris.
There are a few styles to choose from.
Chick Feeder
To feed baby chicks, start by spreading out chick starter feed on newspaper or paper towel. This way the chicks can easily find it.
Also have feed available in a trough feeder or a hanging chick feeder. There are special feeders designed just for chicks, such as a mason jar baby chick feeder.
Hanging Feeder
A hanging feeder is hung off the ground. It keeps debris from entering the feeder.
It can also help deter mice and other rodents from getting into the chicken feed.
Trough
A trough or ground feeder works well when you’re feeding a larger flock. You can prop up some styles to get them a little higher off the ground.
Flip top feeders make it easy to clean up and fill.
Reel top ground feeders have a reel on top, which helps prevent chickens from roosting on the feeder.
Types of Chicken Waterers
Whether you have baby chicks or full-grown laying hens, you need to change their water daily. Debris, feathers, feed, and more can all contaminate their drinking water if you don’t change it regularly.
Chick Waterers
When it comes to baby chicks, you’ll need to use a chick-specific waterer. You can also find these in a mason jar version, similar to the chick feeder.
A deep, open bowl can be potentially dangerous for baby chicks, as they can drown.
Heated Poultry Fountain
In the winter months, you can keep your flock’s water from freezing over with a heated poultry fountain. In the warmer months, simply unplug it for a regular fountain.
You can also use a heated base to help the water from freezing over. Only use a heated base with a metal waterer.
Read our article about the importance of water for your flock for a more in-depth look at keeping your chickens hydrated.
Plastic vs. Galvanized Metal
The most common chicken feeders and waterers are made from plastic or metal. Plastic ones are generally cheaper and easier to clean. Galvanized metal ones, while more expensive, are more durable and long-lasting.
It really comes down to personal preference, budget, and what you think is best for your flock.
With any chicken feeder or waterer, it’s a good idea to set or hang it high enough to keep it clean. Chickens have a tendency to kick and scratch up debris and dirt, with it landing right in their food and water.
Raising backyard chickens can require a lot of work, but the rewards are worth it. To provide your flock with the best care, always work with your local veterinarian and feed supplier.
At Blain’s Farm & Fleet, you’ll find all the poultry supplies you need for your chickens. Plus, you can start your own flock by ordering baby chicks during Chick Days.
For more tips on caring for your backyard chickens, visit our Hobby Farming Blog.