Spring Coop Refresh

Blenheim Is Better

To start in the feeder department, I love the Blenheim feeder. It holds 13 lbs of feed which is nice for a medium size backyard flock. The legs are removable, so while you start your chicks in a brooder, as they get bigger you can add the legs to make their feeder “grow” with them. Once your birds are laying size you can hang it to your desired height. This great feeder also has a lid and a grate. The Blenheim meets all of my needs in my coop. I feed organically and I do not want my flock wasting their feed. The grate helps this issue immensely. Give it a shake once a day to keep your feed flowing well.  

Go With Galvanized

The galvanized trough feeder is another great option for a flock. I love everything about galvanized products. As it’s 36” long, legs to raise it up and a roll bar to keep your flock from soiling their feed. It makes a great feeder in or out of your coop. Tons of room for your birds to eat all at once. This feeder works well for meat birds and grow out pens too. It is easy to clean and will last. It also works well as a great centerpiece on a farmhouse table or a planter on your deck. That’s the best part of galvanized products, they stand the test of time and can be beautifully repurposed down the road. 

The galvanized hanging feeders are also an amazing option for a coop. It holds 12 pounds of feed. I love galvanized products if you can’t tell. I use mine for grit in my coop. It’s pretty fantastic to be able to keep the grit up off the floor and hang it up. This feeder also has a nice lip that keeps the girls from scratching it out. As the winter months drag on, the less grit they are able to find on their own. I love the sturdiness of this feeder. If you need a bigger option depending on your flock size we have a 22 and 44lb option also. Even though I use this for grit, it is amazing also for feed. These really are great products all around.

I love to use the galvanized double walled waterer. This is the waterer I have in my runs. As you know, I love galvanized products. This is sturdy, easy to clean and top fill. That in itself is worth it. I use the galvanized pan turned over with this to keep it raised for my layers. It keeps most of the gunk out of the water tray and I can keep it pretty level as the litter builds up. While I was brooding some chicks in my coop with a broody hen, I did leave it down so everyone could drink. Please remember the galvanized waterers are not meant to hang. I know the top handle is a bit of a misconception, but, it’s there just to turn and unlock or lock the second wall onto the base. If you try to hang you will break the seal and your whole area will be a mucky mess. If you happen to do this and break your waterer, at least you have a cool planter for your yard. I have a very old one that has a tiny hole and potted some lavender and ivy in it. It’s beautiful.  Again, repurposed farmhouse chic.

Last but not least, I love the screw on 1 gallon waterer. This waterer is small enough to fit anywhere in the brooder, coop or run. This is enough water to get through your day for a smaller backyard flock. It’s easy to fill and securely lock the base prior to flipping it over. It is also clear so you are always aware of your water levels and consumption. This is helpful especially when you have chicks. I love that my smaller coop has a supply of fresh water that isn’t stagnant from sitting for too long. I only have a handful of girls in this coop and it works well.