Ammonia smell in coop-first time owner

[HoofyLoo]

Hiya

I'm hoping to collect some ex-battery hens soon and am currently looking into what other bits I need to complete their new home. I know that metal feeders are better but are plastic really that rubbish? I'm on a tight budget. Will the plastic feeders not last at all?

What did you do when you first set up?

Thanks

[merlina]

I've had plastic feeders for 3 years and they've been fine.

You may need to raise them (or hens poo in them - I learned that quickly!) - either on something well off the ground or by hanging them from something.

If you're leaving them outside, be aware they can blow over/away in the wind (i put a rock in the middle if I leave food outside if the hens FR all day)

I wouldn't invest in anything more expensive unless/until you're sure this chicken keeping malarkey is something you'll do long-term

[The Dogmother]

I've had plastic feeders and drinkers for years and years - they survive being blitzed in the dishwasher too. I hang them from the run roof so they are level with the hens' backs and they don't get mank in them then. Just don't let them freeze solid in the really cold weather.

[HoofyLoo]

Thank you!