Lixit® Baby Chick Feeder or Waterer - Made in USA

The Verdict

If you’re raising a brooder full of chicks this spring, the Lixit Baby Chick Feeder or Waterer is the kind of no-nonsense gear that just works. It’s not flashy, it’s not smart, and it doesn’t have a phone app. But it’s made in the USA from recycled polypropylene, threads onto any standard mason jar, and does exactly what it says. Right now it holds a solid 4.4 stars across 220 ratings — and after digging through the feedback, I understand why.

What You Actually Get

The kit ships with one heavy-duty red plastic base and a stainless steel ring that screws onto a standard mason jar (jar not included). As shown in the product image, the base is a shallow, wide trough with a threaded collar on top. Screw on a jar of water, flip it, and gravity does the rest — water fills the trough to the rim and stops. For feeding, same base, same jar, just pour in chick starter instead.

The polypropylene is noticeably thicker than the flimsy imports you’ll find at big-box farm stores. One buyer put it plainly: “I’ve had cheap feeders crack in a single Wisconsin winter. This one has survived two seasons and still holds water without leaking.” That durability is the headline feature here.

Real-World Performance

Here’s where the Lixit earns its keep. The base is wide and low — about 8 inches across — which means day-old chicks can reach it easily without climbing in. The stainless steel ring creates a tight seal; multiple reviewers confirmed they haven’t dealt with annoying drips or vacuum-lock issues that plague cheaper gravity feeders. One verified purchase noted: “My 12 chicks went through a quart jar daily. No flooding, no wet bedding around the base. It just works.”

The 2-in-1 versatility is genuinely useful. You buy one base, and it serves as both waterer and feeder depending on what you pour in. For a small backyard flock (5–15 birds), that’s all you need.

What Buyers Consistently Praise

The “Made in USA” factor resonates hard with this crowd. “Finally, a poultry product not shipped from China,” one reviewer wrote. “Feels solid, recycled plastic is thick, and the threads match my Ball jars perfectly.” Multiple buyers mentioned they’ve bought multiples — one for water, one for feed — and that’s honestly the smartest way to use this system.

Cleaning is straightforward: the base is one piece, no crevices where old feed hides. A quick rinse and it’s ready for the next batch.

Where It Falls Short

Let’s be honest about the downsides. The open trough design means chicks will absolutely scratch pine shavings and droppings into the water within hours. You’ll be rinsing this thing daily — one reviewer called it “a daily chore, but better than a flooded brooder.” That’s the tradeoff for a design chicks can’t drown in.

Second, there’s no locking mechanism between jar and base. Once your chicks hit 3–4 weeks and start roughhousing, they can knock the whole assembly over. Several reviews mention upgrading to the larger Lixit adult model once birds outgrow this size.

Finally, thread compatibility isn’t universal. Standard Ball and Kerr jars fit great, but some wider-mouth or decorative jars won’t seat properly. Stick with name-brand canning jars and you’re fine.

Who Should Buy This

Buy it if: You’re hatching your first batch of chicks and want reliable, USA-made gear without overthinking it. Perfect for small homesteads, classroom projects, or anyone raising 5–15 birds at a time.

Skip it if: You’re running a serious operation with 50+ chicks — you’ll want a larger commercial trough system. Also skip if you hate daily cleaning, because that open base demands it.

FAQ

Q: Can I leave this on 24/7 in the brooder? A: Yes, that’s the design intent. The gravity system keeps water flowing as chicks drink. Just check it twice daily and rinse out bedding that gets kicked in.

Q: What size jar works best? A: Quart or half-gallon standard-mouth mason jars work best. Larger jars get top-heavy once chicks grow — stick with quarts for stability.

Q: Is this safe for day-old chicks? A: Yes, the trough is shallow enough to prevent drowning. It’s one of the safest chick waterer designs on the market.

The Verdict

4.2/5 — Buy it. The Lixit Baby Chick Feeder or Waterer is a durable, American-made workhorse that does its job without fuss. It’s not the cheapest option, and it demands daily cleaning, but it’ll outlast cheap imports and keep your chicks hydrated safely. For the backyard flock owner who values quality and simplicity, this is a solid investment.

Skip it if you need a hands-off solution or are raising birds at commercial scale — this is built for the small flock owner who doesn’t mind a little daily maintenance.

Where to Buy

👉 Check Price on Amazon →

We earn a small commission at no extra cost to you — this helps fund more honest reviews.

Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.