I like the plastic lids/waterers that fit on fruit jars and turn over for waterers for small chicks. We placed them on round landscape stones and the chips did not get into the water as much. Did change the jars out twice a day and washed the jars to protect the chicks from germs.
A 'few' chicks, less than 25 or more than 25? I prefer less than 25 in our 'nursery' stock tank, then they grow up after 4-6 weeks to go into the A frame chicken tractor outside on the grass, with a metal waterer with a 'float' in it. If its not level, it will leak out water. The old hens, guineas, and ducks drink out of a black feed pan (used for horses) and a small child's wadding pool. Plastic ones did not work out for us.
Engineering progress has developed a steel nibble at the base of a bucket for a big flock to use as well as penned chicks in a cage for FFA or 4-H projects. McMurray Hatchery, Webster City, Iowa has the product you can look at ans see what you think.