I use 2 types of feeders and 2 types of waterers. I use J-feeders for does and litters. When I need to replace J-feeders, I will go with the stainless steel ones. I use heavy, ceramic feed crocks for all other rabbits. I use water bottles from spring to fall. I have mostly Walmart waterbottles, but will slowly start converting to thicker bottles and wide-mouth versions (Lixit, most likely) as the Walmart ones are cheap and cheap for a reason. In the winter, I use stainless steel bowls for water. If it never froze here, I'd NEVER use a water bowl.
J-FEEDERS
PROS: Hold large amount of feed for litters
Can feed rabbits without opening doors
Rabbits cannot move them or dump them out
Those with mesh bottoms sift out dust from feed and grain
These can be hung high up for adults who like to dig in their feed.
When paired with a large volume water bottle, it can hold enough feed to last a weekend while you are away from your rabbits.
CONS: Although not necessary, most cut a hole in the wire to insert the feeder. Without the feeder, you have a hole in your cage.
Even with a lid, when used on outdoor hutches, weather will still get inside your J-feeder.
Even with a mesh bottom to sift fines, some dust will gather in corners. If not cleaned out regularly it will accumulate and mold.
The feeders are square and "bump out" into the cage. Rabbits can injure themselves on the square corners that protrude into the cage.
It encourages owners to self-feed rabbits that shouldn't be self-fed (anything other than does and litters).
Small bunnies can climb into the feeder. Some have been known to travel to the outside of the cage through the feeder.
Small animals can enter the cage through the feeder like rats, mice, and snakes.
They will rust over time (unless you aquire a stainless-steel version).
They are a pain to scrub and clean.
FEED CROCKS/BOWLS
PROS: Come in a wide variety of styles and material.
If you get the kind that attach to the wire of the cage, you can place it on the inside of your cage door. To feed, you open the door and pour the feed in. Great for those leary of rabbits (especially the mean ones).
Those that attach to the wire can be raised for adults who dig and lowered for smaller rabbits.
Easily removed for cleaning.
Easy to clean.
Inexpensive, can be purchased for little to nothing if found around the house or at a flea market. I buy mine for $1 at the Dollar Tree.
CONS: Rabbits can easily soil their feed (baby bunnies are really bad about this).
Those made of plastic can be chewed.
Those not attached to the cage or heavy enough, can be moved around the cage and dumped over.
If crock gets moved to the back of the cage by the rabbit, you will have to reach into cage on a daily basis (time consuming and "dangerous" if you have territorial rabbits).
WATER BOTTLES
PROS: Water is kept clean at all times (as long as you keep your bottle clean)
Rabbits cannot spill water and be without until you notice.
Rabbits can be watered from the outside of the cage, saving time and energy from having to open and reach into cages.
Water bottle nozzles take up very little space within the cage.
It's easy to measure water if needed, especially when adding supplements or medications to water.
Are available in wide variety of types and sizes. Large ones are great for weekend getaways or multiple rabbits.
CONS: They freeze quickly in the winter.
In the summer, water doesn't stay as cold as it does in crocks.
It can be difficult to determine if/when your bottle has a leak.
Sick and weak rabbits don't often drink enough out of bottles. It takes too much energy and time.
They can be hard to clean.
Can get expensive.
WATER CROCKS/BOWLS
PROS: Many of the same pros as feed crocks
Easy to remove ice from in winter. Dump ice and refill with fresh water.
CONS: Many of the same cons as feed crocks