A watering question

[TreeFever]

I have a question about where to put my birds waterer.
They have a normal waterer, always clean and full. When I'm out in the yard sunbathing or working in the garden, I let them out of their run so they can forage in the garden. I leave the run door wide open for them to come and go as they please. If it's hot they begin to pant and may lie in the shade, but I never see them head back to the run for a drink! Only when I herd them back home to do they take big longs sips at the waterer.
Do they know it's in there if they get thirsty?
Should I be moving the waterer our into the yard for them?

 

[Davaroo]

Quote:
Im a proponent of watering outdoors. It keeps undue moisture out of the litter and the chicken house, in general.
During the warm season, I'd suggest you add a waterer in their outside spaces. And if you are concerned, there is no reason why you cannot bring one along when you guys go out in the yard.

 

[Mahlzeit]

Hmmm when I free range my chickens they go back into their run to drink when they are thirsty. How far away from your run do yours travel? I just saw your birds by the way. You have a nice flock

 

[monathequeen]

Dear Water Lady, I have so many water buckets around my yard it's crazy. If I let my birds free range, I always have a bucket or two in the area they're exploring the most. Yes they will drink if it;s available and close at hand. If they are out wandering about and there is NO water avail, they will wait to go in to drink. Not a good idea because like people in the hot sun, we can get dehydrated...especially chickens and ducks...they need water available where ever they decide to play and rest...Later Gater

 

[TreeFever]

Thanks all!
I guess I'll place a few dishes in spots that they frequent.