Are they really that stupid?

[BeulahBreezes]

Mine free range most of the day also....I have water in many places for them to drink. I replace their water regularly with nice cold h2o! It's been so hot and dry here......

 

[CGinJCMO]

Are you sure they aren't drinking at all unless you put them in front of the water? When my chickens were younger (I don't see it as much now), when one chick ate/drank all of a sudden the rest of the chicks had to go see and do (they were great monkey-see, monkey-do copy cats). I see chickens at various times of the day go into the coop to eat (I have water in and out of the coop but feed is only in the coop).

CG