birds are speling there warer and drinking it with dirt lots of it

[joels birds]

when I give them water they will mix the water with dirt and eat the wet dirt wont eat much its like if they reather eat the wet dirt then there food need help on how to fix it i tryed deworming them but not working

 

[Wishing4Wings]

Hi Joel.

I don't think it's anything to worry about. My chickens all come running when I am watering or when I rinse out their water bowls. They love to look for things floating in the water and scratch around in the mud. It's fun and keeps them from getting bored. I've never worried about it and they haven't gotten worms from doing it. They especially like eating their food (crumbles) if it gets wet. Once I noticed that, I usually spill a bit in a puddle on purpose, and they clean it right up. Maybe they can taste stuff better when it's wet. I know I prefer my raisin bran with some milk rather than dry!

 

[ChickenCanoe]

It's best to elevate the water so they can't get dirt in it. I try to keep the rim about the height of the back.
They do seem to like drinking off the ground but it's much better if they only get clean water.

 

[Judy]

I set my waterers on concrete blocks laid on their side. They get a little trash in there, but not much, and they don't get any water out unless it is nearly empty and they turn it over.

 

[ramirezframing]

Mine will throw dirt in their water right after I clean them.

They might be making themselves girt to help digest their food. So try giving them some grit to see if that helps any.

 

[joels birds]

Thanks

 

[mamabigbird]

I think chickens really prefer dirty water. It's earth flavoured, lol.
Mine would prefer a muddy puddle over pristine water any day.
And as mine free range almost everyday, how could I keep them out of the dirt anyway.
I think it's only natural.