Chicken Drinking A Lot of Water

[NNYchick]

She is pretty, she definitely has silkie in her. Did the person you got her from say what they were feeding?
I really think she can’t see. You may need to cut or pluck her crest around her eyes. I have a girl like that she rarely ate, would peck at food but miss and always just sat around -silkies breeders told me to pluck the feather between eye and beak until you can hold her at eye level and see her eyes. After doing this she it was like she was a different bird became very spunky, she is actually my head hen now. Also make sure she is not being picked on. This is before and after.

 

[jodiefoster]

Make sure that her crop is empty by morning, and fills up gradually during the day. If it is full in the morning, there may be a crop disorder. That might possibly make one drink more water. Also make sure that she has access to granite poultry grit to help digest food and seeds. Is that scratch grains in her bowl or a scratch and peck type feed?

I have been checking and it does fill but not full like her sister, they came at the same time. Her sister weighed significantly more and so I kept a close eye. They had fresh grass up until a couple weeks ago and when they no longer had access the water drinking started. Yes that is scratch that a local man makes and sells, it has everything in it for layers. I do provide kibble feed from Champion as well but none of them eat it. I have soaked it to see if that helped but no none of them want it. I have been trying every type of food and treat possible. Soaked grain, cooked barley, scrambled eggs, cut greens like zucchini and spinach. She has access to find sand, granite and small rock grit. I don't want to separate her out as she is part of the new crew and not being picked on. I have managed to keep her head dry by changing the position of the water dish so it is not deep for her to fling around and get wet. Today when I have time to sit there and watch I am putting out wheat I have been growing and we will see how she does with that.

 

[jodiefoster]

She is pretty, she definitely has silkie in her. Did the person you got her from say what they were feeding?
I really think she can’t see. You may need to cut or pluck her crest around her eyes. I have a girl like that she rarely ate, would peck at food but miss and always just sat around -silkies breeders told me to pluck the feather between eye and beak until you can hold her at eye level and see her eyes. After doing this she it was like she was a different bird became very spunky, she is actually my head hen now. Also make sure she is not being picked on. This is before and after.
View attachment 1961206 View attachment 1961205

Thank you so much for sharing this. I did have to cut both of their head feathers. I blamed her low weight on the fact that she couldn't see. The lady who had her said "they have trouble finding their way home", no doubt they cant see. Anyway, she definitely did spunk up after that and really likes running haha. She is full of energy and has no weird or sick like behavior except for the water drinking. I really appreciate you sharing your pictures and advice because I think a lot of silkie owners do not realize that these girls needs special care that way. I did not pluck in between but will definitely have a much better look at her today and ensure I can see her eyes clearly. Thank you for your help.

 

[jodiefoster]

I am really starting to wonder if that isn't the case. I have some wheat growing for greens that I will let her try tomorrow and see if that is what she wants. She is very energetic and shows no signs of illness or trouble, so I will work diligently to get her eating properly.

I put the wheat grass out and she ate it until it was gone, the free range only is definitely the eating problem. I have more wheat grass started as treats but will make sure to grow enough to feed her regularly until she learns to eat the feed. I appreciate everyone's help, thank you for taking the time to respond.

 

[Eggcessive]

Scratch grains certainly does not have everything layers or any chickens need in a diet. It has half the minimum protein required, and is not a balanced diet. It does not have the vitamins and minerals needed as well. I give mine a small treat of scratch occasionally, but if she will not eat regular chicken feed, then I would remove the scratch and anything else until they eat the feed. You can wet it and add a tiny bit of buttermilk or plain yogurt to mix in, but that is all I would feed. If they eat scratch, they can learn to eat chicken feed.

 

[NNYchick]

I put the wheat grass out and she ate it until it was gone, the free range only is definitely the eating problem. I have more wheat grass started as treats but will make sure to grow enough to feed her regularly until she learns to eat the feed. I appreciate everyone's help, thank you for taking the time to respond.

I am glad you have seen her eat. She looks good. I really am surprised that she was 100% free ranged before you got her, silkies just aren't good at that. I definitely would offer them a complete pellet or crumble made to be a chickens complete feed. If you feed too much scratch and other things it doesn't leave room for the complete feed.

 

[jodiefoster]

Scratch grains certainly does not have everything layers or any chickens need in a diet. It has half the minimum protein required, and is not a balanced diet. It does not have the vitamins and minerals needed as well. I give mine a small treat of scratch occasionally, but if she will not eat regular chicken feed, then I would remove the scratch and anything else until they eat the feed. You can wet it and add a tiny bit of buttermilk or plain yogurt to mix in, but that is all I would feed. If they eat scratch, they can learn to eat chicken feed.

Yes I totally understand what you are saying, however this is not store purchased scratch it is specially made as a layer ration. It does have protein and mineral kibbles added when it is mixed. People here have used it in large farm situations for decades, actually improves laying and longevity of the birds. I did try Champion layer kibble and pellets and they would not eat it. I soaked it with yogurt and it did not help. Maybe I could try another brand. All my other hens are very healthy, lay everyday but will check into this anyway. Thank you for your suggestion.

 

[jodiefoster]

I am glad you have seen her eat. She looks good. I really am surprised that she was 100% free ranged before you got her, silkies just aren't good at that. I definitely would offer them a complete pellet or crumble made to be a chickens complete feed. If you feed too much scratch and other things it doesn't leave room for the complete feed.

I was very surprised to learn of her history as well. This feed is not called scratch, it is mixed as a layer ration. I will be asking my supplier for a bit more information to ensure they are getting what they need. I will also be trying another kibble from another producer just to be sure they are getting all minerals they need. Thank you for sharing.

 

[Eggcessive]

Oh yes, I think I remember another BYC member who fed laying mash which she said was common for her area in Ontario. It looked somewhat like scratch as well. It is always good to ask questions, and we learn something, LOL.

 

[orloffer]

I am reviving this thread because I have a similar question about my hen Orloff. Every time she sees a bowl of water, she will run to it and begin drinking, usually for at least several minutes. She seems generally healthy, but none of the other hens have exhibited this behavior.
Several notes:
-Our flock normally uses a nipple waterer
-They are currently molting and also eating less than they used to (I feed 16 per cent protein feed, and these days I have been mixing a bit of higher-protein pheasant food in because they are molting)
-I have noticed some members of the flock gaping occasionally, sometimes several times in a row. Is this a problem?

Could the water drinking be because she is not getting enough hydration from the nipple waterer, or might it be another health-related reason?