Do I need a heated water bowl?? NEW TO CHICKENS

[BellaBokBok]

It's the middle of winter here in Australia. Is it okay if the chickens water is not heated? It's not frozen,but is it healthy for them to be drinking just normal temperature water?

 

[sumi]

It's winter here in SA too and though I had to take the ice off their water some mornings my chickens have been drinking cold water with no problems.

 

[Sean The IT Guy]

As long as the water is liquid, the chickens should be fine with it. Its summer here in Canada, but when winter does roll around, especially in February, my 5 gallon waterer will freeze solid in an hour or so, easy. I intend on putting a little aquarium heater set for 5-10'C in the waterer to keep the water from freezing. These are great, cheap water heaters, as they're meant to be submersible, and are adjustable to keep water at a variety of temperatures, depending on your needs.

I use a hanging bucket with watering nipples in the bottom for my small flock (8 hens), so I may not even need this, except for the coldest days. Since the water would freeze from the top, as long as there's liquid at the bottom of the bucket, it would come out from the nipples. I do intend on doing the heater, though, just for added insurance.

 

[ChickensAreSweet]

As long as they have liquid water they are ok.