Heated water vs. just keeping it from freezing...does it effect egg production? Opinions please.

[DawnB]

Hi all...just a winter water question. I've seen pros and cons on heating water for chickens (that keeps it warm beyond just keeping it from freezing over).

I've gotten advice from the local chicken folks around here that heated water is a must to maintain egg production in the winter...that if the chickens have cold water, they'll use up energy to warm themselves and less on egg production. What are your thoughts? Is it true for you?

I have my waterers heated just so they won't skim ice over. Seems to be working fine and our eggs are consistent (if a little low compared to our summer production). I expected somewhat of a drop in winter anyway (and we do have a light supplement).

So, should the birds have water that's warmed or just kept from freezing? What are your thoughts?

Thanks!

Dawn

 

[Going Quackers]

Never heard of keeping it more than open? the purpose of the water heater in my thinking is to maintain a water source in cold/below freezing temps.

Chickens don't need a warm tub? heck even my ducks don't.. just water that is open. Definitely, a new one to me i'll be curious to hear more.

 

[redsoxs]

I sure don't know but I think the difference would be negligible.

 

[DawnB]

Well, I kinda thought that too...they don't seem to care...so long as the water's there. The guy at my local feed store was adamant about it though...saying the water had to be "warm" to keep the chickens from losing body heat (said he'd raised chickens for 20yrs). I'm new to the chicken game, so I thought I'd throw it to the experts to see what you all had to say.

My girls seem just happy as clams...so I'm not going to re-think my strategy at all...just go with it.

 

[Bear Foot Farm]

Quote: They don't drink enough at one time to ever chill themselves in the first place.

Quote: The fact that someone WORKS at a feed store doesn't mean they KNOW things