Heated Waterer Failure - 48 Hours Without Water - Advice Needed!

[HelloGiggles]

Hoping our birds are going to be alright but just looking for any advice in case there's more I need to do!

We are experiencing temps of around 20 - 33 degrees Fahrenheit and discovered tonight upon putting our flock of 8 to bed that their heated waterer had failed to maintain temp for what we believe to have been approximately the last 48 hours due to an extension cord coming unplugged. The last time they drank from what we can tell would have been just before the temp dropped to freezing and they went to bed on 11/27. They have been out to free range in the yard since then and have had access to food but we mistakenly did not check their water - lesson learned! It was frozen solid when we discovered the mistake tonight.

I immediately filled a container up with some room temp clean water and allowed each bird to drink some from the roost while monitoring them. All 8 drank the water thirstily (I was glad they drank but I feel AWFUL) and no one is showing any signs of lethargy or paleness to their combs or wattles. I gave them a decent amount each but didn't want to let them go too crazy in case that's bad?

I'm also wondering if I should add some nutri-drench to their waterer in the morning now that it's plugged back in and fully functioning?

Any other advice you would share? TIA!

 

[sourland]

They should be fine, but may take a break in their laying cycle if they have been laying.

 

[NatJ]

I'm also wondering if I should add some nutri-drench to their waterer in the morning now that it's plugged back in and fully functioning?

I would give them normal water in the morning, and not add anything to it. Anything else they need is in their chicken feed, which they will probably eat quite happily when they are no longer thirsty.

If adding nutridrench would make you feel better, put some in a different waterer so the chickens have a choice. Have the main heated waterer be the one with plain water.

 

[orelsi]

48h without water is right on the edge of dying from dehydration. The usual wisdom is 48-72h, but in extremes of weather, both cold and hot it is edging toward the 48h. Good job saving them in time.

1. Nutri Drench will be great. They may need the immune system boost. Don't add it in the morning, but the next time you change the water after that. Let them drink fresh water in the morning.

2. Let them drink ad much as they want in the morning and stay there monitoring. Make sure hens that are lower on the pecking order drink as well.

3. You should monitor for crop issues in the coming couple of days. Lack of water can lead to food being unable to move through the crop and subsequent impaction. Check their crops in the morning, if you can. If they are empty then it's all good. The usual signs of lethargy and listlessness as well.

Hope all turns out to be well.

 

[wrathsfarm]

You got great advise for your birds so I'll offer this, so it doesn't happen again.

If your budget minded like I am, a simple shoe string tied to the cord end in the center and then screw the ends on each side of the outlet to the wall would be quick and dirty.

 

[z3lda3]

You got great advise for your birds so I'll offer this, so it doesn't happen again.
View attachment 3998449

If your budget minded like I am, a simple shoe string tied to the cord end in the center and then screw the ends on each side of the outlet to the wall would be quick and dirty.

You save all the good gadgets I see. This will help with my motion lights on the coop. Woohoo!