Hens won't drink water

[irb]

Hi there...
After several months without issue, my two hens all of a sudden act as if the water bowl no longer exists. I have tried to coax them near it and if the water splashes on the dirt they will peck at that as if they are so dehydrated. I have not changed the water container, its location or the type of water they are getting. I change the water every other day. Any suggestions?

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Try removing the fount and temporarily replace with a bowl or other open container.
Then completely disinfect the fount after completely washing it and then use hydrogen peroxide or bleach, rinse thoroughly. If the chickens fo for the water in the bowl, you'll know there was likely a problem with the fount. Is the water fount plastic, metal, glass, etc.? In the last 2 months have you ever disinfected it? They tend to get slimy over time which can affect the taste and even the health if any fungus grows in it.

 

[aart]

Good questions from @ChickenCanoe .
Seeing some pics of waterer in question may help here.

..and...Welcome to BYC! @irb
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[irb]

Thanks for the info! I have cleaned out the Fount---they tend to kick dirt... when I change water...but I have haven't disinfected it. Is there a special disinfection I need to get before using bleach?
Is disinfecting something that should be done every month?

 

[Building Bridges]

Thanks for the info! I have cleaned out the Fount---they tend to kick dirt... when I change water...but I have haven't disinfected it. Is there a special disinfection I need to get before using bleach?
Is disinfecting something that should be done every month?

1/2 C bleach in gallon of water is what is needed to disinfect surfaces. Personally, I would do this weekly....others may have a different schedule.

 

[aart]

Thanks for the info! I have cleaned out the Fount---they tend to kick dirt... when I change water...but I have haven't disinfected it. Is there a special disinfection I need to get before using bleach?
Is disinfecting something that should be done every month?

Put the waterer up on a concrete block, or something that is stable and puts trough at about chickens back height. That will help keep the waterer cleaner.
~10% bleach is fine if you think you need it....nothing else is necessary.

I don't think a non-disinfected waterer would keep the birds from drinking,
I've seen them drink out of disgusting rain puddles in the run.

 

[irb]

Put the waterer up on a concrete block, or something that is stable and puts trough at about chickens back height. That will help keep the waterer cleaner.
~10% bleach is fine if you think you need it....nothing else is necessary.

I don't think a non-disinfected waterer would keep the birds from drinking,
I've seen them drink out of disgusting rain puddles in the run.

I know! I dumped the water in the dirt and they went after it...so confusing! I have raised the waterer...and it does keep it cleaner...but still dirty. I will disinfect and re-introduce the waterer and see if it works. Meantime, I have put another bowl out and am giving them iceberg lettuce b/c of the water content...hopefully that helps.

 

[aart]

Might want to go to horizontal nipples.
Sooo much easier....tho takes the birds some 'training'.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Thanks for the info! I have cleaned out the Fount---they tend to kick dirt... when I change water...but I have haven't disinfected it. Is there a special disinfection I need to get before using bleach?
Is disinfecting something that should be done every month?

Do you mean a special disinfectant other than bleach or in addition to bleach?
If you use bleach, it tends to cling to surfaces so you'll want to rinse 3 times.
If you use hydrogen peroxide, it should be used full strength since off the store shelf it is already at a 3% solution which could make it costlier but not occasionally for a single fount.
What I like about HP is that it is H2O2. Basically not much different than water but a potent disinfectant that breaks down quickly in the environment.
There are other very good commercial sanitizers/disinfectants if you want other suggestions.
Personally, I wouldn't go to such measures for 2 hens and one fount.
Just disinfect a couple times a month in winter and weekly or possibly more often in warm/hot weather. Before disinfecting, make sure to wash thoroughly. As a poultry nutritionist said to me, "you can't wash a turd".
Also, as was suggested, make sure the rim of the fount is as high as the hens' backs.
Are your chickens taking to the water in the bowl?

 

[irb]

Do you mean a special disinfectant other than bleach or in addition to bleach?
If you use bleach, it tends to cling to surfaces so you'll want to rinse 3 times.
If you use hydrogen peroxide, it should be used full strength since off the store shelf it is already at a 3% solution which could make it costlier but not occasionally for a single fount.
What I like about HP is that it is H2O2. Basically not much different than water but a potent disinfectant that breaks down quickly in the environment.
There are other very good commercial sanitizers/disinfectants if you want other suggestions.
Personally, I wouldn't go to such measures for 2 hens and one fount.
Just disinfect a couple times a month in winter and weekly or possibly more often in warm/hot weather. Before disinfecting, make sure to wash thoroughly. As a poultry nutritionist said to me, "you can't wash a turd".
Also, as was suggested, make sure the rim of the fount is as high as the hens' backs.
Are your chickens taking to the water in the bowl?

I am not sure if they are taking to the water post-disinfection. It's been an overcast day--not very hot and I also gave them iceberg lettuce (which, of course, has a lot of water). Hope I will learn more tomorrow.