Fresh water is key for all critters, year round. I've told people for years that the 2 cheapest feeds for horses, cattle, and goats,are water and salt. Something so simple is often overlooked.If a bird's system is dehydrated, it's fermentation vat/heater does not work properly to keep them warm.I'm sure I don't know. It's said, "we are what we eat"...
EDIT:That little bit should be altered to : "we are what we eat and drink"...giving water and other liquids their due, especially in temperature extremes.
It's very easy to assume the birds are getting enough water in winter when in fact they often do not, and just because they can eat a bite of snow now and again, does not mean they do not NEED frequent CLEAN water....changed and not just added to.
Some of us go so far as to add water to the feed, especially in winter...
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