How do you keep the water clean?

[cmom]

I have mine hanging on chains with S-hooks. I did this when they were smaller so I could raise the feeder and waterer as they grew. I keep them just above their backs and they don't waste the feed (crumbles) and the water stays cleaner.

Click on picture for a larger image.

 

[LynneP]

My waterer is on 3 cinder blocks and a patio block. Works fine, it was an experiment to get it high enough. A hay bale helps to deflect some scratching and to assist hens down from roost. Also an old milking stool. Barriers help with scratching and the distribution of bedding, and to diminish eye contact among competitive hens.








I also have a bucket of water outdoors so they can 'wash their faces'. This is my 'dirty bucket' and I find that with the spare water in the run they keep the indoor one clean plus it stays free of algae.

An indoor sandbox is a great idea, our girls adore theirs and I mix some food-grade DE and Stable Boy in the play sand to keep them pest free.

 

[ncCHICKS]

I would build a "bumper" around the waterer of 2x6 boards. Plywood as the bottom, just keep the shavings away from it COMPLETELY.