How long before I can bring back the hanging waterer?

[Missbc]

I have two broody hens that are raising 3 chicks together. The chicks are 4 weeks old. They’re in with the rest of the flock, which is used to a 3-gallon hanging water container- one of those with the red tray. I switched out to the 1-gallon non-hanging ones but they are burning through those quickly.

How long should I wait before using the hanging one (i.e. when is the danger of drowning past)?

 

[Rammy]

There is always a risk of drowning depending on what you use. Is the other waterer got a cover so they cant jump into that part? If so, maybe cover it up somehow. Go ahead and use it and just watch them as closely as possible.

 

[aart]

(i.e. when is the danger of drowning past)?

I'd say one week.
4 weeks is definitely fine for a regular waterer.......or leave them both out, one low enough for the chicks.

 

[Sonya9]

I agree, after 4-5 days drowning is not really a risk especially with a broody. I use large dog dishes for water and just put a piece of hardware cloth inside as an "escape ramp" in case a chick jumps in it (which has happened, everyone panics and then they get out).

 

[Missbc]

Ok thanks! Yes, I was planning on leaving a low one for the chicks but the hens are used to the hanging one. Thanks everyone

 

[aart]

Ok thanks! Yes, I was planning on leaving a low one for the chicks but the hens are used to the hanging one. Thanks everyone

Not sure why you'd have had to remove the hanging one at all?

 

[donddon]

I have two broody hens that are raising 3 chicks together. The chicks are 4 weeks old. They’re in with the rest of the flock, which is used to a 3-gallon hanging water container- one of those with the red tray. I switched out to the 1-gallon non-hanging ones but they are burning through those quickly.

How long should I wait before using the hanging one (i.e. when is the danger of drowning past)?

At 4 weeks old, my chicks have already been using a hanging water fount for a week or two.

 

[Missbc]

I was perhaps irrationally worried about them flying up and drowning in it.

It’s set up too high for them to use as chicks but I’ll put it back in place today.