I know why thechicken crossed the road

[Matejka]

I have seen it repeatedly.
I pour water out of waterer, clean it, scrub it clean. Refill with beautiful pristine clean water. The chickens consistently will drink the water I poured out, then scratch around in run until enuff litter is in waterer-then they drink from waterer.
OR
I change water and put out feed, then let them out to free range. They immediately run across the road and find the muskies ugliest mud puddle, and get em a drink.
Is there something (nutrient or vitamin) in cruddy water they need?

 

[SourRoses]

Heyyyyy, I clicked expecting to finally get an answer but instead it's just another question...

 

[Allsfairinloveandbugs]

The answer is the chicken crossed the road to drink the dirty water.

 

[NorthwoodsChick]

Heyyyyy, I clicked expecting to finally get an answer but instead it's just another question...

I was hopeful, too.

 

[CoopBoots]

You know, you might be on to something. Puddling does enable access to nutritious stuff for some insects and animals:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mud-puddling

I'd continue the good fight for clean water access--as long as they can get clean, I don't see a huge problem with them choosing muddier fare. There's really no way to force them to drink it clean 100% of the time anyway!