Keeping the water clean

[CTratterriers]

My chicks are still living inside at night because they are only approximately 6 weeks. My problem is that they are big enough to get on top of the water container. I am using the Miller Manufacturing Company 1 quart container that screws into the bottom. Do you have any suggestions on how to keep the water poop and shavings free?

Thank you in advance.

 

[ChickensAreSweet]

How cold is it at night? By 6 weeks most breeds are getting to be fully feathered and they should be ok in the coop unless it is a very drastic temperature change, like during winter (in which case a transition low watt light bulb might be in order).

If they have feathers coming in on their heads and are fully feathered, for summertime nights they should be fine in the coop.

http://www.feathersite.com/Poultry/BRKRaisingChicks.html

Putting waterers and feeders up on bricks works for me in the brooder to keep the shavings out.

 

[CTratterriers]

How cold is it at night? By 6 weeks most breeds are getting to be fully feathered and they should be ok in the coop unless it is a very drastic temperature change, like during winter (in which case a transition low watt light bulb might be in order).

If they have feathers coming in on their heads and are fully feathered, for summertime nights they should be fine in the coop.

http://www.feathersite.com/Poultry/BRKRaisingChicks.html

Putting waterers and feeders up on bricks works for me in the brooder to keep the shavings out.

Dear ChickensAreSweet,

Thank you for your prompt response.

Our days have been 95+ with high humidity and I believe the nights are in the 70's. The folks at the place we purchased them say they are still too young to be put out full time. These people live close by so they are experiencing the same temps.

I fear that if I put the waterer up too high they will not be able to access it. Is there something that I can safely put on top of it so their poop doesn't get in the water?

Regards,
Claire

 

[mi chicken]

the bricks should work if you want put some smaller rocks next to the bricks the chicks will hop right up

 

[JackE]

Raising the water fount to the height of the chicken's back will help. You have to get it up off the ground or they will kick it full of bedding. One thing I found that really works, is to hang a light gauge chain down from the ceiling, directly over the water fount. It doesn't even have to be connected, just hanging over it, just touching the top. I found even after raising the fount, the birds liked to jump up on top and hang out. And of course, it doesn't even cross their minds to NOT take a dump when you are sitting on your fresh water supply.
Jack

 

[CTratterriers]

Raising the water fount to the height of the chicken's back will help. You have to get it up off the ground or they will kick it full of bedding. One thing I found that really works, is to hang a light gauge chain down from the ceiling, directly over the water fount. It doesn't even have to be connected, just hanging over it, just touching the top. I found even after raising the fount, the birds liked to jump up on top and hang out. And of course, it doesn't even cross their minds to NOT take a dump when you are sitting on your fresh water supply.
Jack

JackE,

Thank you for this suggestion. I will try it. Hopefully these curious girls won't jump up to see what the chain is and get tangled in it. I will report back on these suggestions.

Regards,
Claire

 

[TonySorrento]

Quote:
Dear ChickensAreSweet,

Thank you for your prompt response.

Our days have been 95+ with high humidity and I believe the nights are in the 70's. The folks at the place we purchased them say they are still too young to be put out full time. These people live close by so they are experiencing the same temps.

I fear that if I put the waterer up too high they will not be able to access it. Is there something that I can safely put on top of it so their poop doesn't get in the water?

Regards,
Claire

They are no way too young to be outside ... put them out, IMO

 

[CTratterriers]

They are no way too young to be outside ... put them out, IMO

If I had my way they would be outside. My husband is reluctant to put them out all night. He gets nervous if he thinks that their room (the laundry room) is too cool. I can't fault him for being over protective. However, they have outgrown their indoor enclosure.

Thanks for all the support. I am going to take this conversation into the appropriate forum.

Regards,
Claire

 

[ChickensAreSweet]

Quote:
Yes, at 6 weeks of age in the summer they should be outside if fully feathered.

I place a brick next to the waterer so they stand on the brick to drink. I don't put anything on top of the waterers.