Lead a chicken to water....

[BigRedNZ]

Quick question. I read somewhere in the www that chickens "won't walk far to get water, and that you needed to make water available"

I have 4 birds currently, and ample water in their "free range run", but I'm about to let them into a shrub bed for summer to get them some shade, and a new scratching ground (great weed control)

It will be about 10+m from the far end of the run to their water... should I add another water station? We get hot dry summers (not desert standards, but NZ standards) here with days of 30+ (degrees centigrade) for several days in a row.

I'm thinking... Yes, but would value some more experience opinion.

Cheers

 

[7L Farm]

I let my flock range. I put bowls under the A/C drain & the flock drinks that water while ranging. I would give them an extra water station for sure. Once, you let them out you will see in time where they hang out. Then you will know where to add the station.

 

[Sjisty]

My chickens free range on almost 3 acres. They know where their water is and come back to the coops or to the dog's water bowl when thirsty. Sometimes they even drink the water around the air conditioner, but the dog's water seems to be the favorite local hangout. Of course, the dog drinks the chicken water, so fair's fair!

 

[Animalian]

I think it's more that they won't stray too far from water... or shelter for that matter. Mine always stay within about 30m of their coop. They will use the dogs water bowls as well though.