Marbles in Waterers

[1eyejer]

I keep seeing pics of water dishes with marbles or stones in them, What is the purpose of this?

 

[Mahonri]

Baby chicks will fall asleep anywhere. Sometimes they fall asleep over the waterer and drown.

The marbles keep them from drowning.

I use kids big legos...

 

[teach1rusl]

If you have one of the tiny chick waterers, I really don't think they're needed (I don't think a chick COULD drown in the one I used). But for standard sized waterers or just pans or bowls, it's a safety measure.

 

[flakey chick]

The shiny marbles also help attract their attention to the water. They are more inclined to peck at it. My dad says it helps keep the waterers from getting knocked over.

 

[A.T. Hagan]

Mostly to get the chicks attention so they'll discover the water.

I've never used them though. When we put chicks in the brooder we dip each ones beak in the water before we set them down. Never had one fail to find the water after that.

.....Alan.