My chickens don't seem to drink enough water, what to do?

[chickchick]

They never seem to go through the water, it just sits there. I am wondering if it is because they have free range of the backyard are are getting water through the grass and greens they eat outside, or is there something I am doing wrong.
The water is in their coop and another in the run and sometimes there is a bucket out in the backyard for them too. I often have to scoop the litter and straw out of the rim of the waterer, but other than that they seem healthy enough. Any suggestions?

 

[silkiechicken]

I bet they are fine. They'll drink when they are thristy.

 

[redwa]

If it's a galvanized warterer it may effect the flavor/quality of the water, not to mention possibly leach out metals...

 

[4-H chicken mom]

When the weather cools down, they don't drink as much. They are probably fine like silkiechicken said.

 

[DuckLady]

Hi chickchick. I am in the PNW as well.
They are drinking more than you think. They eat the wet grass and would rather drink out of puddles. Just keep the waterers fresh and filled and they will be fine.

 

[chickchick]

thanks for that terrie, i kind of figured as much but was unsure, i think i am just really bummed that we haven't had any eggs yet and am looking for reasons why, its so great to get this feedback!

 

[WoodlandWoman]

When mine are out and about, they have to run around and drink out of every container they can find. As favorite activities go, it's second only to their love of bug hunting.

 

[silkiechicken]

Quote:
Talk about puddle drinking.

"Here you go chickens, fresh water in your bucket"

*replaces water and opens door*

"where are you all gong!!!"

*watches a dozen chickens drink out of the huge puddle in the middle of the drive way*

 

[wclawrence]

Galvanized pans wont hurt anything. It is zinc, which alot of folks are deficient in. The eggs from hens that get too much zinc will keep you from getting warts.

 

[picklespickles]

my chickens love mud puddles too. they know right where the puddle streams along when i water and actually go wait there. i don't think i have ever seen them drink from a regular buket. well, once i think. in the summer. i still keep several filled all around the yard, though.