Mystery; How Is My Chickens Water Disappearing?

[-Flash-]

With a hairline crack in a flexible material, you run the risk of opening that crack more or less each time the bucket is moved, filled, emptied, etc.
Maybe you should just try a new bucket with no known issues...

Yes, but, it doesn't always empty when I clean it. Sorry that I'm shooting down all your ideas

 

[Swbertrand1]

Yes, but, it doesn't always empty when I clean it. Sorry that I'm shooting down all your ideas

Again, with flexible material, the crack will open and close just enough to let water drain in one position but not let it drain in another.
New Bucket. I'm done.

 

[aart]

Yes, but, it doesn't always empty when I clean it.

Do you always leave the hose in the bucket?

 

[InterestingChickens]

I would check the bucket for cracks and not leave the hose in it. See if that helps.

 

[NorthwoodsChick]

Is someone playing a joke on you?

 

[-Flash-]

Do you always leave the hose in the bucket?

Yep!

 

[-Flash-]

Is someone playing a joke on you?

No. The dirt around the bucket is always dry. I am so confused!

 

[aart]

Yep!

Take the hose out and see what happens.
It's siphoning out somehow.
Because......

No. The dirt around the bucket is always dry. I am so confused!

 

[Folly's place]

If your hose is connected to a hydrant, for example, water will syphon back into it when the hose is left in the water container.
If the waterer is outside, who else is drinking there?
Mary

 

[Yardmom]

The connection on the hose could be looser on the days it siphoned out. I have had whole stock tanks empty because someone left the hose in.