nasty water

[mammakugs]

Ok. I don't know how to fix the problem with nasty water. My chicks keep scratching the pine shavings into the water dispenser. And I think they are pooping in it too. It is gross. I keep pulling out the shavings but they keep doing it. I raised the water up onto an upside down plastic plate but bit didn't quite solve the problem. Any ideas?

 

[needlessjunk]

Can you raise it up on a brick or piece of wood? Sounds like it isn't high enough. I'm new to chicks though so I'm sure there are other options.

 

[mammakugs]

I am going to look around. I wasn't sure if they would be able to reach it. They are 1 week old.

 

[needlessjunk]

I am going to look around. I wasn't sure if they would be able to reach it. They are 1 week old.

What about making a stand for it raised up and then make a platform around it for the chicks. Then they can reach but they shavings will stay down below. I'm thinking take a few bricks and put the water in the center maybe on top of a 2x4. Chicks can jump pretty darn high.

 

[azygous]

You can find anything you're looking for and solve just about any problem by using the nifty "search" feature up at the top of the forum page.

But here you go. Problem solved. https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/957712/how-to-hang-a-chick-water-bottle

 

[mammakugs]

Thank you! I'm still learning how to get the most of this site.

 

[mammakugs]

sadly our water dispenser can't do that. :/ I elevated it a bit on an egg flat thing from Costco eggs. Helped a bit.

 

[MrsEskew]

If you find a way let me know pleeease... No matter how high I go with mine, they find a way to either put bedding in it, or poop in it.

It's crazy...it's like they look for a way to do it. Anyways I guess that's their way of making sure they get fresh water every day. Not that I don't already do that...

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

If you find a way let me know pleeease... No matter how high I go with mine, they find a way to either put bedding in it, or poop in it.

It's crazy...it's like they look for a way to do it. Anyways I guess that's their way of making sure they get fresh water every day. Not that I don't already do that...

You may want to consider using a nipple watering system - this type of system eliminates the birds being able to get anything into the water as it eliminates the "tray" portion of the water dispenser, replacing it with individual water nipples.

 

[MrsEskew]

Thank you. I will definitely give it a try. They may not like it I am taking their 'fun' away, but I can't stand not knowing if they have clean water when I am away.