Nipple waterers and hens not drinking enough

[jmagill]

Quote:
Actually, mine prefer what they're used to. They fully ignored a puddle by the air conditioner and the dish I put out choosing the familiar nipple instead.

And I don't think battery hens only live for 2 years because they're deprived of water...

Yes, that supposition is just that. Growth rate and laying rate are better indicators of how a chickens gets their water than length of life. Commercial chicken farms would not be using nipples if the chickens lacked water because it would show up immediately in their rate of growth and food conversion rate.

 

[BellevueOmlet]

I was just saying that commercial chickens are given just enough to get by and provide enough eggs and then die or are killed so that should not be used as a standard. I was not implying that they are killed from water deprivation.

 

[NanaLantana]

Yes, air has to push the water down - just don't put the lid on tightly, it will be fine. Also, elevate your bucket - mine is about 6 ft high. The lid just sits loose in top, I never pop it tight in place, it would be too hard to take it off to refill!

plus, put a small capful of bleach in the bucket some night, as the chickens are roosting. Let it sit overnite, then they can drink it. It is not enough to harm them, and keeps the system clean. Use a full 5 gallons.

I found that my hens also love to drink from bowls my mom sets out around the yard. (she doesn't remember that they drink from a pipe!) So they have to use both, but I'm sure they're well hydrated. They just prefer the natural way to the nipples at times.

 

[jmagill]

Quote:
Commercial chickens are given free choice water no restrictions so, your premise is still off the wall.

 

[BoltonChicken]

put a small capful of bleach in the bucket some night, as the chickens are roosting. Let it sit overnite, then they can drink it. It is not enough to harm them, and keeps the system clean.

I prefer to put one tablespoon per gallon of ACV into the 5 gallon bucket. This not only keeps the system algae free, but is also a good wormer for the chickens. The bleach works, but if you are on
a city/water association supply, you have already got clorenated water and adding the bleach may be overdoing things. Just MHO.​