Putting litter into their water bottle.

[IggiMom]

As soon as I put their water bottle down, they go right to work filling it up with litter.

Is there anything I can do to prevent this?

What about putting the water inside a cake pan? Would it be too slippery for them?

Catherine

 

[rancher hicks]

In the brooder I have a set of 2x6 blocks that I stack up as the chicks get bigger. In the coop I have a cement block inside a tub that I set it on. One thing I will do come spring is cover the tup w/ hardware cloth so they won't tip it over. The tub is there to catch the spills from soaking the floor.

 

[FortWorthChicks]

Yep, I put mine on top of a gladware sandwhich thingy. Just raise it up to where they can stand next to it and drink.

 

[gritsar]

Raise it up on something. I used 12 x 12" squares of wood we had anyways and added squares as the chicks grew. Ideally, they should have to reach just a bit to get a drink.

 

[CedarRidgeChicks]

I'm having this same problem..I finally found a piece of 2x6 and put it in the brooder and set the waterer up on it. It helps but they still scratch the litter up in it...so...????

 

[Hangin Wit My Peeps]

I used a flatter brick because anything light they end up tipping over when standing and goofing off on it

When they get older I used the standard brick...that way it doesn't matter how wet it gets either...no molding

 

[chauqg]

Yes, raising it up to where they can reach and still get their beaks into the water is just right, raising as they grow is necessary... They grow really fast so keep an eye on the height. I placed my 1qt jar waterer on one side of the brooder to keep them from jumping on it. Worked well... Never had a spill and very limited bedding in the water. Good Luck with those babies!

 

[rainierlass]

I too had litter in the water -

I have a one-gallon plastic waterer - flipped over a round cake pan and set it on it - works great for now!


I am a newbie to chicks - have 9 - one-week olds and they are doing GREAT!

 

[gritsar]

Keep in mind that a chicken can't hold water in their mouth the way a human can. It's necessary for them to get a sip, then raise their neck so that the water runs down their throat. That's another reason why it's important to raise the waterer.

 

[Lesa]

No matter what method you choose, you'll be dumping and filling, a lot!!! Just no getting around it! Enjoy the fuzzy butts!