Runaway Chickens!

[HarleyBarley]

Hello all. I've got two clever ladies that keep finding a way out of their run. They're jumping 6 ft fences now as we've removed all other opportunities. (We keep trying to cover the run but whenever we have time off it's pouring rain!)

Anyway, I've just discovered when they're out they're jumping into a big hole we had to dig in our yard. We rerouted our lateral line for our septic system and so I'm concerned about the quality of the water they've been drinking in this hole. Again, everytime we try to get outside it's raining and we've had so much yard work postponed.

Will chickens even drink dirty water? Should I add anything to the waterer in their run? Help!

 

[chickens really]

Try clipping the wing feather so they can't fly over the fence.

 

[Ridgerunner]

If your septic system is working properly that water is safe. That's why you have a septic system, to clean the water. If you have concerns talk to your local health department about getting that water tested. Deal from a position of knowledge instead of letting your imagination run away with you. If you test that water you will know. That testing is often a requirement when selling a property with a septic system on it.

Will chickens drink dirty water? Mine love to drink from mud puddles more than their clean water. If it's not dirty enough to suit them they''ll scratch in it to get it the right color.

 

[TLCMidMichigan]

Drinking "Dirty water" is adding nutrients to their body.
Elephants stir up the mud and water for the minerals. Same logic.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Chickens love drinking dirty water. Unless you want to make their waterer a mud pit, they'll prefer the dirty water they find outside.

You can try clipping wings for the time being but covering the run is the obvious fix to the problem.