True or false? Chickens won't drink warm water

[Scatterknit]

I read somewhere that chickens won't drink enough water if it gets too warm and that I need to ice it or they could dehydrate. I also read that mint helps.

That sounds like a bunch of hooey to me but then again, I'm not a chicken expert. Their water is always in the shade. It's in one of those metal waterers. Isn't that good enough?

Granted it gets hot in Georgia but I certainly don't remember my grandparents taking out a glass of iced mint tea to their chickens. Any thoughts on that?

 

[sandesnow]

On hot days, I refresh their water mid afternoon if I know it is in a spot that the sun has gotten to. (About 3 pm or so) Not sure of the other parts, but I know I like fresh water when it is warm, so figure it doesn't hurt. They tend to immediately move to it to get a good drink. That doesn't mean I haven't see them drinking from water that was in the shade, as I have seen them do so.

 

[ChickenAndMore]

Chickens can and will drink warm water. Just make sure its not to hot. I live in Texas and because school is out I am home all day everyday so I go and turn the water on and let it overflow for a few minutes (I have 2 rubber tubs because they like to stand in it and cool off). When it overflows it cleans out the water, cools down the water, and they also love to splash in the puddles

 

[ChickenAndMore]

I also have their water in the shade.

 

[donrae]

I read somewhere that chickens won't drink enough water if it gets too warm and that I need to ice it or they could dehydrate. I also read that mint helps.

That sounds like a bunch of hooey to me but then again, I'm not a chicken expert. Their water is always in the shade. It's in one of those metal waterers. Isn't that good enough?

Granted it gets hot in Georgia but I certainly don't remember my grandparents taking out a glass of iced mint tea to their chickens. Any thoughts on that?

Mine either. Chickens originated in the jungle, and I'm pretty sure both ice and mint were in short supply there

yes, cool water is nice when it's hot. However, I have some waterers that last a few days, and the birds drink from them when the water's warm. I do have buckets or pools I try to top off to keep cool, but even with the choice they drink the warmer water a good amount of the time.

My dog actually prefers warmer water to cool water. go figure.

 

[Papas Chickens]

I live in Arizona and during the summer there is no such thing as cold or cool water lol, my girls readily drink warm water thats in the shade and my dogs dont care if its warm or not lol.

 

[Julia62]

We've had temps in the low 100's these last few days and their water is in the shade, however, I have a separate loaf pan that I keep water in (under the coop) and drop a large chunk of ice in it morning and afternoon. They LOVE it! All four come running to the pan when I drop the ice in it. They peck at the ice and drink the water.

 

[Papas Chickens]

Hi Julia62, try putting some fresh herbs into your ice that you make for them they will love it even more. I put Rosemary, Basil, Tyme and some minced garlic they love it and its good for them, you can mix and match whatever herbs you want to.

 

[Julia62]

Hi Julia62, try putting some fresh herbs into your ice that you make for them they will love it even more. I put Rosemary, Basil, Tyme and some minced garlic they love it and its good for them, you can mix and match whatever herbs you want to.

Great idea! I have basil, Italian parsley, and mint!

I can't believe how in love with these chickens I am! Who knew??? Not me!

 

[Papas Chickens]

I fell in love with mine right when i seen them, i cant wait to get the 26 i ordered they should be here on tuesday or wedsday, im dying to see the rare exotic breed there sending me for free.