water holder full of shavings

[chicknerd]

I am new to raising chicks, having had my chicks for only four days. I have 5 two week old chicks and 4 four week old chicks in one large brooder. They are doing fine, but I am concerned about the water holder. I have purchased two different chick water units, one with a plastic tray and one metal, and both easily fill with shavings by the chicks. Most advice I have read suggests changing the water at least once a day. However, I find the water tray is full of shavings after only a few hours. I am constantly cleaning out the shavings and gunk so they have good water. It does not matter how full I fill the bottle. Is there a better watering unit or is this going to be a constant issue? I have tried keeping the shavings away from the water, but the chicks still manage to get the water full of shavings. And if I dont clean it out every few hours they get very thirsty.

Any suggestions or is this typical?

thanks

deb

 

[KellyHM]

Try setting it up on a brick. That way it's higher than the shavings level and they don't kick as many into it.

 

[happyhensny]

Use something sturdy (a brick, piece of 2x4) to raise the waterer to be level with their backs. It helps ALOT to keep the water cleaner. Have fun!

 

[TipsyDog]

Typical chicks!

Put the water on something to raise it up off the floor. I started with a piece of 2 x 4 and gradually made it higher as they grew. That should solve most of the problem! Good Luck!

 

[CoyoteMagic]

Have you set them up on some bricks. I've had to put mine 2 bricks high on top of the bedding to keep most of the litter out.

 

[CoyoteMagic]

Quote:
What did we do, all post at the same time, lol

 

[TipsyDog]

Quote:
Yes, we did! We BYC'ers are on a roll tonight!

 

[bantyshanty]

Have you tried introducing them to a large water bottle, like the kind rabbits drink from? I did and it works wonders, because the water always stays fresh & clean. I intoduce them by holding an eyedropper full of water or fruit juice to them , then guide them gradually over to the bottle spout, and they get a bathing pan full of water to play with & drink out of on warm days as well.
TSC has top-fill Lixit bottles in 16 or 32 oz sizes.