Water issues persist

[irb]

I have two hens who have decided they no longer want to use their water font. A kind poster suggested throughly cleaning the font, which I have done. Now, it seems the only time the hens will drink is if I pour the water on the ground.​

Help!​

 

[SueT]

Why not try other containers? A dog bowl, an old tea kettle...

 

[irb]

Why not try other containers? A dog bowl, an old tea kettle...
View attachment 2030232

I have...they kick it over...but will keep trying. I just don't know if this is unusual?

 

[SueT]

How can 2 hens kick over a big bowl of water? Get a dog bowl that is larger at the base than at the top. This one is a heated bowl, but you can find regular unheated ones cheap...

 

[Folly's place]

Many critters, including chickens and dogs, much prefer the grubby, tastier water in puddles, than the cleaner water in the container. Keep the waterer or water dish out there, and ignore the puddle drinkers.
Of course, you won't spill poisons on the ground...
Mary

 

[Folly's place]

Are you putting anything in their water? Plain water is best! Cleaning products might be an issue too.
Mary

 

[pintail_drake2004]

Make it their only source of water, they will have to use it.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Cleaning products might be an issue too.

I was wondering the same - what did you clean it with?

And my chickens will always prefer a muddy puddle or dripping condensation or even a mug of water I was carrying around, over a clean waterer.

 

[aart]

Here's the backstory...
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/hens-wont-drink-water.1347073/

 

[rosemarythyme]

Here's the backstory...
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/hens-wont-drink-water.1347073/

Thanks for that! Well then, at this point I'd try a new waterer, maybe different style than before.