⠀ Water sources for chickens

[NorthernChick81]

Hi all! I don't have any chickens yet, but hopefully within the next year or two I will! I've an offer in on a wonderful property and just need to sell my home and then I will have all the room I need for some.

My question is, what water source do you use to water your chickens? I currently have a rain barrel collection system on my garden shed, and was wondering if a similar set up in my next home would be suitable to supply them with water? Locally there are food-grade water collection barrels available for purchase which might work well. Is there a safe set up I could run that would work for chickens? What roofing material would be best for this scenario if it would be acceptable at all? Thanks!!

 

[chickens123432]

Hi all! I don't have any chickens yet, but hopefully within the next year or two I will! I've an offer in on a wonderful property and just need to sell my home and then I will have all the room I need for some.

My question is, what water source do you use to water your chickens? I currently have a rain barrel collection system on my garden shed, and was wondering if a similar set up in my next home would be suitable to supply them with water? Locally there are food-grade water collection barrels available for purchase which might work well. Is there a safe set up I could run that would work for chickens? What roofing material would be best for this scenario if it would be acceptable at all? Thanks!!

I just use sink/hose water and put it in a 1 gallon waterer for my 4 ladies. I personally think just the regular waterers are easiest http://www.tractorsupply.com/en/store/harris-farms-poultry-drinker-1-gal-capacity

 

[speedy2020]

Large bucket or barrel with horizontal nipple water system. It cheap and keep the water clean. You do need to clean once a month.

 

[NorthernChick81]

Oh yes, I will certainly be setting up system as you both have mentioned My question is more concerned with the actual water; is rain water OK for chickens? I mean, they drink from puddles obviously, but are there any concerns with bacteria in the rainwater etc.? Do I need to treat it with anything?

 

[dheltzel]

You don't need to treat the water with anything, rainwater is perfectly healthy for them. With any water system you need to be aware that bacteria can grow inside things and they could be harmful, so an occasional cleaning is a good idea. Chlorinated city water gets less of that because of the toxic (at least to bacteria) chemicals it contains.

 

[RonP]

My instinct tell me feces from others may land on your rooftop.

That sitting in a barrel of water for an extended period, may be cause for concern.

I have no firsthand experience, just thinking out loud...

 

[PattiS72]

here is a pic of our waterer. I fill it up on the end.

 

[NorthernChick81]

A valid concern for sure, RonP; one that I will keep in mind.

The water system will also be to support my planned vegetable garden that will be near the chickens; it will of course be contained within hardware fencing - deer are frequent around these parts and anything below a 6' fence is a deer buffet…

I'm appreciating the feedback, and grateful for this forum so I can plan the best layout possible!!

 

[enola]

Make sure it is legal to catch rain water where you live.

 

[NorthernChick81]

Thankfully that is not an issue where I live; rainwater collection is encouraged - the city near where I live offers a rain barrel purchase program. I'm saddened to hear it is illegal in some states - why?