Water Stiuation

[Lightbrahmalover]

I plan to let a broody hen hatch a few chicks for this spring. This is my first time hatching chicks naturally. I have a question about water. I use an automatic waterer that has cups, and are to high for a chick to reach. I have a rubber bin that is 5-inches deep, for my 2 drakes. Is the bin to deep for chicks? I plan to let the broody hen raise the chicks with the flock and not separate them. She is very feisty and will definitely protect her chicks. The last thing I can think of is just separating them from the flock and and reintroduce the hens and chicks in the flock when they are older. What do I do?

 

[Brooks_]

You could add pebbles/marbles to the water pan, but that could cause problems for the drakes.

 

[Northwest_Wannabe]

When we had broodies we always separated them until the chicks were a little older and able to freely roam (able to follow momma around the garden safely and not get "lost" as easily) We use little ceramic dishes we got from places like goodwill, like these- and they worked pretty well : D

https://i.etsystatic.com/5267659/d/il/c4b501/2970315765/il_340x270.2970315765_fp1i.jpg?version=0

Right size to fit enough food and water for the day, but short enough that the babies could climb in and out with no issues.

 

[Pork Pie]

A suspended, vertical nipple system may help.

 

[Lightbrahmalover]

You could add pebbles/marbles to the water pan, but that could cause problems for the drakes.

Thank you for the idea! I’ll most likely let them grow a week or two old, and put some rocks in the water bin. At a week or 2 old momma hen should still be very protective of the chicks, and the chicks will be good at following her!

 

[Lightbrahmalover]

When we had broodies we always separated them until the chicks were a little older and able to freely roam (able to follow momma around the garden safely and not get "lost" as easily) We use little ceramic dishes we got from places like goodwill, like these- and they worked pretty well : D

https://i.etsystatic.com/5267659/d/il/c4b501/2970315765/il_340x270.2970315765_fp1i.jpg?version=0

Right size to fit enough food and water for the day, but short enough that the babies could climb in and out with no problem

What age should I put them with the flock?