Water

[chad]

We have a collegial disagreement going on in our house. One of us believes that the chickens will drink cold water out of our outdoor spigot during the winter; the other believes that they prefer warm water in the wintertime, and draws it from the kitchen sink.

Anybody have thoughts/observations?

 

[DoctorGoose]

My chickens drink both. If they're thirsty, they just grab whatever is nearest--besides, the warm water turns cold rather quickly, so it doesn't really matter, as long as it's not frozen. Lately, all our outdoor spigots have been covered, though, so I get it from the warm water in the barn, not as convenient, though.

 

[TxChiknRanchers]

cool water in summer and warm water in winter,not so much warm as not as cold . That being said, they will drink any temp thats liquid.

My experience

Randy

wow DRgoose that was split second timing

 

[CovenantCreek]

One day last week all the water outside was frozen, but that didn't stop my girls from drinking as soon as the ice was broken in one of the buckets.

 

[picklespickles]

how about each person just does it the way they want. lol. then you don't have to agree at all.

 

[Lazy J Farms Feed & Hay]

Warm or cold doesn't matter nearly as much as ensuring they have water. Water is the most important, and least examined nutrient needed for life. Just make sure they have access to water all the time.

Jim

 

[Ma]

Thank goodness.....you're both right!

...."will drink water out of our outdoor spigot......" Yes.

....perfer warm water in the wintertime........Yes.

Chickens "prefer" warm water, but will drink whatever is available. They will even eat snow, if that's all there is. Ah, but preference...that's another thing.

 

[hoosierhen]

Shaken, not stirred...with an olive!

 

[Picco]

Cold water is fine, they will drink little sips throughout the day and their body temp wont be affected. If for some reason they have been without water for a time (ie it freezes or runs out), bring them warm. If they chug cold water in large amounts it can drop their body temp and chill them, possibly leading to illness if its really cold out. They should be fine if they are in good condition, but weakened, young, or sick birds could be affected.

I suggest a water heater if you have electricity available in the coop or with cords, they cost around 50 bucks, but its totally worth not having to tote water all the time and the water will be warm so you will have no problems.

 

[chickenranchwife]

I just ordered 3 heated waters from our local Runnings this way my girls always have water, and no more thawing out frozen waterers. Good Luck finding them. If you need a upc code I can get that for you when they come in.