Watering HELP

[LarissaSlates98]

Hi guys. Here in Oklahoma the summers are pretty hot (100+) even now its in the low 90s. I need new ideas on watering. I do NOT want to loose anybody due to the heat. I've spent a lot of time and effort into getting the birds i have now (Silkies, Standard blue, splash, and calico Cochins, Turkens, and Seramas). I normally just use bowls (which are a big headache, the birds dump them, get in them, wash there feet in them, scratch there food into them, you name it they do it). Its pretty irritating to take water out 7+ a day due to this. So I need advice on a good watering idea. I would perfer something that holds more than a gallon of water that they can't easily dump or get it dirty. Since I will be gone for a few weeks and my brother will be in charge of watering my birds (he knows nothing) it has to be simple because I don't want him to have to haul water out mre than 2/3 times a day at the most. Thanks guys.

 

[happyhippiechik]

The best thing I've found are chicken watering nipples. They are little "plugs" with a metal part that releases water when the chickens peck at it. I bought 5 online for about $2.50. I use a 2 quart bucket (I have 5 girls). You just drill a hole in the bottom of a bucket the size of the watering nipple, use some teflon tape around the threads of the nipple and screw it into the hole you drilled. You can put more than one in the bottom of the bucket for multiple drinking spots.Then you hang it in the coop. If you have a lid you can put that on to keep debris out of the water. I also add ice to the water a few times a day when I change it if it's gotten too warm.
I'm in NC to I'm concerned about managing them during the heat too. This is my first year with chickens. I do the same for my guinea keets, but they were did not figure out the nipple system so they still get water the standard way. I think the key to keeping it clean is keeping it elevated. Hope this helps!