Watering your flock...

[Rise722]

Does anyone have suggestions as to how to water if you're concerned about leaks in the chicken house? I thought about putting a metal overflow like I have under my hot water heater, with a hose that would take care of any problems....in case I wasn't home to notice right away.

 

[ChickNanny13]

What are you using now? Your idea should work ... Have you looked into the Horizontal Water Nipples? There are several on Amazon, purchased 5 Horizontal (side mount) Poultry Nipples for $14.89 years ago. You can also search it in the forum Feeding & Watering Your Flock.

 

[blackdog043]

What kind of waterer are you using, do you need it inside the coop?

 

[Rise722]

My whole point is ....do I need a waterer inside the coop or can I just have the water outside? This is after the chicks are big enough to go on their own, of course. Do chickens need to get up in the middle of the night and drink....ha ha?

 

[blackdog043]

No, you can keep the waterer in the run. Chickens sleep at night, no need to keep feed or water in the coop, as long as you get up early to let them out. If your run is secure enough, you don't have to worry about getting up early.

 

[Rise722]

Thanks everyone! I'm going to try and set up that horizontal watering system - been reading the reviews at Amazon, and it seems a good way to go...

 

[wamtazlady]

What's great about a horizontal watering system is that it's easy to keep the water from freezing in winter. Just drop a stock tank deicer into the bucket or container you use for water. Mine has stayed thawed down to -22 F.

 

[Rise722]

I'm planning on building a little 3-sided shelter for the water/food area outside, so I can hang a bulb there if it gets too cold....usually we don't have freezing here....but a 60 watt bulb usually takes care of anything.

 

[wamtazlady]

I thought you got a bit colder than that there. If you seldom get below freezing you don't have to take the precautions that some of us have to take.

 

[blackdog043]

Horizontal nipples are great, it's all I use for my waterers. Drill an 11/32 hole and screw the nipples in leaving 2 - 3 threads showing, do not screw them all the way in.