During the coldest months my cooped birds may have water for only an hour or so in morning because it freezes so fast. They go after it hard before freezes. In nature red jungle fowl are reputed to seek out water only once in morning. They also can consume more hydrated vegetation and animal prey. Most of us use more de-hydrated grain based feeds so fluid water requirements potentially higher. To get around water freezing up problem i supplemt with cut up fruit. It freezes solid as well but birds treat like a popsicle. Chickens, like most birds, have capacity to go extended periods without fluid water. They are very good at scavenging water produced by break down of food consumed. The get rid of carbon dioxide and uric acid (nitrogen) but retain water more effeciently than most mammals.
