They can be hung or set on the ground and allow you to see the water level. These are generally affordable, easy to clean and refill, and come in many sizes. The Little Giant Baby Chick Base Metal Waterer is inexpensive, low maintenance, constructed from heavy-gauge galvanized steel and durable. However, they shouldn’t be used for mature chickens because they don’t hold enough water and can easily tip over. These are simply mason jars screwed onto a metal or plastic base and are great waterers for chicks, as tiny chicks can drown in waterers intended for adults. Remember to place or hang waterers at a height that is convenient for your chickens. However, they do need water right away in the morning when they wake. The other two types of poultry waterers are those with a gravity-fed, self-contained reservoir and those that automatically refill.Ĭhickens don’t drink water at night when they’re roosting, so it’s not essential that waterers be placed in the coop. But, because chickens tend to roost on these and put their droppings in the water, none of them made this list of recommended waterers. The simplest are just buckets, bowls or water troughs. Read more: These tips will help you hang a poultry waterer off the ground.Ĭhicken waterers come in three basic varieties. (The acidic vinegar may cause toxic residue to leach into the water.) Galvanized waterers shouldn’t be used if you intend to put apple cider vinegar in your chickens’ water. However, they’re also heavier to clean and refill. Metal models are sturdier, last for many years and don’t crack like plastic. Plastic models generally cost less and are easier to clean but can crack if dropped or exposed frequently to freezing conditions. Poultry feeders and waterers are typically made of either plastic or galvanized steel. Size your equipment for the number and size of your chickens as well as your desired refilling frequency. And flocks with more than 10 birds should have multiple poultry waterers and feeders so all the chickens have easy access. Obviously, chicks or bantams require less food and water, while larger birds use more. A feeder with 10-pound capacity would last them about four days.Ĥ ounces x 10 chickens = 40 ounces 40 ounces/16 ounces per pound = 2½ pounds 2½ pounds x 4 days = 10 pounds per day So the example of a 10-bird flock would need a minimum of 2½ pounds of food per day. If you are located in a warmer climate, heated waterers aren’t necessary, but your chickens may drink double the amount that chickens in cooler conditions do.Īn average-size chicken eats about 4 ounces of feed per day. If you are located in a region with cold winters, the best poultry waterers are those that automatically prevent freezing. That means that a 5-gallon poultry waterer might provide water for 10 average-size chickens for about four days.Ģ cups x 10 chickens x 4 days = 80 80/16 cups per gallon = 5 gallons Depending on your birds’ size, they’ll drink one to two cups of water per day and can drink double that during hot weather. Capacity RequirementsĬhickens are made up of about 50 percent water, and eggs are about 65 to 75 percent, so a continuous supply of fresh, clean water is critical to chicken health. So, keep in mind that flocks tend to grow, and consider purchasing higher capacity models. keep the water and food clean and free of droppingsĪlthough larger capacity feeders and waterers cost more, the benefits of not needing to maintain them daily are enormous.Other factors to consider include types of poultry waterers or feeders, construction material and cost.Īny equipment you acquire should have a minimum capacity of feeding and watering your flock for an entire day. When selecting them, it’s important to pick models with convenient features appropriate for your chickens and location. But choosing the perfect products is essential to enjoying your poultry, especially when dealing with everyday items, such as feeders and waterers. Chicken-keeping can be fun and easy if you have the right equipment.
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