Waterers for Chickens and Poultry

Choosing a Poultry Waterer

Optimum capacity is dependent on:

• Number and size of birds.
• How often you prefer to water them.

Choose a waterer that will provide enough clean water for the birds between your visits to the coop.

For chicks use a small waterer with a drown-proof or narrow base.

For waterfowl use a waterer with a wide base so they can fit their bills into it.

If you have a few birds or visit frequently, you can manage with a smaller waterer. If you have many birds, you need a larger one, especially during hot summer months.

What is a bird’s daily water intake?

A medium-size adult chicken will drink about 0.08 gal (just over a cup) on a hot day. Temperature, size and age of the bird and amount of salt in the feed will cause this figure to vary considerably.

Waterer tips...

• Keep the waterer level. This enables the internal float (if applicable) to work properly—and prevents water overflowing onto the floor or soil.
• Clean them often. Hard water deposits or algae may block valves.
• Place waterers on concrete blocks or Chick Stands. Birds are less likely to foul the water when scratching near it.
• Change the waterer’s location often to prevent mud holes from forming.
• Do not place waterers in the sun—a shaded location reduces the amount of evaporation and keeps the water cooler.

Waterer Comparison Chart