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

Looking for feeders? Refer to our poultry feeder comparison chart.