4m x 3m Omlet pen, cube, new auto door still boxed and coop light

[sleepymummy]

hi My first ever hens arrived this morning. They have not touched their water container but have been drinking the rain drops which are clinging to the mesh. Is this normal? When it finally stops raining will they use the bowl or do some hens prefer a different water container. are there different water dispensers for hens? I know I shall have to give them time to settle but it's good to be armes with alternatives just in case!

[Hen Huggers R Us]

Hi, I wouldn't worry too much, our hens have three different bowls of water around the garden and still want to drink from the muddy puddles, dripping hose pipe etc etc.

They are just funny creatures.

[Stevie]

Most animals prefer rain water because its soft and contains no mineral.Mine regulary drink water droplets on wire,but also from puddles etc.

[sleepymummy]

thought as much but when it's all new.............!

[Laura & CTB]

Mine prefer to drink from the grooves in the decking and the water feature than their glug

[Egluntyne]

Mine prefer disgusting puddles.

 

When I top up their drinkers, I fill a watering can and let it stand overnight.

 

They prefer their water without chlorine I think.

 

Can't say I blame them.

[HENthusiastic]

Mine always have water from the water butt, so its chlorine free. The best water is puddles, drips oh and on the lid of their corn container. Aparently thats the best tasting water ever.

[Carol U]

Mine fight one another for the water which collects at the bottom of a very old and dirty fence! They also like it from particularly pooey puddles.

[Mutrix Farmers]

hi My first ever hens arrived this morning. They have not touched their water container but have been drinking the rain drops which are clinging to the mesh. Is this normal?

 

Mine do this, gives them something to do on a miserable day when I won't let them out to get very wet. They found some rain collected in a plant pot saucer and drank that.

[Abbey Road Girl]

When I fill the Glug from outside, the hens love to peck at the drops that collect on the wires. Maybe it's just a novelty!