Part 0800.0005

[Saltpeppersugar]

My husband says it needs to hang high enough, so the chickens can get water from one of the three dispensers at the bottom. Only one chicken so far seems to understand. The other two don't, and I'm wondering if I need to hang them same hight as the grub, so they can drink from it from the top? Does anybody know? Thanks

[kerryegg]

Hi,never noticed the dispensers. Mine is balanced against a stone inside the WIR. They however prefer the open dish I also use.My grub is at floor level attached to the wire. I originally had it too high until I noticed feather loss under their chins. Do hens have chins but you know where I mean,

[Seagazer]

The one with the dispensers underneath needs to go up high so that they tap the metal bits. They soon get the hang of it.

[figarogir1]

It needs to go up quite high so that they can reach up and tap the dispensers. Mine soon got used to using it but prefer to drink out of puddles or anything else that they can find when free ranging They use the glug when it is their only option though! Good luck

[Saltpeppersugar]

Thanks everybody. I think I'm just wondering how long chickens can go without water. I've only gotten my first chickens last Saturday and they seem to be adjusting well. With a little bit of help, they've come out of the coop and initially seemed a bit unsure about the ladder, but are doing well with that. They also quickly found the grub and are eating well. They just don't seem to drink that much. I first had put a can with water inside the coop, since they seemed reluctant to come out. After they got out, only one of the chickens used the dispenser (I have the glug up high). Today I moved the can with water outside and they drank from it, as though they were dehydrated.

 

So I suppose that is my next question. Is it quite normal for them to go with a minimal amount of water when they've just moved. How long does that normally last?

 

I appreciate all answers. Thanks

[Seagazer]

I've got the high up glug and the one that sits on the floor and they prefer the floor one. My newbies are in a little run inside the WIR and they have a traditional type of floor water container and its always getting full up of bedding. I'm keep having to go in a flush it out and refill it.

 

I think they do generally drink quite a bit. I have left them for weekends without anyone topping up the water but its never been totally empty - usually about half way. Hope this helps.