If you’re a poultry farmer or a backyard chicken keeper, you know how crucial it is to provide clean and fresh water to your birds. But did you know that the way the water is delivered can also impact the chickens’ health and well-being?
So, you might be wondering why a chicken waterer should be off the ground. The main reason why chicken waterers should be off the ground is to prevent debris and contamination. Generally, chickens pick up dirt and debris, which might land in their food and water. You can avoid this by suspending the water in the air and ensuring it is low enough so all your chickens can easily access it.
Keep reading to explore more why chicken waterers should be off the ground. You might also enjoy reading 5 Reasons Why Providing Nesting Boxes for Chickens is Important.
1- Prevent Diseases
When the waterer is on the ground, it can easily get dirty with dirt, feces, and other contaminants, which can become a breeding ground for harmful bacteria.
In general, chickens are prone to several water-borne diseases, such as Avian Influenza, Salmonella, and Newcastle Disease, which can spread quickly through contaminated water.
By raising the waterer off the ground, you can keep it clean and reduce the risk of diseases.
2- Prevent Water From Freezing in Winter
If you live in a cold climate, you know how tough it can be to keep your chickens hydrated in freezing temperatures. If the waterer is on the ground, it’s more likely to freeze, leaving your birds without water.
Typically, waterers left on the ground during colder months can freeze, leaving your chickens without a water supply. By keeping the waterers elevated, you can avoid this problem, ensuring your chickens will always have access to water, even in colder climates.
The good news is that an elevated waterer will make it easier for the chickens to drink and prevent it from freezing solid.
3- Encourage Chickens to Drink More Water
Chickens are notorious for spilling water, especially when the waterer is on the ground. When the waterer is elevated, chickens are less likely to knock it over, reducing water wastage and ensuring that they always have enough to drink.
In addition, an elevated waterer can make it more comfortable for chickens to access water, especially for chicks or birds with mobility issues.
4- Easy Cleaning And Maintenance
If your waterer is on the ground, you’ll have to bend to refill it or clean it every time. An elevated waterer allows you to do this without straining your back, making maintenance and cleaning a lot more comfortable.
You’ll also be less likely to contaminate the water if you don’t have to put it back on the ground after cleaning.
5- Prevents Bacterial Growth
Another main reason why chicken waterers should be off the ground is that it helps to prevent bacterial growth. In general, when waterers are on the ground, dirt and other debris can get into the water, providing the perfect breeding ground for harmful bacteria.
Keeping your waterers on the ground can cause your chickens to become ill or even die. By keeping the waterers elevated, you can ensure that your chickens are drinking clean water, which can help to keep them healthy and disease-free.
6- Keeps Water Clean
When waterers are on the ground, they tend to get dirtier much quicker, and you will find yourself constantly changing water more often.
By keeping waterers off the ground, you can reduce the number of times you’ll need to clean them as well as the amount of dirt and debris that gets into the water.
7- Easy to Access
Having waterers elevated off the ground also makes it easier for your chickens to access them. Placing them at a height that is convenient for your chickens to drink ensures they don’t have to strain to reach the water.
Keeping your waterer elevated can help make your chickens more comfortable and less stressed, which could lead to better egg production.
8- More Cost-Effective
While buying a chicken waterer off the ground may seem like an added expense, it is an investment that can save you money in the long run. Because having elevated waterers prevents bacterial growth and reduces the amount of water needed to be changed, you will save money on water bills and veterinary expenses.
An elevated waterer is an easy way to provide your chickens with clean water, encourage good health and hygiene, and offer ease of access.
What to read next:
- 8 Factors To Consider When Choosing an Automatic Chicken Coop Door for Cold Weather.
- 6 Key Benefits of Installing an Automatic Chicken Coop Door.
- Automatic Chicken Doors: Are They Predator-Proof?
- Are Automatic Chicken Coop Doors Worth It? (Yes, and here’s why!)
In Conclusion
An elevated chicken waterer is essential for keeping your birds healthy, clean, and hydrated. It prevents water wastage, reduces the risk of water-borne diseases, and makes maintenance and cleaning more manageable.
Different types of elevated waterers are available in the market, such as nipple waterers, cup waterers, and automatic waterers, all of which can benefit your chickens in different ways.
If you’re still using a ground-level waterer, switching to an elevated one is high time. Your chickens will thank you!