How to Properly Water Chickens: Some Important Tips

06.04.2023 18:21

Not all poultry farmers approach the process of watering chickens with due responsibility.

However, due to gross errors, at the very least, egg production decreases, followed by a series of diseases. And I don’t even want to talk about the maximum.

First of all, you need to decide how much water chickens need in relation to feed.

If we are talking about broilers and pullets, the water-to-feed ratio is as follows: 1.6 to 1. For laying hens, the proportions are slightly different – 2.5 to 1.

Please note: if you use dry feed instead of wet mash to feed your chickens, the bird's need for water increases by 30%.

Chickens
Photo: © Belnovosti

The same rule applies when molasses or meal is added to the feed, as well as when it contains a large amount of fiber and protein.

Now, a few words about the drinking bowl. Like the feeder, it should be raised above the flooring level – this way, various debris will not get into the water.

If possible, use nipple drinking for chickens, which uses vacuum and micro-cup drinkers.

Elena Shimanovskaya Author: Elena Shimanovskaya Editor of Internet resources