Wits end: how to keep dirt and matter out of watering trough

[emcd124]

I have a galvanized water container for my two chickens similar to this one.

It cannot be hung because of the way the mechanism for slowing the release of water works.

I tried placing it on the ground and they kicked a bunch of dirt into it and one of the hens took to perching on top of it and inconveniently that meant her poop chute was aimed right over the water trough. obviously unworkable. I built a small platform for it out of 1x3s so it was about 3" off the ground and then put the raised water container in the small bit of enclosed run that is actually under the elevated hen house -- that temporarily fixed both problems. No more dirt and no more perching.

Fast forward to this year and the hens are bigger and more energetic, and they have decided the area under the henhouse is for vigorous dust bathing -- so we're back to tons of dirt in the water several times a day. I tried putting the elevated container back out into the main part of the run, but i've been trying a modified deep litter out there (so they have piles of dried leaves and other things to forage in, which they seem to adore), and they so eagerly kick up the debris there that tons of dried leaves and dirt wind up in the water trough even though it is elevated.

So now I am not sure what else to do. I clean the water in the morning and it is filthy by the time I get home from work. I could try to elevate it further, but I dont actually know how high off the ground you can put these before the hens are physically unable to drink from them -- does the water need to be well below the level of their head in order for them to scoop water into their beaks?

Alternatively, should I try to buy one of the enclosed bucket with nipple systems? (like this one) They seem well reviewed on amazon but I have no idea if you have to train a chicken when they are young or whether my hens could figure it out before they got dehydrated.

 

[~KH~]

I would try switching to a nipple watering system. I have never switched older birds to one, but it's definitely the way to keep the water clean.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Definitely give a nipple waterer a shot, it really is so much easier to manage and mess free (as long as it doesn't leak) compared to a water source sitting on the ground.

Training is pretty easy, the nipples are red in color to help attract the chickens and make them want to peck at it. If they are having a hard time figuring it out you can use your finger to tilt the nipple as the chicken pecks at it so it gets a drop or two of water, so they understand what it's for.

 

[azygous]

I had the same problem with my waterers. In summer, especially, the water quickly became dirty and slimy and smelly. A few years ago, I decided to switch to Igloo coolers with Bright Tap nipple systems. You can also make your own nipple waterers out of just about anything. Most feed stores carry the nipples.

There's a sort of "hybrid" nipple device that is a cup and nipple combo, making it much easier for chickens to learn to use, especially for new chicks. I had my TSC store order these for me since I am anticipating a hatch of chicks soon.

The work these nipple waterers save is amazing. I can go weeks without needing to wash the containers. And the nipples resist all the dirt chickens usually have on their beaks as they go to take a drink. It's so much more sanitary and healthy.

There is the problem of freezing nipples in winter that you will need to address in some way if you live where the winters are harsh.

I never had any problem getting the chickens to learn to use the nipples, either.

 

[WesleyBeal]

To my knowledge, the water just needs to be low enough for them to reach it. In other words, as high as they can reach. I use deep litter, but I keep it thin around my feeder and my waterer. Use a pitchfork to fork over litter that accumulates there on top of adjacent areas.

It's not perfect. Still get dirty water after a bit, but manageable.

 

[ChickenMammX4]

We use a galvanized waterer in the winter (along with a warmer), we set it on cinder blocks. Sometimes they do perch on it, but at least it's up, out of the litter.

During the summer we use an Igloo Cooler with a Brite-Tap nipple system. We also have it raised on cinder blocks.