How To Pick The Right Poultry Drinker

When chicks hatch they need access to water from day one. It's vital to their survival that they get it so you need to make sure that you have the right drinker before the chicks arrive! You should also go for a purpose made chick drinker to ensure that the chicks don't accidently drown - this is a heartbreaking novice mistake that I myself made.

The chick feeder above is ideal for chicks with the narrow rim which means that the chicks wont be able to drown. It's also the ideal chick drinker because its not quite so easy for the chicks to throw their bedding in the water! These 'mushroom' type drinkers are really good for both inside and out coups.

For those who are working and need a steady flow of water through the day, the chick drinker will only allow as much water as is needed. No flood worries and no 'thirst' worries either - that's got to be a win win situation!

Larger breed hens have a real time of it when it comes to getting their heads inside the 'mushroom' drinkers and a larger more sterdier drinker is required. A wider rim is essential for the hens to get to plus the volume of water they need is far greater throughout the day than the smaller birds or chicks. Those who work through the day need to know that the hens are going to have access to clean water all day long.

1/2 gallon
(2.25l) Poultry Drinker

This drinker is an ideal starter for the larger hens and can be hung to ensure that it stays clean through the day (and keeps those little pests out too!).

It's also made of galvanised steel which makes it longer lasting, will withstand low temperatures and not crack and is made in the traditional design.

However, if you are unable to use a hanging drinker, you are going to need to look at a much more sterdier poultry drinker to make sure that it doesn't get knocked over whilst you are out.

Ideal Poultry Feeder For Larger Hens

12 Litre Heavy Duty Chicken Drinker

This 12 litre poultry drinker is ideal for those who have a large brood or are gone for periods of time and need to ensure that the hens have access to clean water.

30 litre galvanised chicken drinker

This sturdy drinker is one of the best on the market with solid legs which makes it idea for those who cannot hang their drinkers. It keeps that water clean and free from debris. It's galvanised steel design makes sure that it can withstand the low temperatures without cracking and its large capacity keeps fresh water available all day.

2 Gallon Galvanised Bucket Drinker

A new design that has been getting rave reviews around the UK. Its ideal at stopping debris getting inside the drinker and can withstand our winter temperature drops. I've not used this one personally but it does seem like a good solution.

STOCKSHOP SUPER DRINKER 2.5L

This is one of my favourite chick drinkers, its ideal for hanging in the coups to keep the water clean and fresh. Hanging the drinkers means that knocks don't end up with flooding and no little mice can walk through leaving their droppings there!

Galley Pot Plastic Green

A great idea for those with a small coup or chicks that like to scratch and send debris flying all over the place. This nifty little drinker just fits neatly onto the side of the coup.

Keeping your hens happy and healthy is all part of being a responsible owner. For years I have always added apple cider vinegar to my hens poultry drinkers. It's long been hailed by many as the answer to all poultry illness and whilst it wont cure everything it does make a massive difference to your brood.

Not only will it help your hens digestive system, it was also help them clear their airways (often a problem in hens) and also has a mild antibiotic property. Add this into your hens drinking water daily to see results fast - ideal for those who are having a mite problem!