Poultry farming involves many important aspects related to providing birds with suitable living conditions. This applies to both professional and hobby poultry keeping. One of the most important elements is providing birds with constant access to clean, fresh water. Small-scale poultry keepers are becoming increasingly aware of this and use properly designed drinkers instead of open containers that are not intended for poultry. Leaving water in an open container allows birds to step inside, which quickly contaminates the water. Such unhygienic conditions may contribute to disease and increased mortality in the flock.
Post Contents [hide]
Choosing a Poultry Drinker for Your Type of Flock
The best solution is to use automatic poultry drinkers with a covered water reservoir, where water flows only into a trough or drinking tray from which the birds can drink. Poultry drinkers are available in many different types and capacities, so they can easily be adapted to individual needs.
It is also important to choose the drinker according to the type of poultry being kept. Drinkers for ducks and geese differ slightly from those designed for chickens or broilers. A chicken or broiler drinker can have a narrow trough into which the water flows, as these birds can drink from it easily. Ducks, geese and turkeys, however, require water to be provided in a bowl or wider trough.
Automatic Poultry Drinkers for Outdoor Runs
Automatic drinkers used on outdoor poultry runs should be resistant to weather conditions, and the water supply system should be positioned so that rainwater cannot enter the reservoir. These requirements are well met by 30-litre poultry drinkers with legs and . These drinkers have a drinking bowl installed underneath the water reservoir.
How Do Automatic Poultry Drinkers Work?
Different types of poultry drinkers use different water dispensing systems. and drinkers with legs operate using pressure differences. Water flows into the tray or trough up to a specified level and is automatically replenished as the birds drink.
and Tytan drinkers use a built-in float valve. As the drinking bowl fills, the float rises and shuts off the water supply once the correct level has been reached.
are particularly practical because the drinking bowl is raised above ground level, which helps reduce contamination. Bucket drinkers and some models with legs can be filled from the top without opening the entire drinker, making it quick and easy to refill the water reservoir.
Another useful option is . These also operate using pressure differences. Made from galvanised steel, they are durable and designed for long service life.
What Should You Consider When Choosing a Poultry Drinker?
The choice of poultry drinker should depend on the size and type of flock, as well as the location where the drinker will be used. The water reservoir must be large enough to provide birds with constant access to water.
The water in the drinker should be replaced regularly so that it remains fresh. When choosing a drinker, you should also consider whether it will be used only for water or also for administering medicines or vitamins.
If medicines or supplements are to be given through the drinking water, metal drinkers should generally be avoided because some preparations may react with metal surfaces. In such cases, plastic poultry drinkers are usually the better option.