Check out these important factors which influence poultry drinking water quality. Water quality can have a negative or positive effect on your chickens performance, health, and behavior.
Birds cannot survive very long without water they can go without other nutrients for much longer but fresh, clean, uncontaminated water is a must for healthy birds.
Scientific studies conducted by John P. Blake Extension Poultry Scientist and Professor and Joseph B. Hess Extension Poultry Scientist and Associate Professor in Poultry Science at Auburn University have conducted extensive studies on
Water quality for poultry which conclude high concentrations of sulfates combined with magnesium resulting in a form of sodium salts or Epsom salts that can cause a laxative effect in poultry and other livestock that can be detrimental to their health and well-being. They have also determined :
Birds can drink twice the amount of water as the amount of feed they eat, depending on the bird's weight, .During heat stress water requirements can quadruple.
Water quality is important and can have a negative or positive effect on the bird’s performance and behavior. Negative effects can be sickness and even death.
Water should be colorless, tasteless and odorless.
Important Factors that Influence Water Quality
Color-Water should be clear/no color.
Water should be changed daily and container washed well
Poultry watering systems using poultry water cups or nipples attached to buckets, barrels or pvc water line will keep a fresh supply of water for your chickens.
Water drinkers should not be placed in sunlight as it will turn the water green and your chickens can get sick.
If you live in a cold climate reaching temps of 32F or below you should use a water container with a heated base or use a heated water hose on the water line to keep water from freezing. If possible keep your chickens water inside the coop. Keeping your birds water inside the coop eliminates the risk of them catching a disease from wild birds who like to drink from chicken water drinkers and may be carrying diseases your chickens can catch.
High levels of bacterial contaminants, minerals, or other pollutants can have detrimental effects on normal health and performance levels.
Annual water testing samples for bacteria and abnormal amounts of chemicals or salts should be part of routine care, (Blake, 2001).
Scientific studies conducted by John P. Blake Extension Poultry Scientist and Professor and Joseph B. Hess Extension Poultry Scientist and Associate Professor in Poultry Science at Auburn University have conducted extensive studies on
Water quality for poultry which conclude high concentrations of sulfates combined with magnesium resulting in a form of sodium salts or Epsom salts that can cause a laxative effect in poultry and other livestock that can be detrimental to their health and well-being. They have also determined :
Birds can drink twice the amount of water as the amount of feed they eat, depending on the bird's weight, .During heat stress water requirements can quadruple.
Water quality is important and can have a negative or positive effect on the bird’s performance and behavior. Negative effects can be sickness and even death.
Water should be colorless, tasteless and odorless.
Important Factors that Influence Water Quality
Color-Water should be clear/no color.
- Brown water-Possible presence of iron
- Blue water-Possible presence of copper
- Black water-Possible Hydrogen sulfide combined with iron (iron sulfide)
- Taste of water-Should be tasteless
- Bitter tasting water-Ferrous and manganese sulfates
- Odor of water-Should be odorless
- Rotten egg smell-Indicates the presence of Hydrogen sulfide
- Water container's for chickens should have a covered top or lid
Water should be changed daily and container washed well
Poultry watering systems using poultry water cups or nipples attached to buckets, barrels or pvc water line will keep a fresh supply of water for your chickens.
Water drinkers should not be placed in sunlight as it will turn the water green and your chickens can get sick.
If you live in a cold climate reaching temps of 32F or below you should use a water container with a heated base or use a heated water hose on the water line to keep water from freezing. If possible keep your chickens water inside the coop. Keeping your birds water inside the coop eliminates the risk of them catching a disease from wild birds who like to drink from chicken water drinkers and may be carrying diseases your chickens can catch.
High levels of bacterial contaminants, minerals, or other pollutants can have detrimental effects on normal health and performance levels.
Annual water testing samples for bacteria and abnormal amounts of chemicals or salts should be part of routine care, (Blake, 2001).
Reference
Blake, J.P., Hess, J.B.(April, 2001). Evaluating Water Quality for Poultry. Alabama A& M and Auburn Universities.
Blake, J.P., Hess, J.B.(April, 2001). Evaluating Water Quality for Poultry. Alabama A& M and Auburn Universities.
