Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Chick waterer
Rubber bucket
Winter Watering
If you have an electrical outlet in the chicken building, you may use metal canister
waterers in winter. These look somewhat like the chicken feeders, but water goes in the
cylinder instead of feed, and the top slides down over the canister. By placing them on a
heated water warmer you can provide a source of fresh water for the entire winter, which
will help contribute to more egg production and a healthier, thriftier flock.
Roosts
Chickens, guineas, and turkeys are all natural roosters that need to be off the ground to
feel safe at night. The best sorts of roosts are easily made of 2×2s (5×5 cm) that can be
found in a building supply store. These boards seem to be plenty sturdy and are just the
right size for the birds to grip. Roosting seems to be very important to most chickens
and turkeys, providing relief from life's stresses. Figure roost space by determining the
width of the adult bird and keeping in mind that the birds will want a snug fit. More
bantams will occupy the roost per foot than turkeys, for instance. See
page 32
earlier in
this chapter for details about how to attach the roost to a building.
