How to Choose the Best Waterer for Chickens in 2024

Backyard chickens are becoming more popular as the desire to homestead grows. Choosing the best waterer for chickens in your flock can seem overwhelming if you’re new. We’re here to give you the best waterer for chickens on the market in 2024.

The Best Waterer for Chickens

Is there a best waterer for chickens? Well, that depends on your needs as chicken owners. Choosing the best waterer for chickens will come down to what you need. As long as they have clean water, your birds will be fine. They won’t be too picky about where they get their fresh water from.

List of the Best Waterer for Chickens

Here, we have compiled a list so that you can find the best water for chickens. From chicken nipples to automatic chicken waterers, different things with these waterers help chicken keepers have healthy chickens.

Each of these have Amazon links, and if you buy through the link, they’ll pay us a small commission. (You don’t pay anything extra.)

1. The double walled poultry waterer:

It comes in multiple sizes from 1 gallon to 8 gallons. It works by releasing a tiny bit of water at a time as the chickens drink. For our farm, this by far the best waterer for chickens.

The pros:

It’s nearly indestructible. They’re galvanized metal to prevent rusting. They don’t break down in the sunlight like plastic waterers. They’re easy to disassemble for cleaning. I currently use these waterers in my laying flock, and it takes me about 30 seconds to rinse and refill this waterer.

The cons:

The only problem that I’ve ever seen in my personal experiences, is that the pop-rivets on the handle may come loose. I’ve been able to remedy this on a 2 gallon waterer with a liquid metal adhesive like JB Weld.

They aren’t automatic so you need to fill them regularly.

Don’t set them on the ground or chickens will just fill the tray with scratched dirt. Instead, place them on a sturdy brick, or hang them from overhead. 

2. Chicken nipples:

Chickens peck at the little beads of water coming off the nipples so that more water comes out. You can connect these to a water line or install them on a large vessel of water.

The pros:

If you connect them to a water line that you can leave turned on, they’re automatic. You can do the same with a 55 gallon drum if you install them low on the barrell.

The cons:

A lot of chicken owners use them with 5 gallon buckets, making them not automatic. You’ll need to fill the bucket more frequently.

​The metal needle that the chickens peck at can become clogged with sand or grit. This jams the nipple so that water doesn’t come out. Be sure to regularly inspect your chicken nipples to be sure they’re in good working order.

3. Bell waterer:

The bell waterer consists of a bell-shaped container made of durable plastic, metal, or other materials. This container holds the water. Inside the bell drinker, there is a valve or float mechanism connected to the water source (like a hose or water supply). This mechanism is responsible for regulating the water level inside the bell. 

As chickens drink the water from the base of the bell drinker, it creates a vacuum effect or lowers the water level. The valve or float mechanism is designed to maintain a consistent water level by allowing water to flow in when the level drops.

Pros:

This is one that a lot of professional farmers use in their chicken houses. They’re automatic, saving chicken keepers valuable time.

Cons:

When we attempted to use this with our pastured chickens, it became clear that we’d have to run several hoses out to the chickens. Also, there are too many working parts that can malfunction. Taking the bell apart to properly clean is difficult.

4. Chicken Drinking Cups:

Chicken cups consist of small, valve-operated devices attached to a water supply line or container. They are typically made of plastic or metal and have a small pin or stem. The cup contains a valve that is triggered by the chicken’s pecking action. 

When a chicken pecks or nudges the pin or stem of the cup, it activates the valve, allowing a small amount of water to flow out into the cup’s basin.

Pros:

These waterers are easy to clean with a small brush. They are automatic so you don’t have to remember to water the chickens. They conserve water, only releasing the amount that the chickens need.

Cons:

Like the bell-waterer, they have several working parts that can malfunction. They also collect dirt off of chicken beaks. While they’re easy to clean, having to constantly make sure they don’t fill up with dirt is kind of annoying.

5. Mason jar fittings

These attach to a mason jar and you flip it over to fill the bottom tray. Like the inverted bucket drinker, they work by creating a slight vacuum.

Pros: They’re easy to clean, easy to find, and they’re inexpensive. I love to use these in chick brooders.

Cons: They only hold up to a pint or quart of water. You can’t rely on these to water grown chickens.

6. Heated chicken waterers

These may be necessary where you live. They work with a small heating element and by plugging into an electric outlet.

The pros:

​Obviously, your water doesn’t freeze for your chickens.

The cons:

I’ve seen them malfunction to the point the chickens get slightly shocked when they try to drink. They have to be plugged in, causing most chicken owners to run extension cords. They’re much more expensive than most non-heated chicken watering options.

7. The inverted bucket drinker:

This is the last one that I’d recommend to anyone getting into chickens. They work by filling the top, securing the lid, and then inverting the whole drinker. The air pocket creates a vacuum to prevent water from flooding out.

Pros:

They’re cheap and available. They can be found at any farm store.

Cons:

This is a classic example of “you get what you pay for.” Cheap means that you’ll be replacing this waterer frequently. They break easily. Made of flimsy plastic, we’ve had them break at the handle, at the feet, and at the tabs that hold the bottom tray on. 

My favorite was the day I was carrying a freshly-filled drinker to the chicken coop and the bucket just broke. The handle not only came off, but it was still attached to the plastic and the drinker was left with a hole in the top where the handle was supposed to be.

If this bucket has a hole in it, then it can’t hold water because there is no vacuum suction. All the water will just pour out.

8. The DIY waterer

Of course you can use any container you’d like. It doesn’t have to be marketed as a chicken waterer. We often add shallow pans of water in the summer time to our chicken coop. The chickens can drink or stand in it if they like.

Jenny will tell you that the best waterer for chickens is a cut piece of pvc pipe, zip tied in the chicken tractor. She flips it up to easily hose it out and fills it with fresh water daily. It was made from a scrap piece of material on her farm, so she has no money invested in it.

If you choose to create your own water dish, be sure that it holds enough water for your birds for the day.

Now that we’ve gone through the list of the best waterer for chickens, let’s help you choose which one works for you.

What to Consider When Choosing a Chicken Coop Waterer

Take this list of 10 things into consideration when choosing the best waterer for chickens on your homestead.

1. Type of Waterer:

• Gravity-fed waterers dispense water automatically as the chickens drink, using gravity. These may attach to a water line or be independent outside water supply.
• Bell or nipple waterers release water when pecked by the chickens, keeping water cleaner.
• Float Valves work similarly to the float in your toilet’s water tank. When the water reaches the top of the float, the water cuts off. Float valves may come on small cups that only hold a small amount of water or on larger basins that hold about a quart and half of water at a time.
• A simple pan of water. 

2. Material:

Plastic, metal, or galvanized waterers are common options. Ensure the material is durable, easy to clean, and non-toxic.

3. Ease of Cleaning

Opt for waterers that are easy to disassemble and clean regularly to prevent algae or bacterial growth and contamination.

4. Spillage and Leakage:

The best waterer for chickens are designed to minimize spillage and leakage. You want to keep the coop area dry and prevent wasting water.

5. Weather Resistance:

Consider waterers that can withstand various weather conditions if they are placed outdoors.

6. Accessibility and Placement:

Choose waterers that are easy for chickens to access at all ages and stages of growth. Consider the height and accessibility for chicks, hens, and roosters.

7. Prevention of Debris and Algae:

Some waterers have features to prevent debris or algae buildup, ensuring cleaner water for longer periods.

8. Cost and Maintenance:

Balance the initial cost with the long-term maintenance and durability of the waterer. Sometimes a slightly higher initial investment can lead to better performance and longevity.

9. Reviews and Recommendations:

Check product reviews or seek recommendations for the best waterer for chickens from other poultry keepers to understand the practical experiences with specific waterer models.

10. Additional Features:

Some waterers may have additional features such as handles for easy carrying, anti-roosting designs, or UV protection.

​How Much Water Do You Need to Provide for Your Flock Size?

Choose a waterer size that suits your flock size. Larger flocks will require bigger waterers or multiple units to ensure adequate water supply. The average chicken will drink roughly half a liter of water per day.

However, during hot weather or when laying eggs, chickens tend to drink more to stay hydrated. In extremely hot conditions, their water intake can even double or triple to help regulate their body temperature and maintain overall health.

It’s essential to ensure that chickens have continuous access to clean and fresh water, as adequate hydration is vital for their well-being, egg production, and overall health. Monitor their water levels regularly and refill the waterer as needed, especially during hot or dry weather.

My rule of thumb is to make sure they don’t run out. I clean out chicken waterers every morning. If they still have water left over from the day before, then they must’ve had an adequate amount. If the waterer is dry, then I need to add another water source for them immediately.

Do You Need More Than One Water Source?

It’s a good idea to have more than one water source if you have a large flock of chickens living in one confined space. Because chickens have a pecking order, the hens on the lower end of the order may fear going near necessary areas of food and water if the others bully them when they try. It makes sense to give them different places for hydrating.

Providing Easy Access for Your Baby Chicks

Chicks need to be able to reach the whatever style of waterer that you choose. This may be a problem if you house chicks with older hens. It’s a good idea to add a chick waterer for them to reach.

Cornish Cross meat chicks, in particular, tend to attempt swimming in their water. It’s common for them to dunk themselves in the waterer and become chilled resulting in death.

For meat chicks or smaller fowl, I like to put small rocks or marbles in the watering tray, so they can’t put their bodies in the water. They’ll be able to drink from the tray just fine.

I don’t recommend automatic waterers for chicks.

​What Style Waterer is Okay for Direct Sunlight 

If you can, try to keep your waterer out of direct sunlight. However, there may be cases that placing the waterer in the sunshine is necessary. In these instances, consider this:

• UV-Resistant Materials: Look for waterers made from UV-resistant plastic or materials designed to withstand sunlight exposure without degradation. UV-resistant plastics can withstand the sun’s rays, reducing the risk of warping, cracking, or discoloration.

• Insulated Waterers: Consider insulated waterers that help maintain water temperature, preventing it from getting too warm in direct sunlight. These can be particularly helpful in hot climates or during summer months.

• Dark or Opaque Containers: Opt for waterers that are opaque or dark-colored. These can help prevent sunlight from penetrating the water, reducing algae growth. Algae growth in waterers exposed to direct sunlight can compromise water quality and hygiene.

• Covered or Shaded Placement: If possible, position the waterer in a shaded area to minimize direct exposure to intense sunlight. Providing a cover or shade over the waterer can also help protect it from direct sun exposure.

• Regular Maintenance: Even the best waterer for chickens, needs to be maintained for cleanliness. Clean the waterer regularly to prevent algae growth and ensure your chickens have access to clean, fresh water.

​​Choosing the Right Poultry Waterer for Ducks and Quail

If you have ducks and quail cooped with your chickens, you’ll need to pay attention to some extra details for their needs too.

​Ducks

Ducks require deeper water to dabble and clean their bills, so waterers for ducks need to accommodate their behavior. They may need larger and deeper water sources compared to chickens. For example, shallow pans or tubs will allow them to submerge their bills.

Ensure the waterer is easily accessible for the birds. Ducks might require ramp access or a broader entry point. 

Ducks tend to make water quite dirty with their activities, so frequent cleaning will be necessary.

Quail

Quail are ground-dwelling birds and might require shallow waterers to prevent accidental drowning. For quail and other small fowl, consider low-profile waterers to avoid accidental drowning. The marbles in the watering tray work well for quail too.

​Is a Heated Waterer Necessary?

If you live anywhere that outside temperatures plunge into the 20s on a regular basis, you may want to invest in a heated water container. You can purchase a heated waterer that keeps the water above freezing. Or, you can purchase a device that sits in your existing tray of water to do the same job. 

I’m not entirely sure how these work with gravity-style chicken waterers. You could just use a gallon bucket and place the device in the bottom of the bucket on the coldest nights.

In the south, we are rarely concerned with such plunging temperatures, but when it does happen, an easy solution is to use rubber pans filled with water. They are easy to dump out frozen ice because the sides are pliable. Refill as needed to ensure your birds always have fresh water.

None of the options are automatic though, so you’ll need to check and re-check your flock’s water supply regularly.

Something else to consider when looking for the best waterer for chickens

​I like to soak and ferment my chicken feed. If you do this too, understand that your chickens are getting additional fluid in when they’re eating. They’ll use less water.

Additionally, if your birds are free ranging, they’ll find water from any number of places. If they’re on pasture in tractors, they’ll also get water in the vegetation, bug, and cow/sheep manure they eat.

Summary of Choosing the Best Waterer for Chickens

We hope that you got some great ideas for what you might need to water your chickens. The best waterer will chickens on your homestead will depend on your needs. In the end, as long as you provide your birds with something to keep them from drinking dirty water, there really is not wrong way to do it. Make sure the entire flock is staying hydrated, and your ladies will be happy.

Happy chicken-keeping!

Donna and her family have been homesteading for most of their 20+  years together in some shape or fashion. She currently lives on their 20 acre farm where they grow as much food as possible. What started as a just a few laying hens, has grown into large gardens, pastured poultry, pork, and lamb. They are continuously evolving their small farm to not suit their family’s needs, but also providing to their local community. Donna’s favorite part of the family farm is her self-built micro-dairy, where she gets to love on dairy cows while serving her local community. Milking, cheesemaking, and processing dairy have become the soul of their homestead and the center of their farm.