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An adult chicken drinks around a pint of water or 0.5 liters of water each day in regular weather. But, they may need to drink up to 1 liter of water daily during extremely hot days.
Flocks need water to ensure an optimal metabolism rate and control their body temperature properly. It also helps them to digest food and eliminate waste properly.
But how do you serve water to your feathered friends? Many new chicken keepers often ask: Is using a waterer compulsory?
A waterer offers chickens better accessibility to fresh and clean water at all times. But choosing the best chicken waterer for 6 chickens is the key. Keep scrolling to learn about it!
4 Best Chicken Waterers For 6 Chickens
The chicken waterer is essential to ensure continuous water supply to your flocks. Chicken waterers come in various styles and sizes and each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages. Let’s go ahead and take a look:
01. RentACoop Chick 1.5 Liter Waterer
Have you recently started your chicken-growing journey with small chicks? You might be looking for a pretty basic option. Small chickens are not too smart to drink from a complicated designed waterer. This option is designed to let your fluffy friends drink water easily.
Small flocks don’t need to peck on anything. They just need to bend their head on the water container and start drinking water. It has 1.5 liters of capacity, enough to drink for 3-4 days for 6 baby chicks easily. You don’t need to refill the water daily continuously.
The chicken waterer is made from heavy-duty, BPA-free plastic. It ensures safe drinking and long-lasting durability. No matter how strong your baby chicks are, they won’t be able to crack or break the water container easily.
Worry about cleaning? RentACoop waterer has a wide-mouth design. This makes the cleaning job easier. You just need to twist the upper part to remove it and clean it quickly. Besides, it makes the water refilling job simple. The task will take only a few seconds.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ An automatic water flow system for a steady and continuous supply of water | 🔻 The edges of the waterer are a bit hard to clean |
| ✅ A closed upper part to prevent water contamination | 🔻 A handle or hanger could make it stabilize better |
| ✅ A narrow drinking trough to prevent chickens from standing on the waterer | |
| ✅ A versatile design to use for both indoor and outdoor purposes | |
| ✅ An easy-to-clean design to save time for cleaning and refilling water |
Check this unboxing video of the RentACopp Chick Waterer kit:
02. RentACoop Horizontal Nipple Chicken Waterer
Are your chickens too naughty? They may start wetting the coop floor while drinking water. The best solution is using a horizontal nipple waterer. They have a side-facing with a drip-catch design to minimize the development of moisture inside the flock house.
The chicken waterer has a horizontal nipple design to prevent unwanted water from spilling. In addition, they don’t want to make their beak wet. It will avoid drenching their features through pecking. This would make them sick if it happens regularly.
Worry about safe drinking water? Plastics like PVC (polyvinyl chloride) contain harmful chemicals or toxins. It can cause various health problems for your chickens, such as reproductive problems, hormonal imbalances, developmental delays, etc.
But this waterer is made from 100% food grade and BPA-free plastic to keep your chooks safe and healthy. You don’t need to detach the whole upper part to refill the water. It has a lid. Just remove it and fill the water within a few seconds.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ 2 liters water capacity to serve water for 4-5 days easily for six chickens | 🔻 The nipple may get blocked from debris or hard water buildup |
| ✅ A horizontal nipple waterer to avoid water spilling and wasting water | 🔻 A bit more expensive than some other options |
| ✅ Made from 100% food grade and BPA-free plastic to ensure safe drinking | |
| ✅ The outside environment won’t make the water dirty due to the closed top | |
| ✅ Easy to refill water through the removable lid |
Chickens love to drink from this waterer, want proof? Check out this video:
03. OverEZ Automatic Chicken Waterer
Are you looking for a high-capacity waterer that will go for weeks? This water container can hold up to 12 gallons of water. Six chickens will consume around 0.50-0.70 gallons of water per day. Hence, 12 gallons of water will easily last at least 18-20 days.
The OverEZ waterer has an automatic system to let chickens enjoy water whenever the water. It decreases water waste and mess. Due to its drip-free design, you don’t need to worry about spilling or overflowing. Therefore, water will remain fresh and clean for a long time.
Besides, it has three drinking stations. Three flocks can drink water simultaneously. They don’t need to jump up in a single area and do fighting among themselves. In addition, the unit is made of UV-protected, food-safe, and BPA-free plastic to ensure safe drinking water.
Regular chicken waterers are not handy in icy weather conditions. Water becomes frozen. The manufacturer designed this waterer smartly and added a unique access port. This allows you to connect a de-icer and circulation pump to the water container and prevents freezing issues.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ Holds up to 12 gallons of water to serve water for up to 18-20 days or more | 🔻 The securing ability of the lid could be better |
| ✅ Doesn’t require frequent refilling and does save time | 🔻 A bit tough for some budget-conscious chicken owner |
| ✅ A drip-free system to prevent water from spilling and wasting | |
| ✅ Three drinking stations to let several chickens drink water at a time | |
| ✅ Heavy-duty construction to avoid flocks breaking or cracking |
Dynasty Preppers made this excellent review video of this OverEZ Chicken Waterer:
04. RentACoop Hydration Station 2.0 Waterer
Have you tried several plastic-based waterers in the past? But your aggressive flocks cracked them. If so, you can use this metal-based waterer. It is made from stainless steel to ensure extreme durability. Besides, the water container is highly resistant to corrosion.
Another advantage of metal-based chicken waterer is its good stabilization after a proper installation. The chickens or wind won’t knock it over. Pecking and chewing on the waterer won’t cause any damage to the waterer.
You will appreciate the uniqueness of this waterer. It has auto-fill cups that will serve warm water in the winter and cool winter during the summer. Flocks can drink water with peace and full content. You don’t have to also worry about water spilling and wasting water.
The water remains fresh and clean as chooks have no over the interior area. They will just bend over the cup and start drinking water. The cups have inserts to prevent outside dirt and debris from getting inside the auto-fill cups easily.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ A 2-gallon of water capacity to serve water for at least 7-8 days | 🔻 Highly expensive than plastic-based chicken waterers |
| ✅ Made from high-quality metals to ensure extreme durability | 🔻 Heavy weight makes it difficult to transport |
| ✅ Simple design to install inside or outside the chicken coop | |
| ✅ An electrical waterer to serve hot and cold water based on the requirements | |
| ✅ Cup inserts to keep water fresh and clean from outside dirt and debris |
How To Choose A Chicken Waterer For 6 Chickens?
A conscious chicken owner won’t buy a chicken waterer randomly.
He will consider all important aspects to get the best value from it.
The followings are the most important aspects you don’t want to overlook when choosing the best chicken waterer for six chickens.
01. What Material Is Used To Make The Chicken Waterer?
Chickens waterers are mainly made from two materials: plastic and metal.
Plastic-based water containers are affordable and lightweight. They are easy to clean too. However, their durability is not too high.
Flocks will start pecking at them and cause cracking issues over time.
Plastic-based water containers must have food-grade and BPA-free quality to ensure safe drinking water.
On the contrary, metal-based waterers are extremely durable. They are not prone to get damaged or cracked from regular pecking.
But metal-based water containers are a bit expensive and heavy to transport from one place to another.
02. What Is The Capacity Of The Chicken Waterer?
A capacity of a chicken waterer can be anywhere from 1 liter to 15+ liters.
High-capacity water containers will cover more space. If you have a small chicken coop, you need to reconsider the decision.
Before choosing a particular size chicken waterer, consider how many flocks will drink water from a single option daily and their water requirements.
If you have a large chicken coop and don’t want to refill water every day, use a bit a larger waterer.
High-capacity options won’t be a problem if installed outside the chicken coop.
However, avoid choosing too-big containers. Refilling water once in a week in a week is a good rule of thumb to let your feathered friends enjoy fresh and smell-free water.
03. What Type Of Design It Has?
Chicken waterers come in various designs, such as round-shaped, bell-style, nipple waterers, cup waterers, automatic systems, heated waters, etc.
A round-shaped chicken waterer is a basic container allowing chickens to drink water easily. They don’t have a spill prevention system.
Automatic chicken waterers have an advanced design to prevent water spilling and wasting problems. They have several cups to let chooks drink water.
Some have electrical or heating systems to prevent the water from freezing up. This option is more appropriate during winter conditions.
Many come with an anti-dripping system to prevent chickens from pecking on the waterer unnecessarily.
This especially comes in handy to water safe from contamination and outside dust and debris.
04. Is The Chicken Waterer Easy To Clean?
You should not serve your flock’s dirty water because it may cause the spreading of diseases.
It is a good rule of thumb to clean the chicken waterer every time you refill the water.
This helps remove bacteria, algae, and other contaminants from the container.
After all, flocks can’t withstand harmful bacteria due to their delicate systems.
A chicken water container should allow you to clean its parts effortlessly.
It will be a hassle if the waterer takes hours to disassemble and clean.
Besides, its surface needs to be smooth. This will allow you to scrub it effortlessly and make it super clean.
05. Is The Chicken Waterer Easy To Refill?
Busy chicken keepers often use large water containers to avoid refilling frequently.
It may save time. But chickens do not enjoy water regularly if you refill water only once or twice monthly.
A chicken waterer with a simple refilling design can solve this problem.
Some water containers have a lid on the top. Instead of removing the entire upper part, you must carefully remove the lid and refill the water.
It will save your refilling time. However, remove the entire top at least once weekly to clean the chicken water properly.
06. What Is Your Budget?
High-end chicken waterers, like metal-based water containers, are a bit more expensive than regular ones.
They are extremely durable and last at least 5 to 10 years.
However, these options might not be in the budget range if you are a new chicken keeper who has already spent a lot of money on other sections.
Before choosing a particular option, consider your actual budget.
But spend a bit more to get a practical option. Spending once on an expensive option is better than spending several times on cheaper alternatives.
How To Refill A Chicken Waterer Step-By-Step?
Don’t think your job is complete after buying a good-quality chicken waterer.
Refilling them on time is necessary. Otherwise, they will remain thirsty for a long time.
The followings are the steps you want to follow to learn how to refill a chicken waterer.
Step 01: Turning Off The Water Supply
Is your chicken water directly connected to a hose or other water supply?
If so, turn off the water supply before refilling the water.
Do the job after the flocks complete their early morning meal.
Step 02: Removing The Lid
Depending on the type of waterer, the lid may screw off or snap off.
Remove the lid and set it aside in a safe and clean place.
Make sure to keep it away from chickens. Otherwise, they will start pecking at it and damage it.
Step 03: Emptying The Old Water
Dump out any remaining water in the waterer.
They might already become dirty if you have not replaced the water for a long time.
If the waterer is dirty, rinse it with a hose or under a faucet to remove debris or algae.
Step 04: Refilling The Waterer
Fill the waterer with clean, fresh water.
Avoid overfilling the waterer. Otherwise, it will cause spills and leaks.
Add water slowly and keep one or two inches empty.
This will help you secure the cover properly.
Step 05: Adding The Lid
After refilling the waterer, add the lid. And ensure that it is securely fastened.
If it is loose, it is likely to displace when chickens sit over it.
Carefully inspect all edges of the cover.
They should be positioned perfectly without any unwanted movements.
Step 06: Turning On The Water Supply
If the waterer is connected to a hose or other water supply, turn the water supply back on.
Don’t forget to switch on the electrical system if it is connected to a power source.
It is necessary during winter conditions to prevent freezing the water.
Step 07: Checking For Leaks
Once the water supply is back on, check the waterer for leaks.
Adjust the lid or other parts of the waterer to prevent leaks if there are any leaks.
Step 08: Monitoring The Water Level
Check the water level in the waterer regularly to ensure it does not run out of water.
Chicken waterers come in various sizes.
You may need to refill the waterer daily or every few days, depending on its size and number of waterers.
How To Clean A Chicken Waterer Step-By-Step?
A functional chicken waterer won’t remain operational if you don’t take of it properly.
Cleaning the waterer every time you refill water is a good practice.
If you can’t do it, at least clean it once a month.
Here are step-by-step steps you want to follow in cleaning a chicken waterer.
Step 01: Making The Waterer Empty
The first job is making the water container empty.
If you have not changed the water for one or more weeks, the water is likely to be dirty.
Dispose of them into the drain. Or use it for any other purposes where you don’t need clean water.
You can use them to water your garden plants.
Step 02: Disassembling The Waterer
The next job is disassembling all the detachable components from the waterer. It will make your clean task easier,
If all parts are not removable, take apart at least the cover, base, and some other possible parts.
Does your water container have any locking system? If so, unlock the mechanism to disassemble the components.
If it has any bolts or screws, use a screwdriver or similar handy tool to unscrew them.
Step 03: Soaking The Components
After removing all removable parts, soak them in a bucket of water.
You can use slightly warm water. It will help stains come to lose and make removal easier.
The next task is using an all-natural cleaning solution. Vinegar is one of the most affordable and safe cleaning products.
Add an equal amount of vinegar and water to make a cleaning solution.
You can use dish soap if the stains and dirt on the waterer are hard. Add enough water. But make use is foamy enough.
Soak all the parts in the solution for 30 to 40 minutes.
Step 04: Scrubbing The Components
Some dirt and stains may not get away through long-time soaking.
Use a scrub brush or sponge. This amazing tool has hard bristles.
It is perfect for scrubbing stubborn stains, particles, algae, and mineral deposits.
Scrub all areas gently for a few minutes. Give more attention to a corner where you can use a huge amount of dirt buildup.
Step 05: Rinsing The Components
Once you think the scrubbing session is enough, rinse them with fresh water.
Make sure to use get off all the substances of cleaning solution from their components.
Use a fresh towel to wipe water from their parts. Let them dry naturally in sunlight.
Step 06: Cleaning The Base
The base of the waterer might be too dirty, which requires a separate cleaning.
It might be a little hassle if you can’t remove all parts from the base. But you can still clean them.
Add enough warm water inside the bottom of the waterer. Then include vinegar or dish soap.
Use a sponge or brush to scrub the area properly. Finally, wash the base with fresh water.
Use a fresh towel to wipe water from their parts. Let it dry naturally in sunlight.
Step 07: Assembling The Components
After washing and drying all components properly, assemble all parts carefully.
Make sure to add all parts one after another sequentially securely.
There should not be any gaps between the components. Otherwise, it will cause leakage problems.
Step 08: Refilling The Waterer
Now, add sufficient water, depending on the water container size.
Adjust the lid or other parts of the waterer to prevent leaks if there are any leaks.
Step 09: Monitoring The Water Level
Check the water level in the waterer regularly to ensure it does not run out of water.
Chicken waterers come in various sizes.
You may need to refill the waterer daily or every few days, depending its size and number of waterers.
Bonus Maintenance Tips for Chicken Waterers
- Regularly check the water level to avoid keeping it empty for a long.
- Refill the waterer at least once weekly to let flocks enjoy fresh water.
- Practice cleaning the waterer at least once a month.
- Make sure to use a heated waterer during the winter season.
- Make sure not to expose the waterer to direct sunlight to avoid heating the water.
Final Thoughts
So, which option appears to be the best chicken waterer for 6 chickens? We have rounded a complete list and reviewed four top options.
Before choosing a particular option, you want to consider your chicken requirements. If your feathered friends drink more frequently, choose a large-capacity option.
Make sure to refill and clean the waterer regularly. Most importantly, the water source should not have too many minerals.
Eric Cooper
Eric Cooper is a passionate and experienced chicken farmer who has been raising chickens since childhood. Growing up, Eric spent countless hours with his father tending to their family’s flock, and it was during these formative years that he developed a deep appreciation and love for these remarkable birds.
Today, Eric is a seasoned expert in all aspects of chicken farming, with over two decades of experience under his belt. From selecting the right breed and building a coop to feeding and caring for his flock, Eric has honed his skills over the years and is committed to sharing his knowledge with others who share his passion.