A chicken waterer is a fantastic watering system for your feathered flock. Whether you have baby chicks, chickens, ducks, quail, or turkeys, a chicken waterer provides your poultry with clean, freshwater and cuts down on your long list of chores.
Keep Your Chickens Happy with a Smart Chicken Waterer
Keeping your chickens well-watered is important for their overall health. A chicken waterer is an essential smart watering solution for residential or commercial poultry owners.
Instead of having to clean up dirty, messy water bowls, a chicken waterer is a highly effective hydration system that supplies a constant flow of fresh, clean water to your feathered friends. If you already have a quality chicken feeder, it is time to invest in an effective chicken waterer.
The 9 Best Chicken Waterers
- Royal Rooster Chicken Feeder and Waterer Set
- K&H Pet Products Thermo-Poultry Waterer
- Little Giant Water Container Jar
- LITTLE GIANT Galvanized Double Wall Founts
- RentACoop Chicken Waterer
- RentACoop Make Your Own Waterer Kit (Our Top Pick)
- RentACoop Automatic Chicken Water Nipple Cup Waterer Kit
- Olba B.V. Plastic Drinking Bottle
- Harris Farms Poultry Drinker
Our Top Pick for the Best Chicken Waterer
Our top pick for the best chicken waterer is the RentACoop Make Your Own Waterer Kit.
This fantastic DIY chicken waterer kit gives you the absolute freedom to create and install a complete watering system anywhere around your chicken coop or barn.
You can use any type of large container or PVC pipe that will fit the specific watering needs of your feathered folk. Not only will you love these easy-to-install-and-use automatic chicken water nipples, but your chickens will love them too.
Check the price on AmazonTypes of Chicken Waterers
The most effective type of chicken waterer container is a gravity-style waterer or an automatic waterer.
Gravity-style Chicken Waterer
A complete gravity-type chicken waterer comes with a plastic or metal water tank that can be filled from the top or bottom. The water flows directly into the circular dish or tray that is underneath the tank.
Some gravity-type waters may also have an integrated handle, such as the K&H Pet Products Thermo-Poultry Waterer, which makes a full water tank easier to lift and carry. Although the water in the tank stays clean, the open dish can get dirty easily.
Automatic Chicken Waterers
An automatic chicken waterer is hygienic and provides the freshest water to your chickens. This type of waterer will have drip-catch nipples, such as the RentACoop Automatic Chicken Water Nipple Cup Waterer Kit.
If you need to save space in your chicken coop or duck house, an automatic chicken waterer is a great space-saving choice. The nipples or cups will either be already attached to a plastic container or you may be able to attach them to a tank or PVC pipe.
Even though you have to install the nipples or cups to a container, most manufacturers provide all the installation hardware you need. Whether you are building a new chicken coop or revamping an old watering system, setting up your automatic chicken waterer is made super easy with an instructional video.
Construction
– Plastic
Plastic chicken waterers are made from strong, sturdy, and thick BPA-free plastic. The plastic tank will be easier to carry than metal, but the plastic can crack overtime in harsh weather conditions.
– Metal
Galvanized metal chicken waterers are extra strong, sturdy, and durable, and highly resistant to rust and damage from the sun. In comparison with a plastic tank, a metal container can heat up quickly in the direct sun and can be heavy when the tank is full of water.
Also, metal waterers can be more expensive than plastic.
Heating Metal Chicken Waterer
Keeping your chicken’s water at the right temperature in winter can be challenging. Some complete chicken waterers may offer you a thermostatically heated base such as the K&H Pet Products Thermo-Poultry Waterer.
Size of Your Flock
It is important to ensure that all your chickens can access the water anytime they need it. If you want a gravity-style waterer, consider the size of the dish and how many chickens can access the water at the same time. For an automatic waterer, the nipples or cups can cater to up to 4 full-grown chickens.
Size of the Water Tank
The size of the water tank will be 1, 2.5, 5, or 8-gallons. One or 2.5-gallon tanks are ideal for a small brood of 4 chickens. Five or 8-gallon containers are great for 4-plus chickens.
5 Handy Tips for Using a Chicken Waterer
- Chickens can be notoriously finicky creatures. If you are experiencing problems getting your chickens to drink from your new automatic waterer, this helpful video will show you how to train your chickens to use the waterer. Also, a little bit of dripping water will encourage the chickens to drink.
- If you are using water nipples or cups and the O-ring absorbs water and expands to the point where it no longer seals properly and starts to leak, remove the nipple, take out the O-ring and let it dry. Once you reinsert the O-ring, it should function properly.
- Overfilling a tank can also cause the tank to leak from the top.
- The tank should be strategically placed where it will not get knocked over, which will also make sure that the water can flow freely into the tray, nipples, or cups.
- Nipples or cups can leak if you use the wrong type of sealant, so always use a waterproof sealant.
9 Best Chicken Waterers – Reviews
1. Royal Rooster Chicken Feeder and Waterer Set
The Royal Rooster Chicken Feeder and Waterer Set will make sure there is always plenty of feed and fresh, clean water for hungry, thirsty chickens.
The 20-inch tall, 5-inch wide, and 5-inch deep (9-inches including the rain cover) feeder/waterer is made from durable, UV-resistant ABS plastic and PVC. Its feeder tube can hold up to 6.5lbs of feed and the water tube can hold up to 1-gallon of water which is ideal for 4-6 chickens.
As it has a slimline design, it is perfect for coops that have limited space. You can hook the waterer onto the mesh of your chicken coop or fix it to a solid wall with the included 4 aluminum brackets.
The drinker/feeder’s innovative design reduces food wastage as the separate divisions discourage chickens from ‘swiping’ the feed onto the ground. There will be no more poo, dirt, or rain in the feed tray or the drinking cup as both units are designed to be suspended off the ground.
The feed tray’s rain cover also deters sparrows or rodents from accessing the food. You do not have to worry about evaporation, algae growth, spilled or dirtied water, or sun-perished containers.
The European-made valve-operated bright red drinker cup automatically activates once a chicken taps the valve, so your feathered folk will enjoy unlimited access to the freshwater.
Although this chicken feeder/waterer is suitable for most chicken grain feed mixes and pellets, it is not suited for loose feeds such as wheat or moist crumbles that are high in molasses.
Royal Rooster supplies all the hardware which is very easy to use. All you need is a Phillips Head screwdriver.
Pros
- Very good quality
- Great value for money
- Effective European-made automatic valve-operated drinker cups
- Slim-line design
- Durable, UV-resistant PVC and ABS plastics
- Large food and water capacity
- Ideal for 4-6 chickens
- Can position the feeder inside or outside your coop
- Innovative off-the-ground design
- Rain cover on the feeder tray deters pests
- Suitable for most types of chicken feeds
- No evaporation, algae growth, spilled or dirtied water or sun-perished containers
- Minimal assembly
- Can be attached to a wire or a wall
- Four aluminum brackets provided
- Very good customer service
Cons
- Expensive
- Not to be used with loose feeds such as wheat moist crumble or molasses feeds
- Not very effective in harsh winter conditions
- Waterer and feeder openings are a bit narrow for large chickens
- Only one drinker cup on the chicken waterer
2. K&H Pet Products Thermo-Poultry Waterer
Your chickens will be happy and healthy when they use the K&H Pet Products Thermo-Poultry Waterer.
The gravity-style waterer has a strong and sturdy 100% BPA-free plastic tank and there are no metal parts to rust or break. The bright blue plastic tray has an easy-to-remove filter tray that allows you to clean out the water in seconds.
There is no draining needed, just remove the filter tray and tap lightly or spray with water to remove debris. The spill-proof cap on the bottom of the sealed unit eliminates precious water wastage as you assemble the tank back onto the base. Refilling the tank with freshwater is effortless as it has an integrated easy-carry handle.
Your chickens will have access to fresh, clean drinking water as the easy-flow design allows the tray to fill up gently, which also stops any muddy mess on the ground.
The unique no-roost top design stops any naughty chickens from roosting on the top of the container and messing up the water.
Ideal for use in warm or cold weather, the K&H Pet Products Poultry Waterer is available in heated and unheated models. The thermostatically heated waterer is extremely economical as it only uses 60-watts to keep the water at the right temperature for your chickens. The heated version is MET listed for safe usage, and the power cord has a good 6-feet length.
The chicken waterer is covered by a 2-year limited manufacturer’s warranty.
Pros
- High quality
- Great value for money
- Good price
- Ideal for up to 9 chickens
- Strong and durable 100% BPA-free plastic
- No-mess filter water tray design
- Unique no-roost top design
- Spill-proof tank cap
- No metal parts to rust or break
- Thermostatically controlled heated tray
- Water filter tray easily removes debris from the trough
- Easy to fill the tank
- Integrated handle
- Heated or unheated version available
- Sealed bottom on the heated version
- Economical heated version is only 60-watts
- MET listed for safety
- 6-feet power cord
Cons
- Not ideal for areas that experience extreme heat or cold
- Tray can crack in extreme winter conditions
- Not an overly large tank
3. Little Giant Water Container Jar
If you have a small brood of 3 or 4 chickens, the Little Giant Water Container Jar is a great choice for you.
The complete gravity-style waterer has a durable transparent molded polyethylene tank that will not overheat and you can easily monitor the water level. As the waterer comes with an extra-wide bright red plastic base, your chickens will be attracted to it and will have no difficulties accessing the fresh, clean water.
The compact 9 x 10.25-inch chicken waterer comes at such a great price, you can strategically place a few around the chicken coop so that your chickens will be well hydrated and healthy.
Refilling the tank is very easy due to the screw-top lid and there are no leaks.
The tank and base are available as individual items, so you can buy either one of them without having to buy a complete set.
Little Giant also sells the chicken waterer in a 2-pack.
Pros
- High quality
- Great value for money
- Very affordable price
- Ideal for a small brood of chickens
- Tank is molded from durable transparent polyethylene
- Resists heat
- No leaks
- Easy to monitor the water level
- Extra-large bright red plastic base
- Easy-fill screw-on cap design
- Jar and base are also sold individually
- Available in a 2-pack
Cons
- Tray can crack in extremely hot conditions
- Top part of the tanks feels a bit flimsy
- Not ideal for large chickens
4. LITTLE GIANT Galvanized Double Wall Founts
Whether you have chickens, turkeys, or ducks, the LITTLE GIANT Galvanized Double Wall Founts is an excellent choice for all-year-round poultry hydration.
Made in the US, the 12.25 x 10.75 x 15.25-inch complete gravity-style chicken waterer maintains a constant water level for 4-5 chickens.
The chicken waterer is made from heavy-duty sturdy and strong galvanized steel. Its double-wall construction features an inner tube with a strong arched handle for carrying the filled tank and an outer tube has its handle for extra convenience.
When the outer tube is inserted over the inner tube, a copper spring and neoprene seal create a vacuum to maintain a constant water level in the drinking pan. A locking pin holds the outer tube in place to make it extra sturdy.
The sloped top stops any chickens from roosting on the top of the tank and there are rolled edges for safety. You do not have to worry about losing precious water as the chicken waterer has been tested for water leaks.
You can use the chicken waterer in the winter as it is compatible with an electric base heater.
Pros
- Great quality
- Excellent value for money
- Good price
- Made in the US
- Ideal for 4-5 chickens, turkeys, or ducks
- Heavy-duty galvanized steel that is sturdy and strong
- Double-wall construction
- Inner tube has a strong arched handle
- Outer tube has its own handle for extra convenience
- Design maintains a constant water level
- Rolled edges for safety
- Tested for leaks
- Sloped top prevents roosting
- Good rust resistance
- Can be used with a heater base during winter
- Easy to clean and carry
Cons
- Lid can dent easily
- Can leak if the tank is overfilled and the lid is placed on top
5. RentACoop Chicken Waterer
The RentACoop Chicken Waterer is perfect for poultry hydration as you can place the waterer anywhere you need an on-demand watering system.
Made from food-grade, BPA-free plastic, the 5-gallon container is sturdy and strong, and it has a handle for easy carrying. You can use the efficient waterer to provide fresh, clean water for 4 hens for up to 10 days.
There is no assembly required. Just place the tank on an elevated surface like a sturdy brick, undo the removable cap on the bright red lid and fill it up with fresh water with a hose or jug.
The 4 bright red plastic horizontal/side-mounted nipples on the corners of the tank are designed to stay elevated off the ground so your chickens can drink in absolute comfort.
RentACoop also makes a 2-gallon chicken waterer that has horizontal nipples on the center of the tank.
Pros
- Very good quality
- Great value for money
- Sturdy and strong 100% food-grade and BPA-free plastic
- Horizontal nipples are elevated to prevent ground or bedding from getting wet
- Water efficient design
- 5-gallon tank lasts 4 hens for up to 10 days
- No setup required
- Easy to fill and use
- Removable cap
- Nice bright red color
- Available with corner or center nipples
Cons
- Pricey
- Bucket can crack in extreme heat
- Cap can be hard to remove
6. RentACoop Make Your Own Waterer Kit
The RentACoop Make Your Own Waterer Kit is a fantastic kit that allows you to design your chicken watering system.
The kit contains 12 strong and sturdy bright red automatic nipples that will suit 4 chickens each, and you can use them for chickens aged 2 weeks and older.
You can place these nipples anywhere around your chicken coop. In just minutes you will have your own highly effective fully functioning chicken waterer system. Installation is very easy. Attach the horizontal side-mounted nipples about 1-inch up from the base of a plastic 5-gallon water tank or 55-gallon rain barrel.
Place the tank or barrel on the ground for easy refilling and then elevate it on a sturdy platform. To save valuable space in your chicken coop or barn, you can attach the nipples to a sturdy PVC pipe.
The chicken waterer nipples come with installation helpers as well as simple and effective instructions. All you will need for installing the watering nipples is a 5/16 or 11/32 drill bit. If you need help installing the kit, RentACoop offers a helpful video.
The RentACoop Make Your Own Waterer Kit also comes in a 5, 6, 10, 20, 50, or 100-pack.
Pros
- High quality
- Great value for money
- Very good price
- Very efficient
- Perfect for DIY chicken waterer installation
- Ideal for a large number of chickens
- Can be used for chickens aged 2 weeks and older
- Ideal for use on a 5-gallon cooler tank, 55-gallon rain barrel, or PVC pipe
- Available in a 5, 6, 10, 20, 50, or a 100-pack
- Comes with installation helpers and simple instructions
Cons
- Can leak if they are not attached tightly
- Not ideal for newborn chicks
- Cannot use silicone or Teflon tape
- O-ring expands with water which affects the seal
7. RentACoop Automatic Chicken Water Nipple Cup Waterer Kit
The RentACoop Automatic Chicken Water Nipple Cup Waterer Kit is a quick and easy watering system that will keep your chickens, ducks, quail, or turkeys fully hydrated and healthy.
As opposed to traditional waterers that have to be cleaned from stagnant, dirty water and re-filled frequently, the drinking cups give you the flexibility to design your watering system. You can install the cups all around your chicken coop and your chickens will have access to fresh drinking water for up to 80 days.
Installation is very easy. All you need is an 8.5mm, 21/64-inch, or 11/32-inch drill bit to create holes in your choice of 5-gallon plastic containers or a PVC pipe. The cups can also be converted easily for side or bottom mounting on a plastic water tank.
One of the best things about this smart chicken watering system is that you do not have to teach your chickens how to use the waterer as the water flows automatically into the cups. There are no tabs or valves to push so the cups are always half full of water and ready to be accessed by thirsty chickens.
RentACoop includes an instruction booklet and a helpful video that makes installation super easy.
The cups are covered by a 2-year limited warranty if you register on the RentACoop website.
Pros
- High quality
- Great value for money
- Strong plastic cups
- Red color
- Ideal for chickens, ducks, geese, turkeys or quail
- DIY watering system
- Easy to install
- Can be attached to a bucket, water tank or PVC pipe
- Converts easily for side or bottom mounting
- Automatic watering system
- Can provide water for up to 80 days
- Not tabs or valves to release water
- Cups are always half full of water
- All installation hardware is included
- Also available in a 2-pack, 4-pack, and 6-pack
Cons
- Expensive
- Not ideal for freezing weather
- Cups can crack in extreme heat
- Cups need to be installed correctly or the water may not flow out very well
8. Olba B.V. Plastic Drinking Bottle
If you are rearing baby chicks, the Olba B.V. Plastic Drinking Bottle will provide the hydration they need to grow into healthy chickens.
The 6.7 x 4.7 x 4.7-inch UV/frost-resistant plastic 1-liter bottle is sturdy and strong and the stainless-steel nipple is designed for up to 10-20 baby chicks, but you can also use it for 4 fully grown chickens.
Your baby chicks will have easy access to a fresh, clean water supply as the waterer comes with a handy wall galvanized mounting bracket. The bracket gives you the versatility to attach the chicken waterer on the wall of the coop or onto a cage.
To keep the water fresh and clean, the bottle also comes with a hinged lid. Refilling the water in the bottle is made easy through the integrated cap on the lid.
The Olba B.V. chicken waterer is also suitable for other small animals such as rabbits, guinea pigs, and rodents.
Pros
- High quality
- Great value for money
- Very good price
- Strong UV/frost-resistant plastic resin tank
- Perfect for 10-20 baby chicks
- Can be used for fully grown chickens
- Hangs above the litter so water is always clean
- Galvanized wall bracket is included
- Stainless steel nipple
- Hinged lid has an easy to fill integrated cap
- Fits most poultry cages
Cons
- Nipple can leak
- Not ideal for large chickens
- Hanging bracket is not very durable
- Not suited for waterfowl
9. Harris Farms Poultry Drinker
The Harris Farms Poultry Drinker provides plenty of freshwater for up to 32 adult chickens or game chicks.
This easy-to-use poultry drinker is made from long-lasting molded plastic and its fountain is very durable. You can ensure that your chickens are always hydrated as the semi-opaque container makes the water level visible.
The fountain slowly releases water into the green basin to prevent overflowing and the twist-lock system keeps the container securely attached to the base.
The sturdy metal handle prevents any spillage as you carry the filled container and you can also use the handle to hang the waterer up around the chicken coop.
Pros
- High quality
- Great value for money
- Good price
- Easy to use
- Ideal for up to 32 chickens
- Long-lasting easy-to-clean molded plastic
- Durable fountain
- Semi-opaque container makes the water level clearly visible
- Fountain slowly releases water into the basin to prevent overflowing
- Twist-lock system keeps the container securely attached to the base
- Sturdy metal handle prevents any spillage
- Can be hung up inside a chicken coop
Cons
- Plastic can crack in very high heat
- Inside of the waterer can be hard to clean
- Can be difficult to lock the container onto the base when the container is full to the top
Our Top Pick for the Best Chicken Waterer
Our top pick for the best chicken waterer is the RentACoop Make Your Own Waterer Kit.
This fantastic DIY chicken waterer kit gives you the absolute freedom to create and install a complete watering system anywhere around your chicken coop or barn.
You can use any type of large container or PVC pipe that will fit the specific watering needs of your feathered folk. Not only will you love these easy-to-install-and-use automatic chicken water nipples, but your chickens will love them too.
Check the price on Amazon
