一、Provide adequate drinking equipment
Ensure there are enough drinkers in the poultry house, and provide them in suitable numbers based on the number of chickens and the size of the house. For example, large-scale chicken farms can use nipple drinkers, with at least one drinking nipple for every 6 chickens.
Pay attention to adjusting the water pressure and ensure the capacity is sufficient to meet the flock’s drinking needs.
Two: Keep drinking water clean
Clean and disinfect drinking water equipment regularly to prevent the growth of bacteria and algae. It is recommended to thoroughly clean the water dispenser with disinfectant once a week.
Ensure that the water source is not contaminated, and avoid using contaminated well water or tap water.
Three: Control water temperature
In the hot summer, water can be supplied several times, preferably cool water, to encourage the chickens to drink. Ice can be added to the water, or cooling equipment can be used to lower the water temperature. The drinking water temperature for laying hens should be adjusted in different seasons. In summer, provide water cooler than the air temperature (15￣20℃) and avoid exposure to direct sunlight; in winter, provide warm water at around 15℃, with a minimum temperature of 5℃.
In the cold winter, provide warm water to prevent the chickens from reducing their water intake because the water is too cold.
IV. Check the operation of the drinking equipment
Check several times a day that the water pressure in the drinkers is normal and that water flows properly, and check for blockages or leaks. If a nipple in a nipple drinker is blocked, clean it promptly. Ensure that the water level in the troughs or basins is always appropriate. Flush and disinfect the water lines regularly.
Five. Arrange drinking water times reasonably
During hot periods, increase the frequency of checking and replenishing drinking water to ensure that the chickens can drink water at any time. Avoid affecting the safety of the drinking water when disinfecting the chicken house or spraying medication.
Laying hens have three peak drinking times during the peak egg-laying period: 8 o’clock in the morning, 12 o’clock at noon, and 6 o’clock in the afternoon. During these periods, ensure that the flock has an adequate water supply.
Six. Monitor water consumption
Regularly record chickens’ water consumption and ensure nipple drinker flow is 60 ml–90 ml/min so that abnormal changes in water consumption can be detected promptly, as these may be an early sign of disease or environmental problems. For example, when water consumption suddenly increases or decreases substantially, investigate the cause promptly.
Providing an appropriate amount of water: The water consumption of laying hens varies with the season and their rearing conditions. Generally, each laying hen needs approximately 200 milliliters of water per day in spring and autumn, 280 milliliters in summer, and around 110 milliliters in winter.
Drinking water temperature: In hot conditions, laying hens’ water consumption increases. Keeping the water cool and clean and avoiding excessively high water temperatures can effectively reduce heat stress and mortality.
During hot seasons, providing water at night can make up for insufficient water intake during the day due to the heat and reduce the culling and mortality rate. It is recommended to turn on the lights about 4 hours after the lights are turned off at night for 1–1.5 hours, allowing the laying hens to drink and eat feed.
Seven. Water quality requirements
Sensory indicators: Drinking water should be clear, colorless, and odorless. Any change in color indicates contamination. Turbidity is caused by suspended matter in the water (such as silt, clay, microorganisms, and organic matter). It can affect the normal operation of the drinking system and adversely affect the production performance of the flock.
Chemical indicators: The pH of drinking water should be between 4 and 8, and chickens can adapt to drinking water within this range over the long term. Lowering the pH of drinking water helps reduce the levels of harmful bacteria in water lines and crops. At pH values of 4 and 5, chickens may develop tibial dyschondroplasia, and fungal growth may be promoted.
Bacteriological indicators: Bacteria in water are usually the result of organic contamination. An increase in bacterial counts is an important indicator of biological safety risks in drinking water. The standard for parasites in drinking water is fewer than 1 cysts or oocysts per 10 L of water.