Nothing tastes as good on a sweltering day as a glass of ice-cold water. Some of you chicken enthusiasts have added ice to your chick’s water, too. However, as the temperatures get colder, we do not have to worry about the ice cubes. Instead, the worry should shift to the water supply.
We often think water intake and staying hydrated should be simultaneous with heat. That’s often because as the temperature rises, we drink more water. However, every living being requires hydration. Chickens are no different.
At BioZyme®, our team is passionate about all animals, including our feathered friends. That’s why we created Backyard Boost®, a line of products purposefully crafted to support the well-being of birds. That is also why we wanted to discuss chicken hydration.
How Long Can a Chicken Go Without Water?
In any weather, regardless of the temperatures, chickens can typically go without water for 24 to 48 hours, but this varies depending on the specific conditions. While chickens may be able to survive for a brief time without water, it is crucial to ensure that they always have access to fresh, unfrozen water.
Dehydration can happen quickly, even in winter, and water is essential for their digestion, egg production and overall health. Cold temperatures can also make it easier for water to freeze, so it is important to check frequently to ensure their water supply remains unfrozen.
For helpful hints on how to keep water thawed, learn more about how to keep chickens warm in winter, too.
Why Hydration Is So Important
If your birds are deprived of water for longer than 24 hours, their health may start to deteriorate. This can also reduce the number of eggs they lay. If water deprivation continues, it can lead to serious health issues or even death in extreme cases.
It’s crucial to provide chickens with a constant supply of fresh water, as they are highly sensitive to water deprivation!
Chickens can survive without water for about 48 hours under moderate conditions. However, dehydration can start to affect them in as little as 24 hours, leading to stress, reduced egg production and even health issues.
Backyard Boost Can Help
With any luck, you never have to ask, “How long can a chicken go without water?” But if you’re looking to supplement your flock’s diet during winter, and ensure they stay well hydrated, Backyard Boost can help. We offer Backyard Boost Defense, a liquid supplement for poultry designed to support digestion and a healthy immune response.
If your chicken is struggling with the stress of winter cold, Defense promotes water intake and hydration and provides nutrients needed in times of stress. It is powered by AO-Biotics® Amaferm®, a prebiotic research proven to enhance nutrient intake in your animals. The better fed they are, the healthier they are. And a healthy chicken will have a much better time braving those winter chills.
Add Backyard Boost Defense to your chickens’ clean, fresh water daily to help them stay comfortable, keep them hydrated and keep them laying.
Get your Backyard Boost Today!
We hope we have answered your question, how long can a chicken go without water. It’s not very long, and we don’t want them to go without water for any amount of time
Ordering Backyard Boost is simple: purchase via our online store or discover where to buy.
Perhaps you prefer to shop in person. You can use our dealer locator to find a BioZyme dealer closest to you.
Stay In the Know
Do you want to know more about taking care of your backyard birds in the winter or in any season? Use our Chicken Care Cycle as your guide to all knowledge of backyard chickens. Or you can sign up for our regular newsletter to stay current on our blogs and educational resources.
