10 Best Automatic Chicken Waterers 2022: Review

Rearing free-range chickens on your farm or backyard is not complete without some reliable chicken waterers.  They are a must-have!

But where can you find the best chicken waterers that your chickens will love?

There are tons of options from which you can choose. They range from tiny watering nipples for chicks to huge gallon-capacity waterers for the chicken farm.

Even if you are a pro in chicken rearing, you can use the information from reliable chicken waterers reviews to zero in on the best choices for your chickens.

Top 5 Best Chicken Waterers: Editor’s Pick

That is where this review and buying guide comes in. Here you will find useful information and tips on the recommended chicken waterers that will be right for your birds.

Check out these recommended chicken waterers from top manufacturers. Not only will these recommended chicken waterers be right for your birds, but they may also be right within your budget.

So, let us get started.

10  Best Automatic Chicken Waterers Review

1. Harris Farms Plastic Poultry Drinker

Trust Harris Farms to deliver the best chicken drinker for your chicken farm. The Harris Farms Plastic Poultry Drinker is your solution if you have a small chicken coop. Even if you run a large chicken farm, you can still purchase a few of these plastic poultry drinkers.

This product is easy to use and quite convenient. It is made of durable plastic, which is the preferred material for chicken farmers and breeders alike. With a five-quart capacity, the Harris Farms plastic poultry drinker provides enough water for around 32 birds. It is also easy to keep your chicken coop dry with this poultry drinker that will not overflow. You will even know at a glance whether this plastic waterer needs a refill.

Once you fill it and twist-lock the cover on the container, that’s it. You are good to go. Notice that it has a hanger or handle that you can use to hang the waterer off the ground. But if you prefer, you can place the chicken drinker on the ground for baby chicks to reach. You will need a heated poultry drinker base during winter for this poultry drinker to keep working.

Highlighted Features

• This chicken waterer is quite easy to fill; it is also easy to clean
• Made of long-lasting plastic and designed with a durable fountain
• Uses a twist-lock system
• It holds water for up to 32 chickens or game chicks
• During winter use it with the Harris Farms Heated Poultry Drinker Base

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2. Harris Farms EZ Fill Poultry Drinker – Top fill Poultry Waterer

Another useful poultry drinker from Harris Farms is the EZ Fill Poultry Drinker. This poultry drinker is a more substantial capacity container at 3.5 gallons. Easily among the best commercial chicken automatic waterer selections on the market, this Harris Farms product will make your chickens happy. This large-capacity chicken waterer can provide water for around 56 chickens or game birds.

Made of moulded plastic, the EZ Fill Poultry Drinker is durable and long-lasting. It also fits well in your chicken coop, whether large or small. The EZ fill poultry drinker features a top-fill reservoir along with a float that keeps the water distribution under control. A small nipple inside the reservoir allows water to enter the base, and the float activates as soon as water fills the bottom.

The main downside to this otherwise well-designed product is that the float does not always activate to stop the water from overflowing the base.  The plastic nut with O ring that connects the synthetic base and the reservoir is also prone to leakage. That said, if you don’t mind having to find workarounds for these design flaws, then you can try this EZ fill poultry drinker.

Highlighted Features

• The EZ Fill Poultry Drinker is made from durable plastic that is free from toxic BPA.
• It is large enough for around 52 poultry or birds.
• The top fill poultry waterer bucket is easy to fill and clean
• Suitable for use both indoors and outdoors
• Useable with the Harris Farms Heated Poultry Drinker Base during winter

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  3. Harris Farms Poultry Drinker – Big Chicken Waterer

Hands down, the Harris Farms Poultry Drinker, 6.25 Gallon, is a winner for large or small chicken farmers. Not only is this 6.25-gallon poultry drinker a great choice if you have more than 50 chickens, but it is suitable if you have up to 100 birds. Considered among the best chicken waterer system available, the Harris Farms Poultry Drinker features a top-fill bucket that uses a float to regulate the water supply.

This poultry drinker is easy to fill as well as to clean. It is made of durable plastic that the chickens are familiar with. Use this versatile drinker both inside and outside. During winter, you will need the heated drinker base, also supplied by Harris Farms.

Assembly of the big chicken waterer should be easy, although you might have some trouble aligning the small parts to prevent leaks. The tactic to follow is to remove the red plug from inside the white bucket. Replace it with the peg located on top of the float. Make sure the peg fits securely in the hole where the red plug was.

Afterward, remove the larger black plug (that holds the bucket to the trough) and insert the float peg. Reattach and tighten the black plug. Once done, you should have no more leaks.

Highlighted Features

• The poultry drinker is a large capacity at 6.25 Gallon
• Provides water for around 100 poultry or game birds
• Features an easy fill bucket that is also easy to clean
• Works well both indoors and outdoors
• Molded from plastic that is durable and free of BPA

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4. Perky-Pet Mason Jar Wild Bird Waterer 783, Blue

If you love the sight of birds in your backyard, then the thing to attract them is the Perky-Pet Glass Mason Jar Wild Bird Waterer 783. It is designed to offer clean, fresh water to get the attention of many species of birds. The mason jar adds a rustic and classic touch to your backyard. The Perky-Pet Glass Mason Jar’s blue hue gives a vintage vibe that reminds you of the blue glass canning jars that were popular in the 1800s.

It won’t take long for birds to accept your invitation and flock to your backyard to drink from your glass jar.  The Perky-Pet jar is also quite easy to fill and clean. Unscrew the base from the bottle, pour water, and reattach. That’s it. Place it where birds will see it, and soon, your backyard will be transformed into a meeting place for various birds.

You might discover that the threaded rings may rust a little. This rusting might make it a little harder for you to remove the base from the jar. Also, the metal coating may flake. To counteract these situations, you may need to regularly check your Perky-Pet glass jar and apply a protective layer. Otherwise, the Perky-Pet Mason Jar Wild Bird Water is just the attention-getter you need in your backyard if you love birds.

Highlighted Features

• It holds 32 ounces of water
• Styled from vintage blue canning jars and designed to attract wild birds
• Base and feeding ports are made of metal
• Designed with a circular perch for birds to relax
• The glass container is embossed with a bird design.

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5.  Gallon Chicken Waterer – Horizontal Side Mount Poultry Nipples

If you have a coop with up to 30 chickens and you want a chicken waterer solution that keeps your coop dry, this one is for you. The 5 Gallon Chicken Waterer Horizontal Side Mount Poultry Nipples are the best chicken automatic waterer system that guarantees a dry coop. The feature that sets this chicken waterer apart from the rest is the horizontally placed nipples. They are accessible for the chickens to get to and provide clean water once the nipples are activated.

Getting the chickens to become familiar with the watering nipples is not as difficult as you might think. They will immediately become attracted to them and quickly learn how to activate them for water. The watering nipples are also well made and are not prone to malfunctions.

The large capacity of 5-gallon chicken water is suitable for large as well as small chicken farms. So, if you rather an alternative to the gravity-fed chicken waterer, why not try this chicken waterer with horizontal watering nipples.

Highlighted Features

• Made of 100 percent food-grade plastic that is free of harmful BPA.
• The horizontally placed nipples do not allow the ground or bedding to get wet
• Has a capacity of 5 Gallons that provides water for four hens lasting more than ten days
• Watering nipples are placed horizontally on the side for hens and chicks to access easily
• This system is complete, no assembly required; Reservoir is easy to fill, and the cap is removable
• Also designed with a no-roost cone for keeping lids clean.

6. LITTLE GIANT Large Capacity – Best Automatic Waterer

From the Little Giant brand comes the familiar one-gallon plastic poultry fount complete waterer with 750 red base. Chicken farmers and breeders will have no trouble using this gravity-feed poultry waterer. The Little Giant brand is known for producing the best chicken drinker systems for large and small-scale chicken growers.

The Little Giant poultry waterer is made with see-through polyethylene plastic that is also durable. It is easy to see the water level, so you know when to refill. The base is made of commercial-grade polystyrene that will endure the pecks of chickens. The design allows you to fill the container and screw on the bottom quickly. Both bar and base can be bought separately.

With its convenient, easy-fill design, the Little Giant poultry waterer does not spill easily, so your coop remains dry. It is also easy to keep clean and free from dirt and debris. Even if your hens and chicks are messy, you can still use this poultry waterer and clean it without much trouble. This Little Giant poultry waterer is suitable for big chickens as well as for day-old chicks.

Highlighted Features

• Designed to hold one gallon of fresh water that is gravity-fed
• The reservoir is made from see-through polyethylene that is also durable
• Easy to see the water level, so you know when to refill
• Designed to be easy to fill and screw on
• The base and jar can be sold separately (Item Nos. 750 and 666)
• Designed with the familiar red plastic bottom.

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7. Harris Farms Double Wall Poultry Drinker – Hanging Chicken Waterer

You can count on Harris Farms to deliver another quality poultry waterer from its best chicken automatic waterers collection. The double-wall poultry drinker made from galvanized steel provides a constant water flow for thirsty chickens. For convenience, you can also hang this poultry drinker. Up to fifty-one hens and chickens can drink from this poultry waterer without hassle.

A safety feature you will appreciate is the rolled edges that prevent harm to the chickens. This double-walled poultry drinker also features an easy-to-see locking device that keeps the base and container secure. Also, it is designed with a brass valve and rubber seal washers to allow shut off as soon as the water fills the base. You will notice that the top of this poultry waterer does not allow your chickens to roost on it. This feature also keeps the waterer clean.

To operate this convenient vacuum-activated poultry waterer, turn and latch the outer section in place. Pull the handle up, and the suction will activate. Release the handle and see the water flow to fill the base. If you plan to hang this poultry waterer be mindful that it will be a little cumbersome when filled with water. You will need a fixed point and a strong rope to hang it.

Highlighted Features

• Constructed with commercial grade galvanized steel
• Water flow is constant, thanks to its vacuum process
• Suitable for around 51 chickens or game birds
• Useable with the Harris Farms Heated Poultry Drinker Base
• This best hanging chicken waterer does not leak or spill.

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8. RentACoop Automatic Chicken Water

An alternative to your chicken watering woes is the Rent a Coop Automatic Chicken Water Nipple Cup Waterer Kit. This convenient pack of two nipple cups provides fresh water for your chickens and other poultry. You can adapt any bucket to accommodate these watering nipples to make an automatic poultry watering system. With these automatic water nipple cups, your poultry waterer will be converted into the best automatic chicken waterer you have ever used.

The way these innovative watering cups work is by automatically activating the water flow as soon as they approach empty. So, the weight of the water in a full cup will shut off the water flow, but when the cups are getting empty, the cup lifts and the water flow activates. That is simple and automatic. You don’t need to do anything more than to fill the container and keep the poultry waterer clean.

Your chickens and other poultry will love the convenience of this automatic nipple cup kit. Your coop will also remain dry as these do not spill easily.

Highlighted Features

• No need to tab or push the watering cups to fill them with water; the cups always have water for your chickens
• Cups are convenient for chickens and hens even on hot days; Your hens can dip their wattles in the water
• Water in the cups is always fresh and clean for your poultry
• The poultry waterer is easy to set up and use
• It is also easy to clean and maintain.

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9. RentACoop Automatic Chicken Water

You may opt for the bigger nipple cup kit from Rent a Coop. This automatic chicken water nipple cup kit for poultry comes in a pack of six. That is more watering nipples to go around. If you have more than a few chickens, then this option will convert your ordinary chicken waterer into the best large-capacity chicken waterer your poultry will love.

Install your chicken water nipples on a bucket and make sure you seal them adequately against leaks. These water nipples operate automatically when you install them properly. As the water level goes down in each cup, the cup lifts and activates the flow of water until it is full and heavy. The cup goes down and shuts off the water flow until it approaches empty again. With these automatic water nipples, your chickens are never out of water (unless you forget to fill the bucket).  The only downside is that the water nipples tend to stop working after a short while. You can, however, replace the defective cups when that happens.

Highlighted Features

• Water fills the cups automatically without the need for tabs and pushes
• Cups provide relief during hot days; Hens dip their wattles in the cup to soothe them
• Provides a constant supply of clean water for your poultry
• Easy to convert your poultry waterer into an automatic watering system
• The nipple cups are available for reasonable prices.

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10. LITTLE GIANT Galvanized Double Wall Founts

Your best chicken waterer for  winter and other seasons comes from the Little Giant brand. This time, your option is the Little Giant galvanized Double Wall Founts chicken waterer. It is a standalone waterer made with a double wall that conveniently supplies water for your brood. You won’t need to do much after you fill the inner bucket with water and activate the vacuum system to release the contents to your poultry.

Another convenient feature is the arched handle that is arched for easy carrying. The Little Giant Galvanized Double Wall Fount is made to hold two gallons of water for your chickens. To get your waterer working correctly, make sure that you place the outer tube properly over the inner container.  A copper spring-ring along with a neoprene seal produce the vacuum pressure to keep the water level in the drinking pan constant.  A locking pin holds the outer tube secure so that the water does not spill.

A possible downside is that you might encounter problems with the vacuum pressure that may prevent the water level from remaining constant. Check your poultry waterer to ensure that it is functioning correctly. For assistance, contact your supplier.

Highlighted Features

• Vacuum system enables a constant level of water for your chickens
• The top of the poultry waterer is sloped to prevent roosting
• The edges are rolled to avoid harm to your poultry
• Suitable for various poultry such as chickens and turkeys
• Easy to set up and maintain

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Buying Guide: Things to Look’s When Select Best Chicken Waterers

When buying the best automatic chicken waterer for your chicken coop, there are a few things you must consider. Typically, you would need to determine the type of chicken waterer to buy to meet three considerations:

• The number of chickens you have
• Whether these chickens are standard fowls, bantam poultry or baby chicks
• Whether they are all in the same coop

These factors will determine the type and quantity of chicken waterer you will need to buy.

The best solution is to have one waterer for every 6-8 birds. Chickens that are not forceful enough to get to the waterer are often pushed aside by the other birds. In such cases, you will need more than one waterer to ensure that all the chickens have a chance to drink.

A chicken normally drinks a pint of water each day. If the temperature is hot, then each chicken may drink up to two pints daily. So, the more chickens you have, the larger and the more chicken waterer you would need. For example, ten chickens can easily consume 10 pints or 5 quarts of water each day. Increase the number for the hotter months to ensure that your birds do not suffer.

Note that bantams drink slightly less water compared to the other chickens. That said, you would still need to provide at least a pint of water for them anyway.

You have calculated the number and size of chicken waterer you will need. Here is a quick overview of the popular types of chicken waterer you can get.

Chicken Nipple Waterers

These styles of chicken waterers are considered the best automatic chicken waterer that keep the water clean and fresh. Chickens may not always get the hang of chicken nipples without some effort. But, once they get used to them, it’s good going all the way. You would, however, need to change the water frequently, or at least weekly.

During hot months, you will need to change the water more often. A five-gallon waterer will provide water for a good-sized brood of chickens for several days. These waterers are also designed to prevent roosting, so the lid is free from chicken poop. Also, the water inside the bucket remains clean and free from dirt and debris.

Gravity Fill Waterers

Gravity fill waterers are the traditional style of chicken waterers farmers and chicken rears use. You see them almost everywhere.  They are the bell-shaped waterer made of plastic or metal. They are quite easy to use and clean. They are also reasonably priced. The gravity fill chicken waterer comes in various sizes so you can get the best automatic chicken waterers featuring this design.

Although gravity-fill waterers will keep your chickens hydrated, you must check them frequently to remove dirt and debris that may collect in the drinking trough. During the hot months, checking the waterer more regularly is essential.  Ideally, these waterers are suitable for small flocks. The plastic model cannot be used during winter unless you have a heating base.

Chicken cup waterers:

These work like the chicken watering nipples do. But instead of nipples, the waterer uses cups. This style of chicken waterer is a better alternative if your chickens are having difficulty getting used to the nipples. The cups are also convenient for your chickens to drink from, especially if the water remains free from dirt and debris.

The reality, however, is that the cups collect dust and debris easily, so you must check and clean them regularly. Also, the cups stick out from the bucket and may spill when chickens bump into them. Otherwise, the chicken cup waterer is a good alternative to the gravity fill waterer. You will require around two chicken cup waterers if you have 10 or more chickens in your coop.

How to Make a Chicken Waterer

Making your chicken waterer is not hard to do. For this task, you will need a plastic five-gallon bucket, a roasting pan, or a metal or aluminum pan that is a little wider than the bottom of your bucket. You will also need a drill and an airtight sealant.

1. First, clean your bucket thoroughly and empty it.
2. Drill two one-inch holes on the bottom edge of your bucket. These holes are to be on opposite sides of the bucket.
3. Set the bucket inside the roasting pan or metal pan. The bucket should be right side up with the holes in the pan.
4. Fill your bucket with water and quickly place the lid on.
5. Seal the lid with your airtight sealant. This step is essential as, without the seal, the water will keep pouring out of the holes and overflow the pan.

Alternatively, you can create a chicken waterer with nipples. For this, you will need the five-gallon plastic bucket, and any number of nipples you like. Depending on the number of chickens you have, you may opt for five or more nipples. You will need to hang the bucket. So, for this, you need a chain or rope and a hanging post.

1. Drill holes in the bottom of the bucket for the nipples. You may use a tapping drill bit to thread the holes to make it easier for you to screw in the nipples.
2. Go ahead and screw in the threaded nipples, making sure they are very tight.
3. Hang your bucket on the hanging post. You may need to test your bucket with water to ensure your handle works. If the handle is plastic, replace it with a suitable alternative.
4. Fill the bucket with water and close the lid (you don’t need to seal it).
5. Show your chickens how to drink from the nipples.

That’s it. You have your very own homemade chicken waterer.

FAQs Frequently ASK Question About Automatic Chicken Waterer

    Q.1- What is the Best Waterer for chickens?

Waterers made of durable plastics are considered the best automatic chicken waterers that are available for commercial and domestic consumers. Plastics do not allow bacteria and viruses to thrive, unlike the metal versions. Also, with the introduction of modern disinfectants, metal galvanized waterers could not withstand the corrosive effect. Plastic turned out to be a better alternative in that it is cost-effective, durable, and lasts longer than the rust-prone metal version. Furthermore, molded plastic chicken waterers are cheaper to manufacture, so the cost to the consumer is lower. However, nipple waterers are far more superior to gravity fill waterers of any style.

Q.2- How do you clean a chicken waterer?

Whatever container you use for watering your chickens, they will need a thorough cleaning at least once every week. Cleaning your waterer is an easy task. All you need are your white vinegar (you may use apple cider vinegar if you prefer), a scrubbing brush, and water.  Cleaning your chicken waterer at least once per week will get rid of algae and rust (if it is metal).

1. Throw away the remaining water in the container.
2. Add vinegar and let it sit for a couple of minutes.
3. Use the scrubbing brush to remove the algae and sediments from the container.
4. Rinse thoroughly.
5. At this point, your chicken waterer should smell and look much cleaner and ready for freshwater.

Make sure to keep your chicken waterer clean and the water fresh. If you see that the water in the container is not going down as fast as usual, chances are it is contaminated. You need to replace it. Take the time to clean your chicken waterer and replace the water. Your chickens will love that.

Q.3- Does vinegar clean chicken?

Yes, vinegar is recommended for cleaning your chicken waterer. It is effective against algae, viruses, and other contaminants that may be found in the chicken’s water. Although white vinegar is the usual choice, apple cider vinegar is a useful substitute. You can also use vinegar along with water to clean your chicken waterer.

 Q.4- Is vinegar good for chickens?

Vinegar is versatile and useful for chicken breeders. It is trusted to improve the respiratory systems of chickens and other poultry, and it helps to fight bacteria. Add around two teaspoons of vinegar in the chicken’s drinking water, and it will work as an antibiotic for your chicks. Vinegar also improves digestion in poultry, boosts their immune system, and keep them hydrated during hot months. You may add vinegar to the chicken’s water every few days and with every water change. If your chicken waterer is made of metal, avoid using vinegar as it will cause the metal to break down and leach chemicals into the water.

Another way that vinegar is suitable for your chickens is as a cleaning agent for the waterers. It is useful in removing any rust, calcium and other crusty build up in chicken waterers. Add some white vinegar to your container and swish it around. Allow the vinegar to sit for a few minutes. Then wash your chicken waterer with soap and water and wipe it clean.

  Q.5- How much water should a chicken drink a day?

Although your chickens merely sip water here and there, the amount they drink adds up to around half of a liter to one liter (or approximately one quart) per day. Other sources suggest that they drink at least one pint of water per day. Either way, chickens will drink more water during hot, dry spells. Meat poultry will go to the waterer more often since they are growing faster. Free-range chickens may drink less or more than 0.5 to 1 liter of water since they are busy foraging.  To be on the safe side, over-estimate the amount of water your birds need each day. Once your water is kept clean and free from debris, you will see them drinking water as often as they need it.

Final Verdict

As a chicken rearer whether commercial or not, you must have a reliable chicken waterer. Here, you have your pick from the best chicken waterers recommended for your purposes. This review and buying guide has also given you a few essential tips on what to consider when buying a chicken waterer and how to make one for yourself. You have also received answers to frequently asked questions. The ten recommended picks presented here are to guide you in your selection of the right chicken waterer for your coop. So, go ahead and choose the most suitable chicken waterer that your chickens will love.