Birds should have access to clean, fresh, good quality drinking water at all times.

Water consumption varies with feed consumption and with both environmental and water temperature.

Monitoring the ratio of water to feed intake is good management practice; changes in water consumption are an early indication of health and performance issues.

Water consumption should be measured daily using a water meter. As a guide, water to feed intake ratio should be between 1.6:1 to 1.8:1, depending on drinker type.

Adequate water storage must be provided on the farm in case of failure of the mains supply. Ideally, sufficient storage to provide 24 hours water at maximum consumption is required.

Complete water to feed ratios and water temperature guidelines can be found in the Aviagen® Broiler Handbook.

Drinker heights must be adjusted daily with bird age. For nipples, birds should be reaching for but not stretching or straining to reach the nipple. Bell drinkers should be adjusted so that each drinker is level with the top of the breast by 18 days of age.

Provision of adequate drinking space for the number of birds must be assured (full guidelines can be found in the Aviagen® Broiler Handbook) and routine testing of water quality completed.

Next time you pause for refreshment, think “Am I within the drinking guidelines?”