LPM 222: Diversified poultry production and current concepts in poultry management and marketing [Livestock Production Management (Regional Interest)] (1+1)

WATERING EQUIPMENT

• Water for small baby chicks can be provided through fountain waterers during initial few days. The grown up birds can be allowed to drink from basins or buckets. Water tanks constructed with cement as permanent structures inside the pen can be used for adult birds. Automatic waterers with float valve control used in cattle farming are also being used.
• The water pan for adult ratites should be 24 to 30 inches wide and 5 to 8 inches deep. For emus, one container each per 10 birds is recommended. Ten litre aluminum or GI buckets can be used for emus.
• Ostriches drink by scooping water with their beak. Therefore, they need a depth of water sufficient to immerse their beak and a long enough distance to move across to adequately drink. Feeders and water cress should be mounted at the bird's chest height .

Fig. 23.2. Multipurpose trough (feed and water) -8 kg capacity (650 mm long X 200 mm wide X 130 mm deep)

Fig. 23. 3. Multipurpose trough (feed and water) – 20 kg capacity (800mm long X 300mm wide X trough 200mm deep, height 530mm)

Fig. 23.4. Polythene Feed and Water trough (large -1.2m) with galvanised stand fitted with automatic float valve (optional); capacity – 110 litres

Fig.25.5. Polythene Feed and Water trough (small – 0.7 m) with galvanised stand fitted with automatic float valve (optional); capacity – 70 litres

  

Fig. 23.6. Mini-cup drinkers: Self-filling, multiuse drinker with float-valve system

Locally available materials as drinkers

• Materials like buckets, basins, drums can be used for feeding and watering of ratites.
• Permanent structures constructed using cement like water tank or feed troughs can also be used for this purpose.
• Feeders and drinkers used for chicken and other species of poultry can also be used for ratites especially for chicks.