Water Access and Hydration

Provide constant access to clean, room-temperature water in a shallow poult-sized waterer from the moment poults arrive. Dip each poult's beak into the water upon placement in the brooder to teach them the water source location. For the first 3 days, add clean marbles or pebbles to the water trough to prevent drowning.

Why It Works

Turkey poults are slow to find water on their own and can dehydrate within hours of arrival. Beak-dipping triggers the drinking reflex and teaches location. Marbles reduce water depth while still allowing access, preventing accidental drowning that kills many poults in their first days.

Tips

• Clean and refill waterers at least twice daily to prevent bacterial growth
• Add electrolytes or a vitamin supplement to water for the first 3 days to reduce shipping stress
• Provide one 1-quart waterer per 10-15 poults for adequate access
• Remove marbles after 3-4 days once poults are strong enough to avoid drowning