Considerations in Poultry Drinker Line Management

One of the basic needs of poultry is unlimited access to clean water. The U.S. poultry industry has for the most part adopted totally enclosed drinker systems, reducing contamination from foreign debris, such as shavings, feed, and feces. Another benefit of enclosed drinker systems is minimal water leakage onto the floor. Birds obtain water from the enclosed systems by pushing a metal pin that in turn pushes the internal mechanism of the drinker system, allowing water to pass through. Drinker sy...stems should be monitored daily and have routine maintenance performed to maximize water flow and minimize water leakage. The following are factors and tasks that should be considered in a successful drinker line management program.