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Bell feeding: drinkers for poultry
In modern poultry farming, a good water supply is no less important than a balanced diet. That's why bell drinkers (also known as autogravity or gravity drinkers) have become very popular among farmers. They combine simplicity of design, reliability and ease of use.
What is a bell drinker? This is a system in which water from a reservoir - a plastic bottle or tank - falls into a small tray under the influence of gravity. A special valve or balancing system maintains the water level in it, preventing overflow.
Unlike open bowls, the water in these drinkers is less contaminated by feed, bedding or droppings. And thanks to the efficient design, it does not spill or splash. This type of drinker is particularly convenient for large poultry farms as there is no need to manually refill the water frequently.
Advantages of bell drinkers for poultry
The advantages of this type of drinker include
- ease of installation and use;
- hygiene;
- suitable for any type and age of poultry;
- the ability to connect to centralised water supply systems;
- automatic water supply without overflow;
- made of lightweight, durable and safe materials;
- water savings and reduced labour costs.
Automatic drinkers are advantageous in many aspects, which is why they are popular among chicken producers.
How to choose a bell drinker?
Before you buy a bell drinker of the right model, you should pay attention to the following details. Manufacturers of this equipment have taken into account the characteristics of each type and age of poultry. And, accordingly, they differ slightly from each other. For example, a bell drinker for chickens should have a small diameter tray so that they don't drown, and a low one so that they can easily reach the water. Some models have stops inside to prevent chickens from falling in. So, if you want to avoid difficulties with watering your youngsters, you should buy a chicken drinker.
A bell drinker for broilers is a slightly different design. These are large and durable drinkers that can withstand the weight and activity of the bird. It is important to ensure that the water level is consistently the same so that broilers can drink enough. You can use models with automatic refill from a large tank.
Drinking bowls for quail are available in very low or narrow trays. The turkey drinker also has the shape of a bell drinker with a large tank.
Bell drinkers differ in volume, respectively. This is based on the consumption rates of each bird species and age. For example, a 1-3-litre drinker is suitable for a small livestock in a single household of up to 20-30 chickens, with 1 litre for a dozen chickens.
For up to 100 birds, it is recommended to install several bell-type drinkers of 5-6 litres each to provide access to water for all birds and avoid crowding.
For large flocks, you should use more than 10-litre drinkers. Large farms usually use several structures in different areas or an automatic watering system with bell mechanisms for each group of poultry.
Having dealt with the volume, let's now look at what materials bell drinkers are made of and what is the best choice. The most common option is food-grade plastic - it is lightweight, inexpensive, and can withstand shocks and falls. However, it can deteriorate under the influence of ultraviolet light, so it is better to place such drinkers in the shade.
Polycarbonate or polypropylene are more resistant to temperatures and the sun, but their price is slightly higher.
Some people prefer metal drinkers. But here you need to take galvanised metal or stainless steel. However, they are heavier, more expensive and cold in winter.
So what should you choose? Choose drinkers that are easy to clean, because even the best water will quickly become dirty. Avoid models without a collapsible design, as they are more difficult to maintain.
Where to buy bell drinkers for poultry in Ukraine?
Today, there is a wide range of drinkers to suit every taste and budget. There are high-quality options, but there are also those that can bring a lot of problems with the purchase. It's easy to get confused and make mistakes. To avoid this, you should choose trusted equipment manufacturers and stores that sell them. VADA has a wide range of different types of drinkers for poultry and other farm animals. In addition, experienced specialists will help you choose the right model and, if necessary, install it on your farm. We provide prompt delivery, quality assurance and support after the purchase of the equipment.
Order your drinker now and ensure your poultry have clean water every day!
