During hot summer months, chickens drink more water to stay cool and avoid heat stress. A good waterer keeps water clean, cool, and easy to access while preventing spillage, contamination, and algae growth.
This guide covers the best chicken waterers for summer, helping you choose the perfect one for your flock.
What to Look for in a Chicken Waterer for Summer
✔ Large Capacity – Chickens drink 1-2 cups of water per day, but in summer, they may need even more. Choose a large waterer (3+ gallons) to prevent frequent refilling.
✔ UV-Resistant & Algae Prevention – Waterers exposed to sun heat up quickly and grow algae. Opaque, UV-resistant designs help keep water clean.
✔ Easy to Refill & Clean – In hot weather, water needs changing often. A top-fill or automatic design makes refilling easier.
✔ Leak & Spill-Proof – Spilled water evaporates quickly in summer, leaving chickens without water. Choose a stable, leak-proof waterer.
✔ Cooling Features – Some waterers can be frozen overnight or include insulated designs to keep water cool for longer.
Best Chicken Waterers for Summer
1. RentACoop 5-Gallon Poultry Nipple Waterer
Best for: Keeping water clean & reducing waste
This 5-gallon waterer uses horizontal nipples, preventing dirt, bedding, and algae from contaminating the water. The large capacity means fewer refills, even in extreme heat.
✅ Pros:
- Prevents contamination (water stays clean)
- 5-gallon capacity lasts longer between refills
- Leak-proof design stops water waste
❌ Cons:
- Chickens must learn to use nipple waterers
- Not insulated (water heats up faster in direct sun)
📌 Best for: Keeping water clean & reducing waste.
2. Harris Farms 3.5-Gallon Poultry Drinker
Best for: Easy refilling & outdoor durability
This top-fill plastic waterer holds 3.5 gallons and is UV-resistant, helping to prevent algae growth. It has a built-in handle, making refilling easy.
✅ Pros:
- UV-resistant plastic helps prevent algae
- Top-fill design makes refilling easy
- 3.5-gallon capacity is great for summer
❌ Cons:
- Not insulated, so water heats up faster
- Some users report slight leaking when not level
📌 Best for: Chickens in outdoor coops needing a UV-resistant, easy-refill waterer.
3. OverEZ 12-Gallon Automatic Chicken Waterer
Best for: Large flocks & hot climates
This high-capacity, automatic waterer holds 12 gallons, enough for large flocks without constant refilling. The fully enclosed design keeps water clean, while the UV-resistant plastic prevents algae growth.
✅ Pros:
- 12-gallon capacity lasts for days
- No-spill design keeps water clean
- UV-resistant plastic prevents algae
❌ Cons:
- Expensive compared to smaller waterers
- Takes up more space
📌 Best for: Large flocks or those in extremely hot climates needing a long-lasting water source.
4. Farm Innovators All-Season Heated Waterer (3 Gallons)
Best for: Year-round use (keeps water cool in summer, heated in winter)
Though designed for winter, this 3-gallon insulated waterer also keeps water cooler in summer. The fully enclosed design prevents contamination, and the top-fill feature makes refilling easy.
✅ Pros:
- Insulated to keep water cool in summer
- 3-gallon capacity with easy top-fill system
- Prevents dirt & debris from getting in
❌ Cons:
- More expensive than basic plastic waterers
- Not as large as some high-capacity models
📌 Best for: Chicken keepers looking for a year-round insulated waterer.
5. KEBONNIXS 2-Gallon Chicken Waterer with Cups
Best for: Small flocks & preventing water waste
This 2-gallon waterer uses automatic drinking cups, which only refill when chickens drink. It keeps water clean & reduces waste, making it a great choice for small backyard flocks.
✅ Pros:
- Auto-refilling cups keep water fresh
- Compact size perfect for small coops
- Prevents water contamination & spillage
❌ Cons:
- Needs frequent refilling for larger flocks
- Cups may require occasional cleaning
📌 Best for: Small backyard flocks needing a clean water source.
How to Keep Chicken Water Cool in Summer
✔ Use Multiple Water Sources – Chickens drink more in summer, so place extra waterers around the coop and run.
✔ Keep Waterers in the Shade – Direct sunlight heats water quickly. Place waterers in shaded areas to keep water cool.
✔ Use Frozen Water Bottles – Fill plastic water bottles with frozen water and drop them in the waterer. They act like mini ice packs to keep water cool.
✔ Refill with Cold Water – On extremely hot days, replace warm water with fresh cold water in the afternoon.
✔ Use Insulated or Enclosed Waterers – Fully sealed waterers or insulated models keep water cooler for longer.
✔ Prevent Algae Growth – Algae grows faster in summer. Clean waterers every few days and use apple cider vinegar (1 tbsp per gallon) to prevent algae.
Final Thoughts
The best chicken waterer for summer depends on your flock size, coop setup, and how often you want to refill. Whether you need a large-capacity, insulated, or automatic refill system, there’s a perfect waterer for your needs.
🏆 Best for Clean, Waste-Free Watering: RentACoop 5-Gallon Poultry Nipple Waterer – Prevents dirt and spillage.
🏆 Best for Easy Refilling & Outdoor Use: Harris Farms 3.5-Gallon Poultry Drinker – UV-resistant & simple to refill.
🏆 Best for Large Flocks & Hot Climates: OverEZ 12-Gallon Waterer – Holds water for days.
🏆 Best for Keeping Water Cool in Summer: Farm Innovators All-Season Waterer – Insulated design.
🏆 Best for Small Flocks & Minimal Waste: KEBONNIXS 2-Gallon Waterer with Cups – Auto-refilling cups reduce waste.
Before purchasing, check Amazon or local farm stores for availability and pricing.