Just installed automatic waterers. Any thoughts on how to teach the horses to use them? I know a couple are drinking out of them when I let the stock tanks gets low. But last night I filled the stock tank and this morning they had emptied half of it. More than usual. Don't want to take the chance that they won't drink by taking away the stock tank completely. I had 2 tanks and have gone done to 1. Suggestions? Thanks.
Posted 2009-04-29 2:14 PM (#104176 - in reply to #104172) Subject: RE: Automatic waterers
Elite Veteran
Posts: 714 Location: Minnesota
If you can, let the tanks go dry. When you see a horse go to it for water, lead it over to the automatic. You may have to splash the water or even wet their nose with your hand. Hopefully as you get a couple of them going over there, the others will follow.
Another option might to be placing pails of water proggresivly closer to the waterer over a period of days.
Posted 2009-04-29 4:15 PM (#104180 - in reply to #104172) Subject: RE: Automatic waterers
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 455 Location: Texas
My theory is that they'll always figure it out before they die of thirst.
I've seen a few people put their horses in a pasture with an automatic waterer for the first time. They always say, "I'm not sure if my horse will know how to drink," and, "I'm going to put a bucket out there for them." Usually the bucket sits full while the horse drinks from the automatic waterer.
For piece of mind, companies such as Ritchie make a water meter so you can see how much your horses are drinking.
Posted 2009-04-29 8:50 PM (#104189 - in reply to #104184) Subject: RE: Automatic waterers
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 455 Location: Texas
Originally written by lindszo on 2009-04-29 7:21 PM
I did not know they made anything to measure the amount they drank.
If you go on Ritchie's website, they should have a part number. Then, you can call a local Ritchie dealer and get it from them. Or, if you don't know who to call, the regional distributors are on their site.
Posted 2009-05-01 12:14 PM (#104275 - in reply to #104172) Subject: RE: Automatic waterers
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 489 Location: CA
If you're worried they're getting dehydrated, you can do the pinch test on their neck. If the skin returns to flat w/in 1 second, they're fine. If it's longer than 1 second, don't take them on a long, hot ride. They'll figure the new waterers out pretty soon.
Posted 2009-05-02 1:40 AM (#104322 - in reply to #104172) Subject: RE: Automatic waterers
Expert
Posts: 2828 Location: Southern New Mexico
I'd let the tank run dry, just keep an eye on them. I've got one that prefers to drink out of the water in her stall and one that won't drink in the stall unless she is locked up for an extended time.
Automatic waterers
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