Cups or nipples...waterers that is!?

Just getting ready to order the watering supplies and we need wisdom. We will have a gravity fed system...but what works better nipples or cups? Thanks!

Just depends. In the grand scheme of things, I think nipples are best since the clean up can be easier-- however just like people, chickens have their preferences! Think of how much time YOU want to spend cleaning out the water cups & the system in general. Some of my baby chicks will take to the nipple right away, others won't even bother and stay that way through maturity. I spoil my chickens so I have both options in my brooders & smaller coops, but with my older hens they only have the nipple option---they won't go without water!

I have the nipples on two one quart plastic pitchers for three pullets. I was worried they werent getting enough water, so I gave them a cup...they ignored it. My dog stays in the run with them part of the day and they think he is mom, so when he drank from his water bowl they did, too, but promptly tipped it over two days in a row!

I keep one bottle in the coop, the other out in the run. They have had no problems and do drink plenty. I introduced it by using my finger to peck the nipple loudly and that was more effective than trying to get them to peck by holding them in place! Anything I tap, they have to run over to check out.

For so few chickens, I prefer having bottles so I can track how much they get and keep the water fresh.

However, evryone has a preference. One thing I can say, though, is I did not get seals or nuts with the screw in nipples I ordered. They did not screw down tight because there is just not enough plastic for the threads, even though I used teflon tape around the threads. I would find seals and nuts or plan on time for silicon sealant to cure if making your own...

Thanks so much. Love all the wisdom I get!

I hate to steal the thread, but where do you recommend I find nipples? I have been to the local feed shops and they don't seem to have them. Is there an online source?

SouthernAlberta said:

I hate to steal the thread, but where do you recommend I find nipples? I have been to the local feed shops and they don't seem to have them. Is there an online source?

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Amazon.... dot com. Here's a link.

http://www.amazon.com/s?ie=UTF8&tag...words=poultry nipples&sourceid=Mozilla-search

I recommend the "push in" nipples over the threaded type. Much easier to install and no tape or sealent.

I second push in over screw in....Liitle harder to get in but no leaks. I got mine at QC supply online.

Hawgon said:

I second push in over screw in....Liitle harder to get in but no leaks. I got mine at QC supply online.

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Which ones did you buy? And how many should I buy for 8 chickens

You ONLY need 2 nipples for 8 chickens, but. I would run 3. If you have to many they can clog due to lack of use. The girls tend to use the same one over and over, weird I know? I have seen three chickens using the same nipple at the same time, pretty funny. I would order more then you need. You will change your setup or upgrade it, or make a mistake.
Good luck
http://www.qcsupply.com/420011-push-in-style-nipple.html