Horizontal nipples - are they getting enough water??

[Jonessa]

I just switched my girls over to a watered with horizontal nipples after a winter of open water. I know they’re using them... but as soon as I let them out in the yard they race to the remaining snow patches and start gobbling up snow and melt water. Should I be concerned that they’re not getting enough water from the nipples? Or is it just the novelty of the melting snow?

 

[Kiki]

How big is the container with the nipples/ how much water does it hold?
Can you measure how much they are drinking in a day?

 

[rosemarythyme]

Definitely check to make sure every chicken is able to use the nipples.

Mine still prefer dripping rain water, dirty puddles, etc. over clean water from the nipples.

 

[ChickNanny13]

Is the container vented? It slipped my mind & luckily found out when I tested the nipples. Drilled a hole about an inch below the rim. Also I mark a fill line on the contain, to keep track of their drinking.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Is the container vented? It slipped my mind & luckily found out when I tested the nipples. Drilled a hope about an inch below the rim. Also I mark a fill line on the contain, to keep track of their drinking.

Good point, I had to add a hole to my waterer as well. If there's a vacuum it'll feel like there's some suction holding the lid on, when you try to open it.

I also test the nipples daily during cold weather/frequently otherwise by poking them and ensuring that there's still good water flow.

 

[Jonessa]

How big is the container with the nipples/ how much water does it hold?
Can you measure how much they are drinking in a day?

It's a 3 gallon clear blue bucket. I could try measuring, maybe mark the water level with a washable marker? How much should they be drinking? I have 6 full size hens, and 1 silkie cross.

 

[Jonessa]

Is the container vented? It slipped my mind & luckily found out when I tested the nipples. Drilled a hole about an inch below the rim. Also I mark a fill line on the contain, to keep track of their drinking.

I don't see any vent, but when I test the nipples the water comes out freely.

 

[jreardon1918]

If you are unsure, try measuring daily consumption. My seven hens have used just HN for two years. The bucket sits on a brick under the raised coop. That allows me to leave the cover a bit loose. Which allows air in.

 

[blackdog043]

Yes, they will go to other sources of water when let out, it's totally normal. As long as your container is not air tight and water comes out when you tap the pin, everything is fine. All lids don't fit air tight. Just make sure you have seen all of them using the nipples.

 

[Criticalicious]

The snow always tastes better than the waterer, or so they tell me.