Recent content by PortlandME

  1. PortlandME

    Not getting enough water from nipple waterer?

    I so appreciate all of the insights! The charging "anything new" whether its food, water, etc. seems like the most logical explanation for their behavior. I'll continue to monitor their water usage, and play around with the height and stability of the waterer just to be sure it's optimal.
  2. PortlandME

    Not getting enough water from nipple waterer?

    It's really hard to gauge how much water is coming out, as it only trickles out when they have their beak against the nipple. I've used this waterer exclusively since they've been outside (around 4 months) so I know for sure they are all getting water from it. I was just concerned that maybe...
  3. PortlandME

    Not getting enough water from nipple waterer?

    Oh, interesting. I thought it was supposed to be above their heads so their neck is extended upward slightly when drinking (to make it easier for them to swallow). Seems like every decision to be made has opposing opinions! 🙃
  4. PortlandME

    Not getting enough water from nipple waterer?

    Thanks! So how much use do you consider normal for your girls?
  5. PortlandME

    Not getting enough water from nipple waterer?

    This makes a lot of sense - thank you! Now I'm wondering about the 3 that haven't started laying and if it could be water related. They just turned 7 months, but assumed they hadn't begun laying because they hit maturity during the shorter days of the year. I figure they won't start laying...
  6. PortlandME

    Not getting enough water from nipple waterer?

    Thanks again for the response - great thoughts! I'd say it's about head height while their neck is slightly extended. I'll double check - maybe it needs to be raised a bit. I hadn't thought of them needing all 4 at once as I've never seen more than 2 drinking at the same time - but I'll keep...
  7. PortlandME

    Not getting enough water from nipple waterer?

    I saw the same when I searched, but it does say it can vary by season and age of chicken (only 3 of the 6 have started laying). It does seem on the low end, but I wasn't concerned until I've been seeing them drink from the watering can (previously I was filling with a hose). Nipples are...
  8. PortlandME

    Not getting enough water from nipple waterer?

    Yes - I've been checking it often now that we're below freezing to make sure everything is working as it should. Water comes out as soon as I touch the nipple, and I see the girls drinking throughout the day. Thanks for the reply!
  9. PortlandME

    Not getting enough water from nipple waterer?

    Woah - what an aggressive response! I thought nipple waterers were recommended for keeping the water clean. This was also the best reviewed heated drinker I could find. They don't need to "suck" on the nipple... just peck.
  10. PortlandME

    Not getting enough water from nipple waterer?

    Thanks for the quick reply! They aren't drinking a gallon a day... more like a gallon every 3-4 days. I'm in a cold climate (Maine), and the nipple waterer that I use is heated. The nipples are horizontal. This is the one I'm using...
  11. PortlandME

    Not getting enough water from nipple waterer?

    Hi All! I use a 2 gallon Farm Innovators nipple waterer for my 6 girls which they seem to use without issue. My concern is when I go to fill it up using a watering can, the girls always run over and take gulps of water out of the can (see photo!). This makes it seem like they are very thirsty...
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