IMHO, the spring loaded horizontal nipples are better then the vertical. They have o-rings that seal them shut, using both water pressure and spring pressure.
I did have one start leaking, but it may be because it was in an unused (during the summer) bucket that was leaning against something...
I use one of these for my coop lighting. The timer itself is run by two AA batteries, so draws no current from the 12V system. All it does is slide a plate up and down, which moves the wall switch (wired to 12VDC) to the "ON" or "OFF" position...
I found one of my Black Australorp hens wedged between a 2x4 and the coop wall under the roost today, stiff as a board.
Poor thing. Don't know if she broke her neck, suffocated, or what.
:((
I've been using one of these for the last two winter with no problem (other than the aluminum oxidizing).
Maybe a coat of paint applied before using it the first time would help...
Looks great!
I can't help but think after the chickens peck at it thousands of times it will eventually come apart. Maybe put a screw in each lower joint just to be sure. If you need to use the parts for plumbing you can turn the pipe so the holes don't overlap.
Stop doing it for them. When they get thirsty enough, they'll figure it out (but check anyway to be sure the water level is dropping).
Have you touched their beaks to the pin?
All the chicks I hand raised grew up to be extra friendly, except for the two Black Australorp roosters. The brooder was an appliance box made in to a hexagon shape and placed on the floor. I cut a fold down door into the front and would sit in front of it watching them and "socializing" (OK...
I only have 24 hens and a rooster using the 5 into 1 system right now. I have 11 chicks to add, but will be building a separate coop for the Easter eggers (5 hens, a rooster, and probably 5 chicks) soon, I hope.
The vertical nipples shouldn't normally leak. They are messy because the chicken will splash water all over as it gets a few drop for itself.
I had a problem (once) with the vertical nipples. One got stuck open somehow and most of the water in the system leaked out. This would have been...
I've been using a blue 5 gal Lowes bucket for the last year or so, with 8-10 (I forget how many) horizontal nipples in two rows on the sides. No problems with cracks or leaks yet.
HOWEVER....
It is always inside the coop, up on concrete blocks and out of direct sunlight.