Nipples are definitely the way to go! (Keeping in mind that the instructions suggest 1 nipple per 6 chickens)
My hubby is now so excited about all we've done that he wants to attach pvc pipe to the bucket and have them drink from that so that he can do a duplicate line under the hen house...
I am planning to use the nipples for my chickens as they get older....but started them off on a gerbil waterer! They learned fast (1/2 hour after getting them home), and are doing well with it!