4 weeks old and introducing the nipple water system

[RebelChief]

So....I put a nipple system into their run and want to switch them to this instead of the tiny little water dishes for chicks...will they figure it out like everything else? I've seen one drink from it. I can't catch the little buggars to show them what it is. They are to fast for my old self!

 

[RoosterML]

Try to have the nipple water in the same area you had the other waterer. Tap the nipples so that a drop of water rest on all the lips. Do this several times throughout the day. Monitor water level so you can see if they are drinking. Remove old waterer. For the first few days I will usually reinstall the old waterer about an hour before dark so everyone has something to drink. From that point on it’s a watch and see if they are all using the nipples. Once your comfortable with everything don’t put the old waterer back in.

 

[Skippersnh]

just do it'

 

[aart]

Try to have the nipple water in the same area you had the other waterer. Tap the nipples so that a drop of water rest on all the lips. Do this several times throughout the day. Monitor water level so you can see if they are drinking. Remove old waterer. For the first few days I will usually reinstall the old waterer about an hour before dark so everyone has something to drink. From that point on it’s a watch and see if they are all using the nipples. Once your comfortable with everything don’t put the old waterer back in.

Good advice from @RoosterML .

 

[RebelChief]

Thanks all. I am pretty much doing that. I did try to bribe them to try it by balancing a worm on each nipple

 

[aart]

Thanks all. I am pretty much doing that. I did try to bribe them to try it by balancing a worm on each nipple

Using a laser light can work too.
Hopefully one will 'get it' and the rest will follow quickly.

 

[adirondak5]

How are they doing with the nipples , did they get the hang of it yet ?

 

[RebelChief]

How are they doing with the nipples , did they get the hang of it yet ?

As a matter of fact I was out there the day before yesterday and they were all around it drinking. I was so happy. Glad to not have to fill the darn tiny chick waterer every day.

 

[adirondak5]

As a matter of fact I was out there the day before yesterday and they were all around it drinking. I was so happy. Glad to not have to fill the darn tiny chick waterer every day.

That's great

 

[SueT]

Glad to hear it worked out. Chicks are curious and will learn to use water nipples quickly, whether they are 1 day old or a few weeks. It's the older hens that need convincing. In fact, my chicks taught the hens all about it.