Anyone using both nipple and fount waterers?

[texsuze]

Howdy,
I have only 5 hens; they free-range during the day and are in two separate coop/run setups during the night (don't ask

). They have a total of 7 watering founts (both plastic and metal) placed within their runs, under trees, and in 'mini-tractors' throughout their area.

Question: Does anyone use nipple waterers in addition to standard founts? I'd like to incorporate the nipple watering system, but not sure if it would work outside the chicken runs, since we have squirrels around; they are quite pesky. We also get freezing temps in the winter, especially where the founts are exposed to wind.

Would it be too confusing to use both types of systems at once? I would like to try the bucket & nipple system in the runs, in the barn (where they spend lots of time), and maybe try one in the pasture under the trees, for starters.

Any suggestions are appreciated.

 

[sm2teach]

I use a nipple system inside my coop/run but have fount waterers all around outside the run. They free range during the day and with it being so hot I wanted them to have plenty of access to water. I did take the fount waterer away from them inside their run and left them in there during the morning before it got too hot to teach them to use the nipples. They learned just fine and now they use which ever is closest.

 

[texsuze]

Thanks, that is useful information. I'm in the Hill Country

. I might wait until, oh, December, when temps are back down into the 80's before attempting any changes in my watering system!

Anyone else?

 

[sm2teach]

Yes, I installed the nipple system about two weeks ago before the temps got into the triple digits. I don't think I would have tried now. It is too hot even in the morning hours.

 

[mmorgan79936]

I also use both. I have a flock of 35 and mine too are spread out between 3 coops at night they just pick their spot and go lol I have the nipples in the coops and the Founts outside along the edge of the barn. They caught on very quickly and now just use whichever is closer to them. Even the chicks who are 8 weeks use both. I think their curiosity got them catching on to the nipples when I first put them up