Are nipple waterers hard to keep clean?

[3KillerBs]

I never thought about the vacuum, I have a lid but there is a hole in it so the water can go in it has a plug for it I just have to find it......

they are clean but they still will either leak constantly or not give any water.

It sounds like your waterer might have low-quality nipples.

I made my own waterers with the horizontal nipples made by Rent-A-Coop. (Tip -- don't use the drill attachment to install them, put them in by hand to avoid cracking the plastic container).

 

[U_Stormcrow]

I have cups (because I have ducks, they can't effectively use the nipples waters to clear their beaks). Mechanically similar.

EASY to clean. Needs doing frequently, depending on environment. Dustier the environment, more you have to clean. Only takes a few seconds per cup though. Well worth the minimal trouble.

 

[backyardaustralorps]

In a similar light to many of the other responses, nipple waterers are the easiest waterers to keep clean. They also waste the least water. I use the horizontal nipples.

 

[blackdog043]

@BuffloverT Are you using horizontal or vertical nipples?
You need a hole near the top or a lid that does not seal tight, so it doesn't create a vacuum inside the container or the nipples won't work correctly. A small hole is fine. Vertical nipples tend to drip.

I can't tell what kind you have by what your describing. I use horizontals and haven't had many issues with them.

 

[BuffloverT]

@BuffloverT Are you using horizontal or vertical nipples?
You need a hole near the top or a lid that does not seal tight, so it doesn't create a vacuum inside the container or the nipples won't work correctly. A small hole is fine. Vertical nipples tend to drip.

I can't tell what kind you have by what your describing. I use horizontals and haven't had many issues with them.

I use a verticle that is the one I am having troubles with but I also have a cup water that is horizontal and so far I love that one.

 

[rosemarythyme]

I use a verticle that is the one I am having troubles with but I also have a cup water that is horizontal and so far I love that one.

Verticals are more prone to dripping/leaking - I've never had issue with mine but a lot of people find them somewhat problematic.

 

[neo71665]

Verticals are more prone to dripping/leaking - I've never had issue with mine but a lot of people find them somewhat problematic.

Since they hold water all the time unlike the horizontal they can freeze in cold weather and crack.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Since they hold water all the time unlike the horizontal they can freeze in cold weather and crack.

Never had an issue with that but we only get down to just below freezing, so that's certainly not much of a test.

I still keep my vertical waterer on hand as a backup (just in case I ever go on vacation, ha!) but perfectly satisfied with my horizontal one.