Best waterer for having mixed age flock?

[PhantomSlayer]

Had an issue where 2 chicks drowned in the adults water dish. I have a old bucket with the water cups that I just need to replace the cups (Accidently drop) but was wondering what other people do for flocks where they let their girls raise chicks?

Also not a food or water question but we also have an issue where the babies cant figure out the ramp so the mom is staying outside in the run with the babies. Should I put like a little shelter out there for her? I was thinking of switching our ramp to blocks when I have the money but still until the chicks can jump/fly I would still have the same issue so I'm at a loss on what to do.

 

[Altairsky]

Nipples. If I have small chicks I place a couple bricks or an upside down basket under the nipples and make sure they can climb and reach the nipples. Broody hen teach them how to use nipples or they have their own nipples in the brooder if they're from incubator.
I use a small canary drinker for the first week if they're too small to climb

 

[D Uccle Uncle]

Also not a food or water question but we also have an issue where the babies cant figure out the ramp so the mom is staying outside in the run with the babies. Should I put like a little shelter out there for her? I was thinking of switching our ramp to blocks when I have the money but still until the chicks can jump/fly I would still have the same issue so I'm at a loss on what to do.

It is my understanding that in the wild broody hens will lay on the ground and remain on the ground nightly until such time that the chicks can fly up to roost. I don't know where your hen sat on her eggs, but I'm sure she'd appreciate a little shelter at night. They like to back into a dark corner.

 

[PhantomSlayer]

It is my understanding that in the wild broody hens will lay on the ground and remain on the ground nightly until such time that the chicks can fly up to roost. I don't know where your hen sat on her eggs, but I'm sure she'd appreciate a little shelter at night. They like to back into a dark corner.

She didn't hatch the chicks she has but she was in the coop inside a storage bin made nesting box. Basically we cut a hole into a storage bin. Their eggs werent hatching after day 21 so I bought some chicks from a friend.

It's not going to well because of so many flaws in our set up. I'm unfortunately not at home to do DIY problem solving so I don't even know if I'll have any chicks left when I get back. So far we've lost 2 to the waterer. One got outside the coop when she wasn't ready to leave and died under the ramp. One apparently looked like it was stomped into the ground. Only have 2 left and I won't be home for 3 more days. Definately need to figure out something cause the same two hens are prone to being broody and I would love to allow them to raise chicks. And while one mom rejected these chicks shes apparently been seen helping out with them despite that.

 

[PhantomSlayer]

Nipples. If I have small chicks I place a couple bricks or an upside down basket under the nipples and make sure they can climb and reach the nipples. Broody hen teach them how to use nipples or they have their own nipples in the brooder if they're from incubator.
I use a small canary drinker for the first week if they're too small to climb

How long does it take to train to the nipple waterers? I have never used them in the 3 years we've had our birds.

 

[thecatumbrella]

How long does it take to train to the nipple waterers? I have never used them in the 3 years we've had our birds.

Get a vertical nipple drinker. It (meaning the metal rod) should be at beak height for the chicks. You can teach by tapping your finger on it, especially if you can get a water droplet hanging from the metal. Once in a while, a chick doesn't really get it. In that case, I'll hold her and tap the tip of her beak against the metal. That usually does the job.

 

[Altairsky]

I trained my old ladies by showing them that water comes out of the nipples. Chickens are smart (well, I can't guarantee this works for silkies) and they learn to use the nipples in a few minutes.
Easier with incubator chicks since you can train them to use nipples from day 1.