Best way to provide water to 3 day old Bantam chicks?

[Western North Carolina]

Hi, I have roughly 30 bantam chicks arriving next week from Welp hatchery. I assume they will only be a few days old. Never had such small chicks before, and was wondering what the best "no mess" way would be to give them water. I wanted to do the poultry nipple thing, but I fear they will be too small and weak to use it. Anyone else ever had bantam chicks only a few days old and how did you water them? When were they able to use a water nipple? I just want to be prepared and keep their area as dry and clean as possible. I have searched on google like crazy, but there isn't much info for tiny bantams. Most watering systems are geared towards full-size chicks. Once they are older, I will switch to nipple system. Thx.

 

[Abriana]

I had one bantam chick. She thinks she is very big, and does everything the big chickens do. However you might want to use a quart waterer with the screw on bottom. Put some marbles in it so that they can’t drown. I never put marbles in but she was fine. I was also very naive back then! Now she is all grown up and keeps wanting more children. Never satisfied

 

[Folly's place]

I've had Belgian d'Uccles, Brahma bantams, and now also EE bantams, and raise chicks every year. I use the 'regular' galvanized or plastic waterers, and they do fine. I have both broodies raising them, and brooder raised bantams, with the one gallon plastic waterers to start, and then the two or three gallon sized waterers.
Especially for summer time brooding, I'd recommend using a brooder plate rather than a heat lamp, because summer temps plus heat lamp will easily get too warm.
What breeds are coming?
You do know to visit your post office and give all your phone numbers, and tell them to call IMMEDIATLY when the babies arrive! Or, find out if there's a nearby regional center where you can get them sooner.
Enjoy! Pictures!
Mary

 

[Western North Carolina]

They are mostly polish. That was one of the reasons I wanted to do the nipple type watering system when they get older. I have researched a LOT and saw that many people had issues with the crests getting dirty because they would get wet when drinking. I have silver laced polish, white crested black, pure white polish, white silkies, and a few random colored cochin frizzles on the way. The minimum order was 30, or I would have gotten less. From what I have read, some may die. I had them vaccinated for Mareks, and will feed medicated chick food. I have researched everything I could, from how to clip around their eyes so they can see, to possibly issues, etc. I just joined this page because half the time I search a question this site comes up. I plan on keeping the breeds pure (not looking to do shows or anything), and maybe trying a few crosses, but depends. I won't breed any till I see what they look like grown, in order to choose best ones. Plus I don't want a lot, so need to keep numbers in check. I am not a breeder. This is just for me. No pets no kids, no close neighbors. Taking a year off work and will have plenty of time to get the flock going. They will be my pets, and I expect to get very attached, lol.

 

[Folly's place]

Yes! Welcome! It will be a fun project, although with breeds that can be trickier than some others. But you are getting what you want, and that's great. It sounds like a beautiful group too.
Mary

 

[Western North Carolina]

Oh, and yes, I know to pick them up at the post office. I'm so excited, I have watched every youtube video of "unboxing" there is, ha ha. I just like to be prepared so searching out all the info I can prior. Important info, fun info, all of it.

 

[lazy gardener]

I would use a qt. or gallon sized waterer. Initially, you can put it on a large piece of cardboard to help keep the shavings out of it. When they get a bit bigger, you can raise it up on some scraps of wood or a few bricks, depending on how agile they are.

I recommend Poultry Nutri Drench during the first 2 weeks.

If you have not already done so, read about:

Heating pad or mother heating pad brooding.

Wool hen.

huddle box.

 

[Folly's place]

I've never ordered from Welp, but from Cackle, I can follow by the tracking number, and it helps. Two years ago the chicks arrived at the wrong post office, and it was obvious by tracking them, and then that phone call, and a drive to the next town immediately.
Mary

 

[Western North Carolina]

Eek! Oh, I'll be tracking them. Very nervous and hoping all arrive ok. This is a very small town, so post office staff will be on it.

 

[av8torcrj]

I just got an order of 19 bantams from McMurray. They were all super sparky at arrival and were all over the small quart jar sized waterer and being so small they were getting their tummies wet. I put a shallow layer of well washed granite that is typically used as a grit for larger birds into the base and the problem was solved. They've got the hang of the waterer now and have gone from wading in it to pooping and filling it with shavings just for fun.