Can 3 day old chicks drink from a horizontal nipple?

[HexHinton]

We brought home 12 barred rocks today and attempted to teach them how to use the horizontal nipples. After 6 hours it seemed as though they just couldn't grasp the concept. Am I trying to start this too early? Should I wait a week? I'm scared they will die in the night if I don't give them another water source.

 

[myfarm4579]

If I remember right they should be 4-6 weeks old so they can develop their neck muscles a bit before trying. I know others have done it with day olds without a problem. I did mine at 4 weeks and they caught on quick. Others may differ but if it were me I may wait a few days or so and try again. They learn quickly just remember to take away any other water source.

 

[carynlg]

I agree, I started mine at about 1 1/2 - 2 weeks on a nipple waterer. Took the about 2 hrs but once the first girl figured it out the other followed quickly behind her. I sat with them and tapped on the end of it to get their attention and show that water dropped as I did that. Amazing how little waste and mess there is now! Totally worth it! Just keep trying periodily and allowing periods where they can access fresh water easily if they don't catch on. Good luck!

 

[speedy2020]

3 days old chicks are still young. I would wait at least 10 days and older.

 

[HexHinton]

I gave them open water last night before bed and decided to let them get a little bigger. Thanks for the advice. I scoured the Internet and had zero luck fining the answer.

 

[DanEP]

I just started a new batch of chicks on the HN and found that at one week the smaller birds were still having trouble getting water but by day 10 Every body could use them just fine.