Can baby chicks learn nipple waterer?

[backyardfarmgirl]

We just got our new baby chicks today and I'm worried they're not getting enough water. Only a few of them seem to even try to drink from the waterer. So far we've been pushing the "button" to get water to come out for them. I'm wondering if their beaks are even strong enough to push it at just a day old. Are we trying to start them out on it too soon? Should we do something different and try this at an older age?

We're doing a fermented feed that is barely moist (not the wetter stuff) so I'm wondering if they're getting their water from that. I just don't want to lose a chick to dehydration!

 

[ChickNanny13]

Think it was the instructions that I read to use when chicks are 8 days old. I start mine off with the quart (messy) water & ferment their feed. The FF i make to a consistancy of oatmeal, mine like it better drier than wet (2x blackdog043)
I was not aware of it, learned the hard way (not in instructions) you need to vent the waterer with the water nipples, or a vacuum form & no water will come out. I drilled a small hole about an inch below the rim. Also figured out the water expels when "pecked" under the metal piece. So "peck" between the metal & red "cup", play with it & the chicks learn. I also mark the container so I can watch the level, if it doesn't drop then they're not figuring it out but when one gets it, the rest will follow. Just keep a close eye for a few days. They won't drink much cause they are getting liquid from the FF.

 

[HenOnAJuneBug]

I don't think baby chicks will have enough strength to operate horizontal nipples. Takes a pretty good peck to get them to work

 

[HenOnAJuneBug]

Those cheap plastic waterers are great to have around. I've used them when I've had to isolate a hen/roo for whatever reason.

 

[Joeschooks]

Have you tried gently tapping their beaks on the nipple until water comes out? Once one realises that’s how to get water the others should soon follow suit.

I’ve never tried nipple waterers with chicks but if you are concerned put some clean pebbles in a shallow dish with some water and dip their beaks in it so they know where to find it. Good luck.

 

[HenOnAJuneBug]

I think you're going to have to wait until the chicks get to be a few months old before you can reliably use that waterer. I'd get one of these until then. Pretty cheap. Put it up on a brick. They'll love you for it.

 

[pennyJo1960]

holding the beak to the nipple mine have learned never had a issue

 

[backyardfarmgirl]

Ya, I think I'm going to just have to get a regular waterer for now. Those horizontal nipples seem to take a lot of force to get the water to come out. I don't think the vertical ones take as much or something.

 

[HenOnAJuneBug]

The vertical nipples take no effort because it's just the weight of the pin sealing the valve. The horizontal nipples have a spring that forces the pin to seal the valve.

 

[Njroosters]

Yes. They can. From day 1. But it makes the brooder quite messy!