Can baby chicks learn nipple waterer?

[blackdog043]

They should do fine with the horizontal nipples. Watch them and see if they are swallowing after hitting the nipple, then you know.

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.

Yes they are getting water from feeding fermented, even when it's on the dry side. I never feed fermented very wet, it's like biscuit dough/ mashed potatoes, my chickens don't like it real wet.

 

[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.

 

[robcam817]

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

Horizontal or vertical? Did they take to it from day 1? Thanks.

 

[ChickNanny13]

I use the horizontal, instructions say 8 day olds as the younger ones don't have the "strength". I did learn with the horizontal, it needs a vent; I drilled a hole about an inch below the rim or a vacuum happens. I also figured out to "peck" under the silver lever for water. So with me trying to figure out how it worked, the chicks followed and "monkey see, monkey do". Not sure about the vertical.