Can I use a rodent water bottle for chicks?

[Dar]

I am at capacity right now and i am looking for options.

My brooder is a quarantine pen right now so my feeders and waterers that pen are in use too ... I am using a dog crate ..( it looks like a play pen) as my brooder for my 3 day old chicks..

there is a spot on the side to insert a rodent style water bottle .. but can I train the chicks to use a water bottle? I am assuming yes because they can be trained to use a nipple system right?

 

[TaLani]

I've read on BYC that many people say that they use rabbit waterer bottles, so sure.

 

[speakup4kids]

I use a guinea pig/rabbit water bottle for my older chicks and they are absolutely hilarious to watch drinking from it! It took them about two seconds to learn how to use it. (younger chicks might need a little extra guidance) I still leave extra water in a chicken water bowl for them too but that's only because it is so dang hot they go through their water fast!! I have noticed that they don't seem to waste as much with the rabbit feeder which is a GOOD thing!!

 

[brendapa]

Yep, chicks pick it up real fast. Tap on the metal ball with your finger nail to teach them.

Brenda

 

[dieselgrl48]

I have never thought of it really.I guess they would naturaly peck at it for water.I doubt for for newbie one's but older ones.I have several here from my chinchilla's rabbit's etc.I might fix up a couple and place in some coop pen's or on run's see if they use them.lIt would probably be a good idea if they got enough water from it.No more dirty water's with wood chips etc. Hmmm

.Worth a try.

 

[Dar]

thats what I am thinking as well.... easy no escape chicks when i change the water...

no chasing them around the dining room at 6am when i do the inside chicken chores before work

 

[Knight Hawk Ranch]

They really get the hang of it quickly...they see that shiny little ball and peck at it...they can't help themselves. The water comes out and they drink the drops.

I have used the rabbit bottles lots of times with no problems and a lot less mess.

 

[DragonEggs]

Wow what a great idea! I always wondered but kept thinking "Nah..." Now I wanna try it with ALL my chickens!

 

[CoyoteMagic]

I put "rabbit bottles" and quail waterers (so they don't drown)in my brooders when I first get chicks or any kind. They learn to use both fairly easy. This way when I move them to a bigger brooder, are able to which fits best

 

[Mrs. Fluffy Puffy]

I used to have 3 chicks in with two bunnies, and they had a bottled waterer thing in there and the chicks figured out how to drink out of it really easy! I'm pretty sure they can smell the water! Good luck with yours!