Can the automatic nipple waterer be introduced later??

[ChickenKid11]

I have heard many good things about the nipple waterer, but my chicks are about 1 and a half to 2 months old.... Can I introduce that kind of waterer soon or will it be to late??

 

[OrpieLover31]

I have heard many good things about the nipple waterer, but my chicks are about 1 and a half to 2 months old.... Can I introduce that kind of waterer soon or will it be to late??

I think it will be okay, just teach them how to use it!



Good luck!

 

[Demosthine]

We were using the nipple waterers with our last batch a week after we got them as day-olds. They absolutely prefer them over the regular waters. When we had to switch to the bucket waterer for administering dome antibiotics, they got downright mad, pounding and pecking the nipples incessantly.

We had picked up a six-month old Marans and she took to the nipple waterer immediately, too. That time was easy because there were other girls in the coop with her drinking, so she had an obvious example to learn from. None of them have had any difficulties learning, though. We currently have 17 ranging from 4 weeks to 9 months and all drink from them well.

Yeah, they prefer the nipple waterer for sure.

 

[misgallinas6]

I have heard many good things about the nipple waterer, but my chicks are about 1 and a half to 2 months old.... Can I introduce that kind of waterer soon or will it be to late??

yep its fine, i actually couldnt find the nipple waterer here in this country, so i bought a rodent watering system few actually...(the bottle with the stainless steal tube) and teh love it!! i show the by making noise and poking it with my finger, they got it right away!

 

[Rebeckyjo]

OK, my girls are 14 wks and won't use the nipple waterer we made for them. You mention "teaching" them to use it. How do you do that? I can hardly catch them. Any clues?
Becky

 

[Demosthine]

First, take away all other sources of water and let them be for several hours to a day, depending on your environment. After several hours, go out to the coop with them and tap the nipple so that water comes out. They should be curious of the clicking sound of metal-on-metal when you tap it. Almost immediately, mine would mimic the motion and then get water on their beaks. From there, it was pretty much instant learning.

If they are having problems learning, some say to put some peanut butter on the end of the nipple and they'll eat it. During the course of eating it, it moves the nipple and water flows out. That is supposed to help, also.

 

[misgallinas6]

First, take away all other sources of water and let them be for several hours to a day, depending on your environment. After several hours, go out to the coop with them and tap the nipple so that water comes out. They should be curious of the clicking sound of metal-on-metal when you tap it. Almost immediately, mine would mimic the motion and then get water on their beaks. From there, it was pretty much instant learning.

If they are having problems learning, some say to put some peanut butter on the end of the nipple and they'll eat it. During the course of eating it, it moves the nipple and water flows out. That is supposed to help, also.

thats is what i did!! once one gets it, its a dobe deal!!

 

[barnaclebob]

Our chicks were on a nipple waterer as soon as we got them at 2 or 3 days old and pretty much just started using it without having to be shown because they like to peck at anything that looks different than the rest of their environment.

When first go our older chickens at 8 weeks they took a little longer to learn but as soon as one started doing it they all caught on quick. If you let them get a little thirsty they will start looking for water and will be eager to use the nipples when they see the water.

 

[Rebeckyjo]

Thank you so much. I'm off to the coop! Before the storms roll in. Living in the Midwest can be treacherous!!!
Becky

 

[Gemstatemom]

I'm wondering how I can ensure that all 24 Buff Orp chicks (2 weeks old today) are drinking from the nipples. When we pull them out individually and try to get them to drink, they are too stressed to perform and just want to get back into the chick box with the rest. If we try to isolate the chicks and just have one with the watering bucket, they again are wanting to be with everyone else and not interested in demonstrating if they know how to drink from the nipples.

I've been reluctant to pull the small water fount from their box until I know all 24 have figured it out, but maybe I just need to do it and hope the slow learners catch on before they are dehydrated?

I tried putting cherry halves and watermelon chunks on the nipple ends, and it attracts a lot of interests but the fruit falls off quickly and then they all just run around chasing whoever happens to have a piece of fruit in their beak. Chicken football with no goal posts! Amusing to watch, but it isn't accomplishing the learning process we are intending. LOL

It is obvious from the metallic tapping that a number have gotten the hang of it. so maybe I just have to trust that the rest will catch on when they get thirsty enough?

thanks for any feedback/insight.