Can you use nipple waterers for chicks?

[LauraG]

I am going to be getting baby chicks here in less than 2 weeks and I am blessed to have found this site.

I have decided that I wanted to use nipples for watering my chickens, but what about the chicks?

Is there something I can do to water the chicks using the nipple waterers? Is this possible? If i start them on nipple waterers the adjustment would be a snap once they go out to their coop.

Most of the threads I have searched through pertian to grown chickens. I apologize if this has been discussed, but I could really use your input. Or if you can direct me to a thread that addresses it I would be greatful!

This is my first time raising chickens and I am so excited! I want to have everything prepared for them before they arrive!

Blessings,
Laura

 

[Dogfish]

Attach your setup to a vertical post and move upwards as they grow, or build a ramp and a platform that they can walk up onto to reach the water. Stacked pieces of 2x6, maybe 3 or 4, would work pretty well. Take one out every two weeks or as needed, changing the height they gave to reach for water. You would have to teach them to drink from it, but that isn't hard to do.

 

[Neil Grassbaugh]

Depending on your set-up and the number of birds you will be working with a suspended sytem that you can easily adjust the height on could work really well.
More information is needed.

 

[jmagill]

My chicks started using the nipples at day two. I wanted them to have a good drink before starting them and it is easier when they can stand up properly.
I did not even have to show them how.

I had it on the bottom of a creamer container and it has a hanging rope do I can adjust the height as they grow.

 

[LauraG]

Quote:
That sounds like a wonderful idea, Thank you!

 

[LauraG]

Quote:
Hello Neil,
I plan on getting 8 chicks.

I will have them in some sort of brooder- i havent decided yet what to get. The tractor supply has them in a big black feed tub, and the feed store has them in a big oblong galvanized steel tub (looks like a horse waterer or something)

They will be in my spare bedroom until they get bigger, then maybe I'll set them up in the basement (if I must, I prefer them to be as close to me as possible...lol), then I plan on putting them in their new coop with a suspended watering system- a 5 gallon pail with a nipple for water.

If you have any suggestions for me I would love to hear them!

Blessings,
Laura

 

[LauraG]

Quote:
That is great to know, thank you! Im trying to picture a creamer container, is that like a milk jug or something? what type of brooder did you keep them in? Thank you!

Blessings,
Laura

 

[Chickmano]

I hope these pictures load correctly...they show two of our chicks using the suspended waterer. My husband made it from an old soda bottle and a coat hanger. It works great and the chicks caught on instantly. Sure beats cleaning out that little ground level thing every hour!

 

[jmagill]

 

[vachicks]

Are these nipples chicken specific? where would find them? I am using one with a ball right now - it was a dog waterer designed to hang on a crate, my hens are crazy about it I think they use it just for play! I would like a bigger one though b/c they can go though this one in about a day and a half and if I am not home they could run out. tks