Changing Waters

[alixd]

I'm trying to get my chickens to use the nipple waterer, they are between 1 and 4 years old. I've had the nipple waterer in the coop for a couple of weeks and it does not look like anyone has used it as I marked the water level. Has anyone tried putting something on the nipple (i.e. food) to show them how to use. I'm afraid of removing my other watering source until they know how to use the nipple.

 

[Bawkbok]

I was thinking about switching to the nipples as well however, after literally hours of research in reading professional and personal reviews, I came to the conclusion they are not worth the $ as it sounds like they all have a leaking problem. I've yet to find a watering solution I like. We have now, count 'em, 8 different feeder/waterer products stacked up in the garage. With such a small flock, it's difficult to find a compact feeder / waterer that doesn't require a ton of space, is reliable, doesn't require constant cleaning, like the cups do, and keeps the water clean. If it's out there, please do share.

 

[rosemarythyme]

I came to the conclusion they are not worth the $ as it sounds like they all have a leaking problem.

All is a bit of a hyperbole. I have not had leakage in either my horizontal or vertical nipple waterers. It's a matter of fitting the nipple housing in snugly, and the walls of the waterer being sturdy enough to hold it well.

Caveat is I have NOT built my own waterers. So mine have come properly drilled for the size of the nipples that were included.

Has anyone tried putting something on the nipple (i.e. food) to show them how to use. I'm afraid of removing my other watering source until they know how to use the nipple.

I've seen suggestions to wedge mealworms or a similar small treat into the nipple to encourage them to peck, or you can smear something that's chicken safe that will stick around the toggle area for the same effect.

The reality is if you give them the option of a waterer they're used to, and one that they aren't (that might take a little more thought to use), they're always going to opt for the one they're used to. They won't dehydrate if you remove the other waterers for a couple of hours while teaching them to use the new one.

 

[Logar]

I was thinking about switching to the nipples as well however, after literally hours of research in reading professional and personal reviews, I came to the conclusion they are not worth the $ as it sounds like they all have a leaking problem. I've yet to find a watering solution I like. We have now, count 'em, 8 different feeder/waterer products stacked up in the garage. With such a small flock, it's difficult to find a compact feeder / waterer that doesn't require a ton of space, is reliable, doesn't require constant cleaning, like the cups do, and keeps the water clean. If it's out there, please do share.

The nipple waterers work great. You can get them for super cheap and use a 5 gallon bucket. You can also seal it very easily. Mine has never leaked, although I don’t use a bucket. The container is actually thinner than a bucket.

 

[aart]

The container is actually thinner than a bucket.

Which actually works better, IMO.
I can be tricky to get the threads to seal without over tightening(usually why buckets crack).

Horizontal nipples are the best for cold climates with a heater because the seal is inside the vessel.
It can take time to 'train' them to use the nipples tho,
best to do it during mild weather to avoid dehydration issues.

 

[Bawkbok]

Do you all mind sharing what brand you use if you don't build your own?
What do you mean by container vs. bucket - what kind of a container?

This morning I switched back to the annoying bucket with cups but I first had to dismantle it and clear the clogs. I wash and clean this thing every day so I don't know why they are clogging and the cups don't fill properly when that happens. So frustrating.

 

[aart]

What do you mean by container vs. bucket - what kind of a container?

I have several articles about the waterers I've made.
Anyone can browse thru them, lots of tips in there.

 

[Logar]

Do you all mind sharing what brand you use if you don't build your own?
What do you mean by container vs. bucket - what kind of a container?

I have the OverEz waterer. It is very over priced for what it is but it came with my coop so that is just what I use. If I could go back I would have sealed it from the inside but it is a bit too late for that.

 

[Yardmom]

I use Rent A Coop nipples that I ordered from Amazon. If they get dirt in them or the bucket cracks they will leak, but most of time they work well.

 

[NatJ]

I've yet to find a watering solution I like. We have now, count 'em, 8 different feeder/waterer products stacked up in the garage.

I like this waterer:
https://www.strombergschickens.com/chick-small-waterers/universal-fount-no-50/

I skipped the wall-mount thing, and just sat it on something high (milk crate, stack of bricks or concrete blocks, etc.) Due to the shape, it can go in a corner better than most of the other trough-type waterers. The trough is deeper than most, which is fine for adult chickens (even bantams) but not for newly-hatched chicks.

Chickens are going to scratch and throw stuff around.
If the lip of the waterer is at the height of the birds' backs, less stuff gets in the water.
If the chickens have to hop up on something and then drink from the waterer, even less stuff gets in the water.

Any plastic waterer is going to crack at some point, usually when it is very inconvenient. Once you find a waterer you like, consider getting a spare to have on hand That also lets you switch them out in cold weather, so one can be thawing in the house while the chickens are drinking from the other.