Chicken nipples, cups and FROZEN pvc pipes - HELP!

[Fishburne]

Really? They will figure it out? Ok. Will do.

You definitely want to remove all other water. However, that might not get them going on the nipples (they're not the brightest creatures). Once they're good and thirsty though, just tap the nipples with your finger and get some water going. Usually the dominant bird will investigate and figure it out. Once one of them figures it out, the rest will follow, chicken-see chicken-do.

 

[pawtraitart]

Actually, chickens are really smart. I've never shown an adult chicken how to use the horizontal nipples. I just take their old water out and put the new one in. They are naturally curious and attracted to the color red. They hatch "pre-programmed" that way. Once they are thirsty, they will start investigating and will figure it out.

 

[the43k]

I can't believe I am the first person to experience this problem. So I am seeking to glean from the experience of others. How do you keep pvc pipes from freezing and bursting when using a nipple, or cup watering system?

Can the nipples be inserted into another type of pipe that won't freeze? Can a larger diameter pipe be used? Can pipe heat wrap be safely used?

My chickens already love to eat or at least destroy the foam pipe insulation even when it was completely wrapped with duct tape - though it did slow them down.

I love this system, when it is working. It is so much more readily available to the chickens and cleaner also.

 

[northernchic]

At what age can baby chicks use these nipplers? I have almost 1 month old chicks. Can they use them?

 

[iwiw60]

At what age can baby chicks use these nipplers? I have almost 1 month old chicks. Can they use them?

Absolutely!!! What I did was I "tapped" the little stainless steel thingie, it makes a clicking noise. Out of curiosity they'll come up to it (they love the color of red!) and once just one of them takes a drink they'll all begin to use them. Be sure, however, to remove all other water sources...all of them! They'll get it...trust me! And you'll love it, too. No more dirty waterers to clean out every day...YAY!!

 

[ladycat]

At what age can baby chicks use these nipplers? I have almost 1 month old chicks. Can they use them?

Mine use them from the time they're hatched with no problems.

 

[the43k]

At what age can baby chicks use these nipplers? I have almost 1 month old chicks. Can they use them?

Yes, almost any age… Deprive them of water for a few hours, Click the nipple (that sounds exciting) and let them see it drip. Its that easy. I also put something for the chickens to climb onto so they can reach (if you've put them a full size chicken height)

 

[northernchic]

Oh...thank goodness! Lol! Ty!

 

[northernchic]

Are you sure they can use them? Each time I go out I push the little silver deal and the chicks RACE over to get the water I released. Are they just being lazy and enjoying free water or can they not figure it out. I seem them surround the nipples in groups but I can't tell if thwy are all getting enough water. The water in the tub does seem to be going down. I'm just worried that someone won't drink enough and I will kill them.

 

[iwiw60]

Are you sure they can use them? Each time I go out I push the little silver deal and the chicks RACE over to get the water I released. Are they just being lazy and enjoying free water or can they not figure it out. I seem them surround the nipples in groups but I can't tell if thwy are all getting enough water. The water in the tub does seem to be going down. I'm just worried that someone won't drink enough and I will kill them.

I used to think the same thing when I switched over....they'll be FINE!!