Chickens aren't learning new water system?

[ksandvig]

Ok so a few weeks ago we made the nipple water system w/ a 5 gl bucket, we drilled holes in bottom of bucket & put 4 nipples in, it is hanging in the run & they haven't touched it :/ I have sat there day after day showing them there is water in it LOL nope they don't use it
Any suggestions???? I haven't taken their regular waterer out as I don't want them to NOT drink??!!
Thanks in advance

 

[Wxguru]

Take the regular waterer out of the run....they may be dependent on it...they will look for the source.....just keep at it. Patience is the key...they are birds after all...lol

 

[Urban Flock]

Take the regular waterer out of the run....they may be dependent on it...they will look for the source.....just keep at it. Patience is the key...they are birds after all...lol

x2.

 

[ksandvig]

Well OK I guess I will try that today, gee I will feel bad haha but guess I will keep an eye on them to see if it works thanks

 

[Wxguru]

Just keep an eye on them. Once they realize their normal source is gone...curiosity will start getting them...and they should go to the other waterer. If you see them looking at it at that point, you might go out there and tap the nipples and see if they reach up for the water....

 

[yyz0yyz0]

A couple suggestions that might help:

Put the new waterer in the same place as you removed the old one.

If you are really worried you could try putting a small dab of peanut butter on each nipple, although I don't think it will be needed.

 

[enola]

If you can get ONE of them to drink from the nipples, the rest will learn from that one. It will not hurt them to get thirsty enough to start looking for a source of water. They will be fine!

 

[ksandvig]

Ok well I took old waterer out & watched them today and then took a couple & put their beaks on it well they are almost ALL drinking out of it now!♡ I was going to move it to where old one was & may still so my other new girl will catch on as she just stays away from everyone.
THANKS for the suggestions

 

[RJSorensen]

Just a comment, that yes, it is harder for the owner, than it is for the chicken. I love my horizontal nipples and would not ever go back. Like the Nike commercial of a few years back, "Just Do It."



One of my setups.

Best to you and your birds,

RJ

 

[ksandvig]

Just a comment, that yes, it is harder for the owner, than it is for the chicken. I love my horizontal nipples and would not ever go back. Like the Nike commercial of a few years back, "Just Do It."



One of my setups.

Best to you and your birds,

RJ

AWESOME set up RJ yep I won't ever go back to the other waterer they are all using it now & it is sooooo much cleaner!!