Chicks can't depress horizonal nipples, help!

[Harmoni]

I'm wondering if they aren't strong enough yet or if the container is too low. I stuck some other water in there but they are persistently trying the nipples and crying for me to help lol. Attaching picture of the setup.

 

[Auntiejessi3]

You need vertical nipples at first, the horizontal nipples take a bit more pressure

 

[K0k0shka]

Wait until they are a little older. Chicks this young aren't strong enough for any kind of nipples. I started mine when they were a couple weeks old and by then they were stronger and definitely able to push the pins.

 

[Mosey2003]

Most things with horizontal nipples have a warning that chicks can't use them for a few weeks. Vertical for chicks if you want to use nipples.

 

[Ascholten]

Vertical nipples are pretty much gravity held, the chick basically just has to touch it. Horizontal is going to have some spring pressure behind it and they may not be strong enough yet.

Aaron

 

[3KillerBs]

Yes, chicks cannot trigger horizontal nipples.

Mine took 3-4 weeks to be able to trigger them reliably. Until then a normal chick waterer is necessary.

 

[Devorah]

Most things with horizontal nipples have a warning that chicks can't use them for a few weeks. Vertical for chicks if you want to use nipples.

I’m curious about the vertical nipples: is it better to start chicks off on them?

 

[3KillerBs]

I’m curious about the vertical nipples: is it better to start chicks off on them?

I believe that it's possible.

I start my chicks on open waterers and transition to horizontal nipples when they're big enough.

 

[Devorah]

I believe that it's possible.

I start my chicks on open waterers and transition to horizontal nipples when they're big enough.

Thanks. How old is big enough?

 

[Aunt Angus]

I've started mine on vertical nipples with no problems, but open waters work great.