Chicks can't depress horizonal nipples, help!

[Devorah]

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

Thank you! How many nipples do you need per chick? How do you set up the waterers?

 

[3KillerBs]

Thanks. How old is big enough?

I put the waterer in early -- at just a week or so -- to get them used to it even though I know they can't actually use it yet.

Over the next month I spend time tapping the nipples with my finger to let a drop out, using their beaks to press the nipples, and putting treat foods on the nipples.

Every batch so far has mastered the horizontal nipples within 6 weeks, with the ones who could see adults using their own nipple waterers learning faster than the others.

 

[Devorah]

I put the waterer in early -- at just a week or so -- to get them used to it even though I know they can't actually use it yet.

Over the next month I spend time tapping the nipples with my finger to let a drop out, using their beaks to press the nipples, and putting treat foods on the nipples.

Every batch so far has mastered the horizontal nipples within 6 weeks, with the ones who could see adults using their own nipple waterers learning faster than the others.

Thank you! Did you make the horizontal nipple waterer or purchase it?

 

[Aunt Angus]

Thank you! How many nipples do you need per chick? How do you set up the waterers?

That's a good question... I only brood small numbers of chicks (only 3 or 4 at a time), so 1 was enough for me. And you have to show them how to do it, but vertical nipples don't require much more than a tap to start working.

 

[aart]

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.

Also.....HN's need to be in a stable position, so they can push without the container moving.

 

[Devorah]

That's a good question... I only brood small numbers of chicks (only 3 or 4 at a time), so 1 was enough for me. And you have to show them how to do it, but vertical nipples don't require much more than a tap to start working.

Was the leakage from the vertical nipples minimal?

 

[Ascholten]

Why the HN's is it a space issue? Just curious.

Aaron

 

[aart]

Why the HN's is it a space issue? Just curious.

Aaron

They keep the water clean, and best for heating in northern climes.
ETA: VN's and much more likely to leak than HN's...and with VN's in the bottom of a container you can't set it down.

 

[Devorah]

They keep the water clean, and best for heating in northern climes.

So basically, is it fair to say that, besides keeping spillage or leakage to a minimum (especially where deep bedding is used), the benefit of transitioning to the HNs is to heat the water in the winter if you’re in New England — like me?

 

[Devorah]

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

Did you build your own VN waterer or buy one? How many VNs per chick? Thank you!