Chicks having trouble with horizontal water nipples?

[Red Horse]

Has anyone had a problem with their new chicks not being strong enough to press the button hard enough for the water droplet to come out? I have been watching them like a hawk all day to make sure they've all figured it out and it seems like they're all pecking in the right spot, but nothing seems to come out and they aren't lifting their little heads to swallow. When I press the button or when one of the bigger breeds can manage it, the rest come running for a drink. Should I just give up and put in the traditional waterer I bought as a backup?

 

[Lady of McCamley]

That was my experience, and I went back to regular waterers as I simply could not get my chicks (or often my chickens) to use them properly.

But I may just have dumb birds.

LofMc

 

[3KillerBs]

It's 100% normal for young chicks to be unable to use the horizontal nipples until somewhere between 2-4 weeks.

Some people find that chicks can use vertical nipples, but I give mine open waterers for the first several weeks until I'm 100% certain that they can handle the horizontal nipples.

 

[Red Horse]

Thank you!!! I did switch to the traditional waterer and they are much happier!