Chicks learning to use horizontal nipples

[frogman]

My chicks are 2.5 weeks old and I have introduced a horizontal nipple waterer. When I jiggle the nipples to put a small drop of water in the cup they go crazy trying to drink it - but they don't seem to push the nipple to get water themselves. I can't see the water level go down significantly so how do I know they are learning to do this right??

I did take out all other water bowls so they only can go to the new system - but unless I jiggle the nipples it looks like they don't understand how to do this.

Are they too young - beaks not strong enough?? Or just let them tough it out until they learn?

Thanks!

 

[Monguire]

...just let them tough it out until they learn?

Thirst and hunger are powerful motivators. If you've showed them where the water comes from and the nipples are not too high (at or a little above head-level is good) for your younglings, they'll catch on soon enough. As with all things chickens, nobody wants to be first but once that first chook investigates/activates that new thing (whatever that new thing is) all the others fall into line quite quickly.

The beauty of the nipples is that you WON'T see an appreciable drop in water level as they are so efficient (no spill/waste). Good call removing other water sources...it will force them to figure out the nipple. Don't worry, they won't perish before instinct drives them to figure out how to get more water. They might not be the smartest animals on the planet but instinct is a powerful equalizer.

 

[frogman]

Thanks - they sure do seem slow to learn! Haha.