Chicks won't use cups for water

[wordscapes]

TN newbie here. I have 8 chicks (3 different breeds) and they refuse to activate water fill on little cups with yellow activator, despite dipping their beaks in to teach them. I hesitate investing in in time & $$$ to install hanging nipple waterer for fear they won't use that either. Suggestions?

 

[sourland]

How old are the chicks ?

 

[rjohns39]

Hi Neighbor and welcome to BYC We're so happy you've decided to join us I've never used the cups, but mine have never had a problem with the standard nipples. Maybe fill a few of the cups half full and see how they do? When you have a sec, pop over and visit us on the Tennessee thread, you can also find neighbors on the East Tennessee thread. Again welcome

 

[wordscapes]

chicks

3 & 4 weeks old...

 

[sourland]

Not sure what is going on ? They should be big enough. @rjohns39 has made a great suggestion.

 

[rjohns39]

Are they about chest high?

 

[wordscapes]

Hi Neighbor and welcome to BYC We're so happy you've decided to join us I've never used the cups, but mine have never had a problem with the standard nipples. Maybe fill a few of the cups half full and see how they do? When you have a sec, pop over and visit us on the Tennessee thread, you can also find neighbors on the East Tennessee thread. Again welcome

 

[sannabelle]

Do they have any other source of water available? I've found that with the cups and the nipple watterers if there is any other "easier" water around, they will not use them.

 

[rjohns39]

Do they have any other source of water available? I've found that with the cups and the nipple watterers if there is any other "easier" water around, they will not use them.

Good point. I didn't even think of that. When I have used an alternate source, I'll pull it out and observe. When a bunch start using the nipples I feels safe to leave it out.

 

[Lazy Farmer]

A tiny dap of peanut butter attracts them to the devise. Once one discovers it.. monkey see, monkey do..