Cleaner Way to Brood Chicks

[jywel417]

Okay, after doing the standard water fountains for my chicks 2 years ago I decided to try something different this year that some, or many, of you may have already tried. My Sun Conure drinks out of a water bottle and I figured, why not for chicks too? I worried about them learning to use it but have had no issues at all! I get the large water bottles from TSC (3$ each) and have one hung inside the brooder for my little chicks and then a hole drilled into my brooder for the metal part to stick thru on my older chicks. They all took to it with no problem and I no longer come home to a turned over water fountain or one filled with bedding! My brooder stays cleaner longer, stays dry, and I have happy chicks. I have attached a couple pictures (taken from my phone so not the greatest quality sorry). Hope this helps !

 

[Rooneytune]

Wow this looks great! DO you only have one? how are they at taking turns?

 

[jywel417]

I have one in each brooder and so far they do fine taking turns! Have had no issues at this point

But I thought about adding another one to have 2 per brooder

 

[hansolo]

It's pretty neat! but too advanced for me.
I did learn however if I raise their water pan a little, there is a lot less pine shavings.
I used some rocks on a plant saucers, then put that on top of a tubaware turned upside down. Worked okay.

 

[snazzyboots]

i really like the water bottle. i thought about it but i didn't think they would use it. i'm going to have to try it. thanks.

 

[briteday]

I start all my chicks every year with rabbit bottles in a brooder. They catch on in a heart beat, especially if you tap the ball and let a drop of water hang off the tube. All it takes is one chick going for a drink and the rest will follow. When they move out to the coop brooder and grow up a-frame I have nipple waterers for them out there. After having the rabbit bottles from day 1, they take right to the nipple waterers with no trouble. I have reduced my bedding waste dramatically since we got away from open water containers.

 

[sunny & the 5 egg layers]

What a great idea! Thanks for sharing!

 

[zengrrl]

brilliant!

 

[Frequent Flyer]

Super idea!

 

[KFaye]

I wonder if this will work with my Pekin and Mallard ducks. They take baths in their waterers and spill everywhere! I try to be frustrated but they really are hysterical! Luckily my chicks have no problems with regular waterers but I am going to try this anyway as it seems cleaner.