Considering Water Nipples - Do they get enough to drink?

[iwannagofishin]

Maybe this is a crazy question.

I went to my neighborhood feed store to buy some watering nipples. I'm really tired of cleaning out the nasty water bottles. I was told by an employee at the store, that chickens don't get enough to drink out of the nipples and can become dehydrated. She also stated that chickens drinking with their heads up is not a natural position, and that's why they don't get enough.

I'm in a very hot climate, so fresh water is critical. Anybody with water nipples have dehydrated chickens???

 

[NJchixs]

I've been using them for over a year and always will. Summer/winter. I can't see going back. I put two push in style in gallon milk jugs. I put three jugs in with 13 chickens and hang them so the nipple is at the height of their backs. I go down to two in winter putting one in the coop, to prevent becoming frozen, and exchange out the other if it becomes frozen during the day. Most important is to make sure you have a good ratio to prevent a chicken from not getting water. Really they are awesome. If anything I know on a hot day they will have water and not spilled from the traditional style waterers. Here's an example of one for my hatchlings. They start on the immediately.

 

[Alaska Fowl INC]

I've been using them for over a year and always will. Summer/winter. I can't see going back. I put two push in style in gallon milk jugs. I put three jugs in with 13 chickens and hang them so the nipple is at the height of their backs. I go down to two in winter putting one in the coop, to prevent becoming frozen, and exchange out the other if it becomes frozen during the day. Most important is to make sure you have a good ratio to prevent a chicken from not getting water. Really they are awesome. If anything I know on a hot day they will have water and not spilled from the traditional style waterers.

Here's an example of one for my hatchlings. They start on the immediately.

Same here..They work great for me ..I use 2 and 5 gl buckets..also use them in pvc style..work like a charm....