Dead chick :-(

[chickens really]

My Uncle followed the KISS method and I do too......I'm Kidding but I don't mess around and just provide feed and water..Simple around here..

 

[danceswithronin]

I water with livestock bowls and chicken water fonts. Those nipples are all hype in my opinion...

I've started using gravity waterers in the run, same as you'd use for a cat or small dog. Best waterer I've tried so far, and I've tried everything but horizontal nipples. Plus the lip on the edge seems to help keep debris out of the bowl, and you can see the level of water you have left in it really easily, as well as how clean it is.

 

[chickens really]

I've started using gravity waterers in the run, same as you'd use for a cat or small dog. Best waterer I've tried so far, and I've tried everything but horizontal nipples. Plus the lip on the edge seems to help keep debris out of the bowl, and you can see the level of water you have left in it really easily, as well as how clean it is.

View attachment 1766611

My water is up on bricks and I see when needs refreshing. Never dirty but algae grows which the birds like anyways.

 

[cluckmecoop7]

I would not use water nipples at that age. Mine kept the little baby waterer for about 7 weeks.

I'm sorry you lost one.

 

[Criticalicious]

One-day old chicks can and do learn to use the horizontal nipples. I had one recently who was enamored by the shiny knob and would go to that before the open dish. The nipple drinkers DO keep the water cleaner than an open dish which can easily get shavings and poop in it. HOWEVER, you must also keep a close eye on them to be sure they are using the nipples to drink and that everyone is getting enough water. That's part of raising baby-anything.

To the OP: I recommend offering both waterers for at least a week and watch the babies to see if they are using the nipple waterer. Push the knob every time you interact with them in the brooder. Once you are confident everyone can drink from it, you can remove the open dish and save yourself the trouble of cleaning it out 3 or 4 times a day.

It's very easy to prevent the brooder from getting too hot if you use a MHP or a heat plate, because babies will self-regulate. If they are bunched up in the corner furthest away from the heat source, THEY ARE TOO HOT. They naturally move away from excess heat when they're too hot and towards heat when they feel cold. From everything I've read and experienced, the heat plates and MHP cause pasty butt A LOT LESS OFTEN than heat lamps, because babies are kept at a steady comfortable temperature.

 

[bobbi-j]

I'll let the seasoned chick folks give advice.

Just wanted to say - I'm 1.5 weeks into first time flock and have lost 3 myself. In my case the brooder was too hot. I've been so stressed and worried about them and what I'm doing wrong in spite of having tried to learn as best I could beforehand. I'd definitely put back the regular water - and maybe give them some electrolytes in it? I don't think it can hurt. Best of luck from another newbie learning.

Chicken keeping can have quite the learning curve. I’ve had them for over 30 years and am still learning. Try not to stress so much that you can’t enjoy them.

This picture is within 15 seconds of putting the waterer back in. They’re still at it a couple of minutes later. Feeling like a pretty crappy chicken dad at the moment . I’ve pulled the nipple bucket and am going to let things settle down a few days. Will also get the nitri drops and spike their water. Again, much thanks to all of you.

Don’t beat yourself up. Raising chickens is an ever-learning process. You are willing to ask for help, and that says a lot.