Does waterer affect egg size ?

[Ponte]

Up to last week my pullets drank water from bowls, now they are drinking from vertical nipples. The eggs seem by eyesight to be smaller. Have others noticed the same and is it due to them drinking less water ?

 

[SurferchickinSB]

Up to last week my pullets drank water from bowls, now they are drinking from vertical nipples. The eggs seem by eyesight to be smaller. Have others noticed the same and is it due to them drinking less water ?

Yes, water will affect egg size if they are drinking a lot less. The egg white is mainly water.

 

[aart]

Give them time to get used to the nipples, water consumption will increase and so should egg size.

 

[Ponte]

Give them time to get used to the nipples, water consumption will increase and so should egg size.

Am in south Florida, it’s already very hot. Lawns are beginning to dry out and turning brown. Will the nipples suffice with extreme heat ?

 

[aart]

Am in south Florida, it’s already very hot. Lawns are beginning to dry out and turning brown. Will the nipples suffice with extreme heat ?

I'd not change from open waterers to nipples in extreme temps,
as it can take some time for them to get used to them.

I also give a dose of Sav-a-Chick electrolytes/vitamins about once a week during heat waves.
It really seems to help....started this after they saved a heat stroked hen once.
Can mix up a smaller amount, just wrap the packet tight and store in a dry cool place.
Always have plain water available too.

BIG(9x14x2") chunks of ice last all day for wading, sitting, and sipping.
Much more useful to the chickens than frozen foods and treats.

Make space in your freezer!

 

[reymithcel]

The nutrition too

 

[rosemarythyme]

If it's very hot I would consider giving them an open source of water. Sounds contradictory since you're training them to the nipple but risk of dehydration in heat is a bigger issue.

 

[Ponte]

I have decided to keep the nipple bucket in the free ranging area and add a water bowl in the open aviary next to the nesting boxes.