[EMERGANCY]Cant get chickens to use nipple drinker!

[ben0125]

They make horizontal nipple waterers, I use them with no issues. I used to smear little pieces of hard boiled egg on them to get the chickens' attention at first. I, too, worried that they were not getting enough water in the beginning, so I would leave them with a bowl full of ice cubes (it's always hot in S. FL). I figured as a last resort, the ice would eventually melt, but it would "force" them to try the new waterer until the ice melted. I did this for the first week, while I was gone all day at work.

did the idea work?

 

[lissalischicks]

how high is it? i kept mine about a foot off the ground so they didn't have to reach/extend their neck to drink

 

[ben0125]

how high is it? i kept mine about a foot off the ground so they didn't have to reach/extend their neck to drink

its about an inch or 2 above their heads.

 

[lissalischicks]

when i first used the nipple (yes still found funny LOL) I found they drank it more when it was lower. I would recommend lowering it so they don't have to try so hard.

 

[ChickNanny13]

You're using the Verticle Nipples which they go under & reach up which I would think not very natural. I've also seen some on PVC piping running along the side of the runs. I use the Horizontal Nipples, never had a problem & even chicks use them. I have it elevated off the ground (eye level) for adults, chicks on the ground. These have a "cup" under it. To teach I just spend some time "pecking" with my finger to express water, they get it. In fact when I change water, the girls come runnging, I peck at it just to make sure it's working...FYI - needs to be vented, I drilled a hole about an inch below the rim ...

 

[christwodog]

did the idea work?

Yes, I only used the ice for a week's time, then I was confident that they were using the horizontal nipple waterer, which is at eye level by the way.

 

[blackdog043]

Anyone know of any hacks to add some cups on the nipples?

I don't know of any cups, but you could put a planter saucer under your bucket. I use this one to catch any water that falls while they're drinking. I have my water in the coop, so this keeps my bedding dry.
https://www.lowes.com/pd/Garden-Treasures-15-31-in-Sand-Plastic-Plant-Saucer/1000171931

 

[Chullicken]

Mine didn't like the nipple drinker and I had to intervene one day and glad I did. A few on a hot day last year where panting and holding wings out so I gave them a bowl. Don't ever hesitate to do something different in this situation until you get it figured out. Mine never caught on so I switched to paddle drinkers instead, %100 success.

 

[Birdinhand]

that is much higher than my nipple waterer. maybe having it down lower will catch their interest. I would not recommend going back and forth. they get it when they have to and no matter what, they prefer a dish or pale, so every time you put one in there they will stand around it and drink and stop drinking from the nipple waterer. they do not understand the benefits so they just go for what they like. I have noticed less runny poops and less issues overall since using nipples... so much less mess.

 

[HenOnAJuneBug]

its about an inch or 2 above their heads.

I would lower it to be even with their heads. It's normal for chickens to crane their necks sideways to drink from nipples. It may not be a comfortable experience for them to have water pouring straight down into their wind pipes.