Getting chicks to use nipple waterers

[BorregoMike]

I picked up my delivery of 30 chicks today and tried to get them to use vertical waterers. They wouldn’t do it. I brushed each chick’s beak against the nipple so they’d get the idea. They needed water so I put a shallow flat pan in the Brooder and they took to it immediately. But they walk all through it. But I’d like to get them to use the nipples because it keeps their water clean. Any ideas?

 

[DobieLover]

Try again but make sure there is a drop of water hanging from the nipple first. I trained my chicks to it without a problem. Once a few of them get it, they will show the others.
You also want to hang it so they have to stretch their necks up a bit to reach the nipple. I added wood blocks that they could hop up on to reach the nipple and removed them as they grew.
Good luck!

 

[PattyNH]

I know some nipples require more strength than young chicks have to get them to work properly. How old are your chicks? What type of nipples are you using - vertical or horizontal?

 

[BorregoMike]

I picked up my delivery of 30 chicks today and tried to get them to use vertical waterers. They wouldn’t do it. I brushed each chick’s beak against the nipple so they’d get the idea. They needed water so I put a shallow flat pan in the Brooder and they took to it immediately. But they walk all through it. But I’d like to get them to use the nipples because it keeps their water clean. Any ideas?

I have some of the horizontal ones and I switched to a waterer using those. They seem more curious about those and if there’s a drop of water there already, they go for it. But these take a little more pressure and the chicks are tiny. So I suppose I will offer them both for awhile and then wean them off of the pans. The main problem with the pans is they jump in, and poopy feet in the water doesn’t seem too good.

 

[MissPoulette]

I have used the vertical ones from the first day I received them. I think having a drop of water on the nipple may help. (I think that was how a couple of my adopted older hens started to use it) I had chicks who were a week old and I had to play with the nipple (make the clicking noise) to pique their curiosity so they would peck at it. I think it’s just patience. One chick will get it and the rest will follow.

 

[Ms Biddy]

I don't recommend horizontal nipples for baby chicks unless you're sure they're strong enough to use them. Some are more difficult to push than others. Vertical nipples are generally easier for chicks to use, but mine were leaky so I went back to using a screw on plastic waterer base with a jar. The bases are about $2 at Tractor Supply.

 

[PattyNH]

I don't recommend horizontal nipples for baby chicks unless you're sure they're strong enough to use them. Some are more difficult to push than others. Vertical nipples are generally easier for chicks to use, but mine were leaky so I went back to using a screw on plastic waterer base with a jar. The bases are about $2 at Tractor Supply.

I have done the same - plastic waterer base then switch to horizontal nipples at 6-8 weeks. I prefer the horizontal because They are less likely to drop and freeze.

 

[aart]

I have some of the horizontal ones and I switched to a waterer using those. They seem more curious about those and if there’s a drop of water there already, they go for it. But these take a little more pressure and the chicks are tiny. So I suppose I will offer them both for awhile and then wean them off of the pans. The main problem with the pans is they jump in, and poopy feet in the water doesn’t seem too good.

There ya go...it will take some time to switch them over.
Instead of open pans, get chick waterers and put them up on something,
I use sand filled 8 or 16oz sour cream containers.

 

[BorregoMike]

I don't recommend horizontal nipples for baby chicks unless you're sure they're strong enough to use them. Some are more difficult to push than others. Vertical nipples are generally easier for chicks to use, but mine were leaky so I went back to using a screw on plastic waterer base with a jar. The bases are about $2 at Tractor Supply.

How high should the vertical ones be? Beak high?

 

[Cluckerzfamilyfarm]

Just above beak high has worked best for me. And patients. They usually are all using it within the hour. Really you just need to show one and make sure they get it. The rest will get thirsty enough and follow. Also a lazor pointer helps big time!!