Getting chicks to use nipple waterers

[BorregoMike]

I think I had the nipples too low. I reintroduced the bucket with nipples a little higher than beak level and within moments the most curious were there banging away. It’s been just a half hour and now most everybody is checking it out. They sure are fun to watch. I leave my other pan in there for a little while and then remove it when I think they all have it down.

 

[Cluckerzfamilyfarm]

The nipples do make a mess in the brooder. I used a baking sheet (about 1/4"+ lip) with paper towels under the waterer to help keep the bedding dry. With 30 chicks that would mean changing probably x2 a day seeing as how I raised 15 at once a day and they stayed pretty dry. Good luck

 

[MissPoulette]

The nipples do make a mess in the brooder. I used a baking sheet (about 1/4"+ lip) with paper towels under the waterer to help keep the bedding dry. With 30 chicks that would mean changing probably x2 a day seeing as how I raised 15 at once a day and they stayed pretty dry. Good luck

Could the nipple not be screwed on correctly or a leaky nipple?

 

[Cluckerzfamilyfarm]

No I just mean when they peck at it (with mine atleast) 3 or so birds would try to drink from the same one at the same time and them pecking as fast as they do x3 it practically is constantly dripping because they will not catch every drop. 30 birds the drops will add up fast depending on your bedding.

 

[aart]

Could the nipple not be screwed on correctly or a leaky nipple?

Depends on where it's leaking from, if it's around the threads in the bucket, installation problem.
But Vertical Nipples are notorious for leaking because the 'valve' doesn't close well,
I won't use them for that and other reasons.

Someone had a shallow dish filled with gravel under their VN's,
the gravel keeps them from standing/walking in the leaked water,
but dish needs to be cleaned out regularly.

 

[Ms Biddy]

Depends on where it's leaking from, if it's around the threads in the bucket, installation problem.
But Vertical Nipples are notorious for leaking because the 'valve' doesn't close well,
I won't use them for that and other reasons.

Someone had a shallow dish filled with gravel under their VN's,
the gravel keeps them from standing/walking in the leaked water,
but dish needs to be cleaned out regularly.

I had mine over a shallow dish filled with shavings. The shaving got wet and the chicks started eating them. Once one started, they all went nuts eating the wet shavings. They were only about 2 days old and I freaked out feeling their crops full of wood. I spent the rest of the night massaging them and worrying they were going to die. Never again.

 

[MissPoulette]

No I just mean when they peck at it (with mine atleast) 3 or so birds would try to drink from the same one at the same time and them pecking as fast as they do x3 it practically is constantly dripping because they will not catch every drop. 30 birds the drops will add up fast depending on your bedding.

thirsty birds!