Hate my Waterer!

[blackdog043]

Mine really haven't caught on with the cups, been several weeks now, going to try my luck with nipples next.

Get the horizontal nipples from Amazon, you will need an 11/32 drill bit. Take all other water sources away and they should be using the nipples without a problem.

 

[Pater est Pullis]

Get the horizontal nipples from Amazon, you will need an 11/32 drill bit. Take all other water sources away and they should be using the nipples without a problem.

What's the advantage of horizontal over vertical?

 

[Relleoms]

Not sure how many chickens you have, but I made these nipple waterers and they work well for my flock of 10...but not in the winter! You can attach the hanger (for a bicycle) to metal with zip ties or to wood with screws. And they are easy to throw in the dishwasher & to refill.

 

[blackdog043]

Wow! Got off of work and didn’t expect to find so many great responses. Thanks to everyone! I like the idea of both the cups and the nipple watering devices. With those cups posted above do the chickens have to do anything to get the water? Or is it just a mini bowl that fills itself back up? That seems like it might be the way to go. I’ll have to do a little more research. I’m so grateful for all the help and glad I’m not the only one with this battle.

With the cups, they have to hit the yellow paddle, to make the water come out. They will freeze if you are in a cold climate. I've not read many good reviews on here about them.

If you want an easy, no fuss, clean water 24/7 I highly recommend the horizontal nipples. Use a five gallon bucket, with a gamma lid. Use a one gallon milk jug and add water when needed. You can use a de-icer and your waterer will work in the winter.

 

[AllenK RGV]

I have been happy enough with this one I wrote a review on: https://www.backyardchickens.com/reviews/little-giant-automatic-poultry-waterer-w-cover-5-qt.11815/
It ran around 30US and required an additional 10 in hosing and pressure reducing items. I don't have to clean it out very often, maybe monthy this winter. In summer that will change as it grows algae. It is prone to leaks and a bit finniky with the connections I would recommend teflon tape for them I didnt use them that or pvc glue.

 

[blackdog043]

What's the advantage of horizontal over vertical?

Horizontal don't leak
You can set the bucket down when you want to clean it
You don't have to hang the bucket
You can use a de-icer in the bucket and the nipples will still work in cold climates
All the reasons above are negatives for the vertical nipples

 

[BullChick]

I have made a waterer with a bowl and jug. I have never tried putting a 5 gallon bucket (with lid) into a big rubber bowl, but if you can do it, great!!
Put a hole in your jug/bucket about an inch below the top of the bowl. Instant waterer!

 

[Dawnclucks22]

How do you go about training the chickens to drink from the nipples?

I was also thinking some sort of dog water auto fill bowl or possibly an igloo type water container and somehow attach a tray that the water could “auto fill” into but hadn’t figured out the logistics of how to do this.

Natural instinct may help them teach themselves to peck at the fun shiny nipples, but I've heard of people sticking treats to them to entice their flock.

 

[ShanaMcS]

Chickens naturally peck at things that are red. I didn't have to teach them. Once one pecks and figures out what it's for, the rest followed her lead.

I also read somewhere that you can train them to peck at it by using a little led pointer. Shine it onto the red nozzle until they peck at it and when water comes out, they will learn! Let me know if it works!

 

[EdnaAndEdith]

I have made a waterer with a bowl and jug. I have never tried putting a 5 gallon bucket (with lid) into a big rubber bowl, but if you can do it, great!!
Put a hole in your jug/bucket about an inch below the top of the bowl. Instant waterer!

I originally thought of doing something along these lines but was concerned about having to fill it. The hose doesn’t reach to the coop so I’d have to carry a leaky bucket across the yard and lose most of the water in the process. Unless there would be a way to temporarily close the hole while filling.

Maybe the horizontal nipples are the best way to go. I was afraid they wouldn’t drink from them but doesn’t seem many people have trouble with that.