I picked up 4 juvenile pullets (7 months old) Saturday. They had a standard waterer & that is what they are use to. All I have is a 3.5 gal pail nipple waterer. I've tapped it trying to show them how it works. They watch but haven't used it yet. I dont have any other wateres in their pen BUT we have snow. I know they are thirsty because as soon as I let them out of their coop they run over & eat the snow like there's no tomorrow. Should I keep waiting for them to figure it out or should I just go out and get them a standard waterer?
I would put out a small bucket of water so you know they're hydrated. Then remove the water and make sure the nipples are at eye level. When they get bored later, they'll start pecking at things and especially if the nipples are red/orange, they'll figure it out. Once one does, the rest will follow. You might want to put a small water container under the nipple to bring them there. As they explore the area they'll start pecking.
Take their beaks and put them against the nipples a few times. They will figure it out and as soon as one learns the others will follow.
Chickens always eat or drink if it is something different than they have like they are deprived. If they have food in front of them give them a slice of bread. They eat like they have not been fed in a week. If it rains and a puddle is found it like an oasis in the middle of a desert.
