Horizontal Nipple Newbie -- is it working?

[TopangaMom]

I have introduced horizontal nipples (currently have 3 in red, plastic folgers coffee container) to my flock of 3 week old Delawares, RIR and Jersey Giants. I've only witnessed them successfully drink water when more than 2 fight over the same nipple -- and in the frenzy one of them pecks it the right way and water drips out. I've monitored the level of water -- and I know they're not drinking as much as they usually would out of chick waterer. Yesterday I filled it with electrolyte tea to encourage them and insure they were staying hydrated. I live in Southern California and it is hot & dry.
I really want this to work. Any suggestions? Should I hang my waterer? Switch to pickle bucket or something similar?
Thanks in advance for any and all advice!

 

[tntchix]

I am no expert, as I am a newb too but I put 10 nipples spaced evenly on two 5 gal buckets. They took to it in 10 minutes at about the same age.
I keep one in the coop and one in the run in the shade. They seem to attack red so maybe the red Folgers tub is confusing them? I really don't know if that is possible. Is yours elevated?

 

[TopangaMom]

Mine is not elevated...I guess I need to rethink container.

 

[tntchix]

Maybe, it wouldn't hurt. Keep me posted.

 

[RJSorensen]

You will find that horizontal nipples will function best when they are 'set' at a height equal to the level of the birds back. It is much harder to get a drink, down hill. Also, make sure the container is vented. Old style fonts require a vacuum, but all styles of nipples require a vent to air to function correctly.

Best to you and your birds,

RJ

 

[tntchix]

You will find that horizontal nipples will function best when they are 'set' at a height equal to the level of the birds back. It is much harder to get a drink, down hill. Also, make sure the container is vented. Old style fonts require a vacuum, but all styles of nipples require a vent to air to function correctly.

Best to you and your birds,

RJ

vented really? I thought the horizontal ones were different somehow.