Horizontal vs Vertical Nipples

[June2012]

Hi there! Like the title says: which is better, horizontal or vertical nipples, for watering your chickens? TIA!

 

[PolergirlOH]

I’ve used both. Horizontal is far less messy and freeze-prone and definitely gets my vote!

 

[June2012]

I’ve used both. Horizontal is far less messy and freeze-prone and definitely gets my vote!

Finally, a straightforward answer! I haven't been able to find a definitive answer. Thank you

 

[rosemarythyme]

Horizontal is less drippy and less prone to freezing but chickens may not like it as much.

Vertical can have dripping issues but is easier for chickens to learn to use.

 

[June2012]

Horizontal is less drippy and less prone to freezing but chickens may not like it as much.

Vertical can have dripping issues but is easier for chickens to learn to use.

I'll go with horizontal then. Thank you!

 

[blackdog043]

Horizontals are the only ones I have ever used. They don't freeze if you heat the bucket of water with a stock tank deicer placed inside on the bottom. They don't usually drip on their own, as long as nothing is caught between the O-Ring and where it seals, this rarely happens. If it does you may have to take the nipple out and flush it out, then put the nipple back in. Use an 11/32 drill bit for the hole and when you screw it in, leave 2 -3 threads showing, do not screw it all the way in.

 

[PolergirlOH]

My chicks figured out very quickly how to simply push the nipple to the side and get a slight flow of water so they can drink as much as they want at a time, rather than pecking for a drop at a time. I don’t know if all birds figure this out, but mine drink every bit as readily from horizontal as they did from the vertical.

 

[June2012]

I'm surprised by how popular horizontal nipples are. Thank you!

 

[blackdog043]

Yes, they are very popular on here. I should have added my heated waterer article in my last post, in case you are in a cold climate.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/ar...ock-tank-deicer-and-horizontal-nipples.74609/

My 14 gallon waterer.

 

[Timothy Menezes]

Do ducks use the horizontal nipples?