horizontal water nipples and 3 week old chicks

[Zwillingsmama]

For the past 3 weeks I have uses vertical water nipples, but they make a mess. Ultimately I want to use the horizontal ones and tried to introduced them today. They seem to not be able to figure out how to push the side, or they are not pushing hard enough to release the water. Are they to young/ not strong enough? Should I try in a few weeks again or just let them figure it out?

 

[SueT]

In what way are they making a mess? Are they leaking? I have used vertical nipples for young chicks with no mess at all. I don't have experience w the horizontal, but I think they may be harder to get water from. I'll let those who've done it, answer that one.

 

[Zwillingsmama]

they are pecking at it a lot and loosing half the water in the process, flooding the brooder. I put a little bowl below it and I catch 1 cup a day in it. I only have 5 chickens.

 

[SueT]

they are pecking at it a lot and loosing half the water in the process, flooding the brooder. I put a little bowl below it and I catch 1 cup a day in it. I only have 5 chickens.

Wow, I see. Maybe your air intake is bigger than it needs to be? Mine would have a few drops under it, that's all. Shavings took care of that. What kind of chickens are they? Are you sure the nipples aren't leaking without being pecked? I put a washer on the inside of each one to tighten it.

 

[Zwillingsmama]

1 each Speckled Sussex, barred Rock, Copper Maran, EE, OE.
I will change the air intake, maybe that makes a difference. And yes I am sure they are not leaking without pecking

 

[blackdog043]

I would leave both types in the brooder for a week and see if they start using the horizontals.
I introduce a horizontal waterer at 3 - 4 weeks, but leave a chick waterer in the brooder for another week until they figure the horizontals out. Some start using the nipples on their own after a day usually.

 

[trudyg]

I got those water cups for mine, they never did figure out how to use them, instead, at 2 weeks they were using the horizonal nipples that I have for my older birds, 5 gal bucket up on a milk crate. They could barely reach it. They watch and see what the others are doing,so once one figures it out they all will

 

[Criticalicious]

I used the vertical until mine adapted to and learned to use the horizontal. The vertical always made a huge mess, wet shavings, even with something under it to catch excess water. I was cleaning that up every few hours. I think I gave that up around 5 weeks old.

Even with the adult birds, I will occasionally tap the drinkers to remind them it has water in it, to clean it off and check that it's working properly. They should adapt quickly but chickens will always take the easy route first.