How high off the ground for the waterer?

[Cutie Clucker]

I am using horizontal poultry nipples. I don’t have chickens yet and this will be my first block. Does it matter how high off the ground those poultry nipples are? I’ve read a lot of different recommendations online, and I don’t know which will be best.

 

[chickenlittle21]

They just should be where everyone can reach it.

 

[Aunt Angus]

Hmm.... I imagine you'd want them beak-high to your birds.

I use vertical nipples (as well as shallow dishes all over the place). I had to adjust the height as they grew so that they needed to stretch their necks. The Silkies would jump to reach them, even though I have other ways for them to drink. They prefer that over the more accessible methods. Silly chickens...

 

[Cutie Clucker]

thank you for your reply. I will be getting barred rocks & Easter Eggers How tall do they get? Do you know? Since I’ve never had chickens I want to get everything set up correctly the first time.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Horizontal nipples should be high enough that the birds are drinking from them at about beak height, if standing upright at a normal stance. For my waterer an upside down 5 gal bucket is a good height as a stand.

Note the "steps" I put in on the left for the chicks - I can remove a level at a time as they grow up and past their need of steps. The adults use the other nipples in front and right.

 

[blackdog043]

Have the nipples at least back height. Mine are between back and beak height of the chickens. I use blocks in front of some of the nipples when I have chicks, so they can reach them. My waterers sit on top of cement cap blocks.

 

[Cutie Clucker]

Thank you so much for your help, advice and the pictures

 

[3KillerBs]

You can also hang the waterer from a chain and adjust it as needed.

 

[Cutie Clucker]

I have a 5 gallon bucket that will have an auto waterer. I am worried it will break the handle. Have you had that problem?

 

[pintail_drake2004]

my waterer is set on an 8x8 concrete block.