how many nipples in a 5gal bucket?

plantguy90

Songster
10 Years
Oct 4, 2009
165
1
109
Moorpark, CA
Right now have 3 nipples in a 5gal bucket, but now have 16 hens, so here's the question: would adding new nipples to the same bucket be effectively adding new watering options? or is it too crowded there anyways? How much space does a hen need to use the nipple? If I add 3 more to the same bucket it will be 6, but is that just crowding the area?
 
In my watering system with a 5 gallon bucket I use 4 nipples. I have seen 4 large fowl birds use the bucket at the same time. I believe 6 would be to many.
 
Darn it, should tried a 4 nipple setup, my 3 nipples are in a triangle so #4 would be in the middle, not sure if that improves things at all or I hafta get a new bucket.

One thing I have noticed is they don't drink as much from nipples as they do if a bowl of water is offered. Is that a problem? I mix ACV in the bucket, so prefer they just use the bucket.
 
Three nipples are enough for 30 hens.

Properly operated nipple should not waste as much water as evaporates or is wasted from an open source.

Why are you putting acid in their water?
 
ACV is not acid. Its Apple Cider Vinegar. I put in all my water buckets. It does several things but mainly its used to cut down on bacteria growth in the water and its great for the chickens digestive system. Its a also natural dewormer. I would recommend it for everyone, humans included.
 
I have read from different sellers of the nipples from one nipple per 3 birds all the way to per 17 birds. Right now we have three per 6 birds but will be adding another 7 birds soon. So far, so good, though they do drink from a pond also when free ranging.

I think you would be fine in your setup. If you have birds that get picked on much, you might want to add an additional waterer away from the other one so they can have a place to get away from being picked on so much.

To be technical, ACV is an acid, acetic acid, albeit a mild one. I use activated EM, which is a probiotic lactic acid, to my girl's water. I tried a free choice taste test at first and they always chose the EM water.
 

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