Intermediate Waterer for 4wk+ old chicks

[blackdog043]

I use a platform to set my waterer and feeder on and never have a problem. I'm gone about 11 hrs a day, so I can't refresh it during the day. The water is real low in the jar and no shavings in the water all day. I have 11 chicks using it. I added a horizontal nipple waterer after a week this time I had a couple using it. They are 3 1/2 weeks old and about half use the nipples now.

 

[PolergirlOH]

My chicks do GREAT with horizontal nipples. I had a vertical nipple for two weeks and hated how leaky and freeze-prone it was. I read that you successfully got them on a nipple waterer. If they’re 2-3 weeks old +, my $0.02 worth is to go horizontal and see how they do.

 

[aart]

Installed a milk jug with nipple in bottom.

How is it supported! Pics? Glad you found solution. Now watch for a wet mess underneath, a shallow pan filled with rocks can help catch drips and provide footing...but it has to be cleaned daily.

I hope you poked an air hole in the bottom.

Did you mean poke a hole in the top?

I had a vertical nipple for two weeks and hated how leaky

I tried several iterations of waterers with VN's, hated them too. HN's all the way!

 

[henless]

Baby chicks usually do great with the vertical nipples, but they are so leaky! If I have chicks out in the coop (no brooder) I'll hang a vertical for them to use.

For chicks in the brooder, I will usually introduce the horizontal nipples at about 2 weeks. I just want to make sure they are strong enough to push the nipple. The horizontal's are a little stiffer/harder to push than the vertical ones imo.

 

[aart]

For chicks in the brooder, I will usually introduce the horizontal nipples at about 2 weeks. I just want to make sure they are strong enough to push the nipple. The horizontal's are a little stiffer/harder to push than the vertical ones imo.

They are indeed...I put one out right away along with open waterer, some 'get it' much sooner than others.

 

[debid]

I don't have a leaky mess but then I have the two-piece kind with the black grommet. I suspect the screw in ones are more prone to leaks around the threads, particularly with thin-walled containers, because I see that complaint often. It's just never been my experience.

And you poke the air hole opposite the nipple, whether that means the bottom because the nipple is lid mounted or the top because you went through the container itself. Common sense, people! ;-) But the lack of an air hole is a common noob mistake.