Learn to use water nipple

[Sabz]

My three new egg layers don't know how to use the water nipple!

I've tried to show them that water comes out of it, but they are so afraid of me that they don't really see what I am doing.

My little 4 day chicks know how to use it. Could I put them together (SUPPERVISED) to see if the baby could teach the older ones how to use the nipple?!

Or otherwise, how can I do that? Just hope they'll try it sometime?

I have put the water bowl below the nipples, so at least they associate that spot to water but there must be something else I can try!

 

[iwiw60]

My three new egg layers don't know how to use the water nipple!

I've tried to show them that water comes out of it, but they are so afraid of me that they don't really see what I am doing.

My little 4 day chicks know how to use it. Could I put them together (SUPPERVISED) to see if the baby could teach the older ones how to use the nipple?!

Or otherwise, how can I do that? Just hope they'll try it sometime?

I have put the water bowl below the nipples, so at least they associate that spot to water but there must be something else I can try!

First of all are your chicks in a separated area from your hens? I'm assuming that you have water nipple setups in each area. Your older ones will use a nipple system, it's just a matter of time and persistence. IF your hens are separate from the chicks' area this is what to do. First and foremost...remove their other water completely. Sounds harsh, but it works. Be sure that the nipple waterer is at the correct height so your hens can easily reach it...not too high, not too low. Click on the little stainless steel clicker thingie (that's what I call it!) to show them that water IS coming out. They can be stubborn...very stubborn. But they WILL get it. Persistence is what gets them to use the new system. Don't 'give in" and put their old waterer back in.

When I first switched mine over to the horizontal water nipples it seemed they weren't interested at all and could care less. I kept 'peeking' in on them over the day and in late afternoon voila! One of them started pecking at it and once one of them "got it" they ALL got it! It does work...stick to your guns! I did and am soooo happy not to have to clean/change waterers daily...and no damp mess to clean up either! YAY!!

 

[Sabz]

Yes yes, for sure they are separated! I just thought of bringing one chick in the coop to show the ladies how it worked.

Well.. I did try the no water thing but only from 5 PM to 6AM this morning. I was afraid they would get too hot during the day and I put back a bowl of water this morning. Three of them jumped in it, they looked really thirsty.

Alright, I will persist, that is certain. I love the cleaning with water nipples, much less mess.
They are so afraid of me, when I play with the metal thing they go away, they can't see the water coming out! lol

I will continue to 1 - try to get the chicks to like me and not be afraid
2 - play with the metal thing to show them
after a few days I'll try removing the water again.. I read somewhere that when layer don't have water, they stop laying. Since they never layed any eggs at my house, I'd like to see them lay a few just to be sure they "work" and to finally taste the eggs! And then maybe try again to remove the water.

Thanks for your input. Definitely not giving up

 

[iwiw60]

Don't be afraid that they are afraid of you. Persistence, persistence, persistence is what pays off in the end. When I was showing mine the water nipples I squatted down on the floor, and while clicking the thingie over and over again, I talked really quietly and softly to them "see? see this? this is what we do!" yada yada yada! For a time they'd have nothing to do with it, flitted away, etc. but finally (thank God, my knees were almost permanently BENT!) one of them came over and began pecking on the thingie. YAY!

Once you get just ONE of them to do that, you've WON! Because she will show the others....good luck!!

 

[Ninamm]

AMine drink from these but don't kow to "Peck" to refill. It has to go.


I do however have a reg waterer in there too.

 

[iwiw60]

That is most probably the entire problem with your flock not using the nipples...you have a regular waterer in there. It's been proven many times over that you must remove all other waterers, be diligent...don't give in. Trust me, they WILL use them.

 

[Ninamm]

the little yellow corn things they don't peck at. I had actually took the water container out and they still didn't get it after a week. thank god for the water in their yard.

 

[mortie]

with mine it took about 2 seconds. I put the waterer in place, they saw something new and pecked it out of curiosity and it was love at first sight. Sorry yours are having more difficulty.

 

[Sabz]

Mine don't have water today Well, except the nipples I mean.
I removed the bowl yesterday night. Spent a lot of time sitting near the bucket and showing them how to use it. One chicken was really paying attention but was too afraid of me to come to try it.

I am sure she will try when I'm not near! hehe Well.. I hope anyhow.. I'll note the water level to see if they use it.
I wish I had the cash for a webcam in the coop to see what they are doing when I leave

 

[iwiw60]

Mine don't have water today Well, except the nipples I mean.
I removed the bowl yesterday night. Spent a lot of time sitting near the bucket and showing them how to use it. One chicken was really paying attention but was too afraid of me to come to try it.

I am sure she will try when I'm not near! hehe Well.. I hope anyhow.. I'll note the water level to see if they use it.
I wish I had the cash for a webcam in the coop to see what they are doing when I leave

Good for you!! Stick to your guns, chicken mama!!

Later on this afternoon you might go in and do the clicking of the waterer thingie again...and again....they'll get it and you'll be one happy chicken mama not having to clean waterers (yuck!) and having wet areas on your floor...I know i did!! Be strong...never give in!!