Moving to a nipple waterer

[JLoner]

I would like to change our watering system to the nipples. Our chicks are almost 4 weeks old. I assume it would be easier for them to get used to it the younger they are?

My plan is to have the nipple waterer inside the coop, and a regular waterer outside (in case the pulley door closes to go inside).

I have read this will cause issues for them not use the nipples...but if I install the outdoor one once they get used to the nipple, will it still cause confusion? (Am I making sense?)

We have 9 chicks, how many nipples would be best? We were thinking 3 or 4.

Also I have been letting them have some bits of romaine every other day. I tear it up nice and small for them. Is there any reason they couldn't have this every day? This morning they almost swarmed me as I was putting the plate down. They are loooooving it.

Is it too early to throw in a small handful of dried mealworms so they can find them throughout the day? I've read this encourages foraging...which makes total sense.

Thanks!

 

[AngeliqueR]

Can chicks get nipple confusion?

I've been researching this because the dirty water is driving me nuts. I think 2 nipples would be plenty for 9, I read 1 per 6 at a height that will be about a 45 degree angle for their heads. Make sure you install it so you can adjust the height as they grow taller.

They're not too young for mealworm but they should also have access to grit, I keep trying to figure out how much mealworm is too much and I have no answers there but a handful sounds fine. No idea about the lettuce.