Need help with nipples vs. cups

[grotekb91]

Hi! I recently bought the Premier 1 Supply heated poultry waterer (see link below). My chickens are 7-9 weeks old. They've had access to only this waterer for 2.5 days now and they are still not getting it. I have to tap the nipple constantly and they are frantic for any drops. Generally just much louder than usual, giving off a distress chirp all the time. I just gave them their old waterer again, they guzzled it and are all completely settled now. I do believe they would eventually catch onto the nipples but I don't have the time right now to constantly monitor their drinking. I wanted to ask if anyone knew of a cup waterer that would fit into this particular waterer I bought. From what I can tell the horizontal nipples are standardized in size, am I right? It was expensive and Id like to make it work. I like that it's heated. Thank you!

(https://www.premier1supplies.com/p/...gvyznQDUFCTuCLGld_q3oAbNyyUjk6GzZjAVrTkFsQqFR)

 

[Squawkers]

I just got a nipple water for the first time. It took a while for them to figure out. I would have another water source for them, I don’t think is fair for them to be thirsty while they are figuring it out. Chickens are very curious creatures, and even though I had another water for them, they still explored the nipples. When I saw them pecking the nipples more often I started taking the other water away from them for a few hours and then putting it back. They eventually got it. Although mine were full grown hens, that might make a difference. I personally don’t like cups because I feel like it defeats then purpose of nipples, which is to keep the water clean. I think you just need to be patient

 

[HopefulChicken]

Hi! I recently bought the Premier 1 Supply heated poultry waterer (see link below). My chickens are 7-9 weeks old. They've had access to only this waterer for 2.5 days now and they are still not getting it. I have to tap the nipple constantly and they are frantic for any drops. Generally just much louder than usual, giving off a distress chirp all the time. I just gave them their old waterer again, they guzzled it and are all completely settled now. I do believe they would eventually catch onto the nipples but I don't have the time right now to constantly monitor their drinking. I wanted to ask if anyone knew of a cup waterer that would fit into this particular waterer I bought. From what I can tell the horizontal nipples are standardized in size, am I right? It was expensive and Id like to make it work. I like that it's heated. Thank you!

View attachment 3997625

(https://www.premier1supplies.com/p/...gvyznQDUFCTuCLGld_q3oAbNyyUjk6GzZjAVrTkFsQqFR)

I

Hi! I recently bought the Premier 1 Supply heated poultry waterer (see link below). My chickens are 7-9 weeks old. They've had access to only this waterer for 2.5 days now and they are still not getting it. I have to tap the nipple constantly and they are frantic for any drops. Generally just much louder than usual, giving off a distress chirp all the time. I just gave them their old waterer again, they guzzled it and are all completely settled now. I do believe they would eventually catch onto the nipples but I don't have the time right now to constantly monitor their drinking. I wanted to ask if anyone knew of a cup waterer that would fit into this particular waterer I bought. From what I can tell the horizontal nipples are standardized in size, am I right? It was expensive and Id like to make it work. I like that it's heated. Thank you!

View attachment 3997625

(https://www.premier1supplies.com/p/...gvyznQDUFCTuCLGld_q3oAbNyyUjk6GzZjAVrTkFsQqFR)

It took me a long time to figure out how to train my chickens on the nipple. Finally my brother suggested making honey water. It worked like a charm.
but do not leave the honey water in for more then 24 hours because then it starts to ferment.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Have you tried actually picking up a couple of the birds and using their beaks to toggle the nipple? Let them drink a few drops, then repeat.

Also double check that the nipples are at an appropriate height for the size of the birds. For chicks I set up "stairs" so they can reach, but some adults seem to prefer drinking with their heads further down as well and will opt to use the stairs too.