Nipple or Cup system for the hot southwest desert?

[aglutenfreemom]

Hi all! I'm in Las Vegas and just got baby chicks. Right now they use their chick waterer, but soon they will be ready to go outside. Will a nipple or cup system work, or is it just too darn hot here?

Thanks!

 

[LoneOak]

Yes a nipple or cup system will work. Keep your reservoir in the shade and if it is that hot a lot of people rig systems using large water coolers for reservoirs and add ice to it as needed. Do a search in this sub forum and you will find many topics on feeding and watering in hot areas.

 

[Gallo del Cielo]

A lot of us here in AZ use them. I make sure the chicks have them from the very beginning; they take to them very quickly. On the very hottest days here we put frozen gallon jugs into the waterer to keep it cool, which the chickens very much appreciate.

 

[marktoo]

I started them out using nipples on day 1 but switched to cups. During a run of temps from 100 to 111, I placed a pan of water out in the run, the chicks seemed to prefer it, actually leaving the tractor to get a drink & seemed to drink more. I thought the cups would be a good compromise since I like the closed system. I use ACV in the water, dropping frozen water bottles in the cooler during hot weather. Every 10 to 14 days I flush the lines & wash out the cooler. Works well...I'm pleased.