Nipple Waterer... chickens getting wet

[fasschicks]

I have a great nipple waterer that my husband and i made. Now that the cold weather has made it to Wisconsin, I am noticing that my girls have an area on their chest that the water is freezing on.

I thought I remember reading somewhere that if that is happening, maybe the waterer is either too high or too low. Any suggestions?

Fass

 

[chfite]

The metal stems in the nipples will leak if the water pressure is too high. If the supply bucket is too full or elevated too high, the pressure will be too high. I think these nipples are designed for 2 - 3 pounds per square inch of water pressure.

If the water is freezing on their feathers, you can get an idea of how well insulated they are from the cold.

Chris