Nipple Waterer - I can't get the nipples to screw into the PVC pipe

[CarolJ]

My son (owns a landscape business and has a plumber's license) came over and fixed it for me. He said I bought the really thick PVC pipe (can't remember what he called it). Next time I should get the thinner type. However, he made it work. So I have one pipe with the nipples installed. After Thanksgiving, I'll get the rest of it rigged up, and I'll be good to go.

I plan to install mine so the chickens have to raise their heads to reach it. My only concern now is that they don't try to stand on the pipe. How have the rest of you handled that?

 

[jwatts]

Carol,you will love those chicken nipples. I have them threaded to 4" pvc.I usually have to fill it once a week (holds 4 gal.) thats for 30 chickens. There pretty much maintence free.. Always clean water,no contaminents. there great.

 

[wyododge]

Quote:
Put a larger size pipe over the areas they can get to, when they try to get on it, it will roll...

 

[Rich386]

Buy a 1/8" pipe nipple and a T. Put the T on the nipple to use as a handle. Use it as a tap to thread the hole.
Rich

 

[ChickenWaterer]

Most screw in poultry nipples require an odd drill bit size 23/64" or a metric 9mm. Screwing into PVC can take some strength but you can use a crescent wrench. You should also cover the threads with plumbers tape (also called Teflon tape). You can buy this at the hardware store. It will make screwing them in easier and also create a tighter seal.