nipple waterer qustion

[sfchixn]

I started with a Lixit Bird Waterer (like the rabbit waterer, with the ball) and the chickens took to it much faster than the nipple. I'd say, the Lixit waterer took them about 2-3 days. The nipple waterer took about one week.

 

[featherz]

I just started using a ball waterer after having to clean wood shavings out of the water 5 times a day for one day too many. I still have the 'chippy' waterer in the pen, but put the ball waterer (it attaches to a 1 or 2 liter soda bottle) in and they started using it almost immediately at less than a week old. They push the little ball in and gulp gulp. I was thinking of ordering some of the nipples for when they are older and in the coop, but the one they had at TSC seemed way too hard to push (I tried it in the store) for week old chicks to me. Maybe it really isn't.

 

[Elphaba2140]

Is there any problem with these nipples freezing in very cold areas? I live near Chicago and it gets real cold here! I like the idea of having clean water at all times and I am sure they would too.

 

[sfchixn]

Quote:
Folks here have resolved it by placing an inexpensive aquarium heater in the water receptacle. It requires a more durable receptacle beyond a used milk jug and an electricity source. The also sell (more expensive) devices in pet stores that will handle this.