Nipple waterer versus feed store waterer

[cretia]

I'm new to BYC, and this is my first flock- I recently purchased a nipple waterer but I've only seen one of my pullets use it. I have tried by putting their beaks under it & feeding them treats soaked in water under it but they will go find standing stagnant water in my yard before going to this watering system- please help! Hubby says remove the other water sources & they will figure it out but we live in Louisiana with a heat index of 100+. Any ideas or suggestions welcome!

 

[Free Feather]

I would just give them a regular waterer. If they do not like it, why make them use it? Especially when it is as hot as it is.

 

[fire370]

They will figure it if they haven't already. Chickens are opportunists. All of my pens and coops are PVC piped in with nipples and all chicks are started on nipples right out of the incubators. With that said, I always keep extra water out in the open for them in small feed pails. Even in the winter.

 

[cretia]

Free feather the reason for the nipple waterer is space- they are in a small coop & run all day until we get home in the evening to let them free range in the yard- the regular waterer gets dirty & takes up more space

 

[cretia]

Thank you fire370, I get that they are opportunists , just hate seeing them with their beaks open panting all the time- would they do that even if they have had plenty of water? Again, my first flock so I am a newbie! Thanks so much for your response & help!

 

[fire370]

All of mine have plenty of room, plenty of shade, plenty moving air, plenty of fresh clean water at multiple sources and still pant. I wouldn't read too much into it if they have water available. Had chickens my whole life and never worried too much as long as they have what's listed above.

We used to have confinement hogs and used curtains and misters on timers to control temp. It was always fun trying to guess the overnight weather. Made many a middle of the nights trip to shut up curtains on a sudden cold snap.

 

[cretia]

Thanks so much for your response, yes, plenty of shade & air & plenty of water, just wish I saw them run to the nipple like they run to a fresh waterer from the feed store, lol. I can relate to the middle of the night run- we had record storms the 1st night I put the chicks outside, I know I was more water logged than they were, lol

 

[Free Feather]

Traditional waterers do not get dirty if you put them up on blocks and away from the roosts. If given the choice they typically choose the open water if they know how to use both.

 

[drumstick diva]

I wouldn't have a battle of wills over nipple waterer or regular when it is hot outside. Usually when one bird uses the nipples the others will follow suit. But, you can't force them to drink only from that or you will have dead chicks.

 

[BantamFan4Life]

Welcome to BYC! I'm glad you joined us!