Nipple Waterers - Are my birds getting enough water? Dry poo?

[Then I Will]

Hi all,

I've trained my birds on to nipple waterers recently. I have one nipple per 3-4 birds as directed.
It takes them longer to quench their thirst, but they seem to like having something to peck at. There is never any crowding or bullying around the water either.

My main concern is when I look at their droppings and realize that most of the droppings are sort of dry- at least, drier than chicken poop was when I had flocks on bowl/tray water. Once in a while, I see a loose watery squirt, but that is that strange caramel colored poo that happens every 13th poo or so.
The regular turd with the white urine spot on it comes out in an inch to two inch string that can be swept up easily with a dust pan and broom. It just has me concerned that they're not keeping as hydrated on the nipple water.

Anyone else notice this change with the switch to nipple waterers?

 

[SueT]

I thought nice dryish poop was ideal...It's when it gets too runny that I worry.

 

[rosemarythyme]

That dryish poop is normal (as is the cecal poop) and yes it does make cleaning up easier! As long as the nipples are working properly then they're getting enough water. Though if it's very hot I would consider putting out extra water to drink and to splash around in.

 

[Saint_ Marwenne_Chickens]

That dryish poop is normal (as is the cecal poop) and yes it does make cleaning up easier! As long as the nipples are working properly then they're getting enough water. Though if it's very hot I would consider putting out extra water to drink and to splash around in.

X2

I thought nice dryish poop was ideal...It's when it gets too runny that I worry.

And X2

 

[GC-Raptor]

I don't use nipples. But during the summer I have 3 waterer's for 5 hens, including a pan they can step in, . GC