Nipple waterers

[chickenlady3]

We just put up a new website for our automatic chicken watering systems. Check them out! We do sell both cups and nipples for DIY folks too! http://www.autowaterkit.com

 

[ChickenWaterer]

Poultry nipples are manufactured by a variety of manufacturers, so it's hard to make a completely accurate categorical statement regarding leaking.

However, In my opinion, the vast majority of leaks don't happen because of defective valves. Leaks happen because of poor installation on the part of the owner. Specifically, it's not the valves themselves that are leaking but small gaps between the nipple and the conduit that allow water to drip. The water and runs out of the gap and down the stem of the valve. What appears to be a defective nipple is really a bad install job.

When the opening is sized properly, a nipple based poultry waterer shouldn't leak.

Again, this is difficult for consumers to achieve because they are using an approximate drill bit size to create the opening and because they are hand holding the drill which is not ideal for creating a tight seal. Professionally manufactured products will have the advantage in this regard.

If you want to plug any gaps for your home made waterer, use plumbers tape. Don't use silicone sealant this is not meant to be in constant contact with water.

 

[debid]

...
If you want to plug any gaps for your home made waterer, use plumbers tape. Don't use silicone sealant this is not meant to be in constant contact with water.

I used aquarium silicone sealant to fix a crack after I dropped a bucket on the nipple. It worked great and it's definitely meant for use under water!

 

[zipf]

I just installed a nipple watering system yesterday and will start using it after I do a bit more water proofing. Curious if the chickens will just figure it out or if there is something we should/could do to encourage them. I don't want to take away their other supply in case it takes them a while to figure it out, but then I also think that if they still have the old one, what will be their motivation to try the nipples. Any input?

 

[luvmychicken]

I made this over the summer. It holds about 9 gallons of water. My girls love it

 

[luvmychicken]

When

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I just installed a nipple watering system yesterday and will start using it after I do a bit more water proofing. Curious if the chickens will just figure it out or if there is something we should/could do to encourage them.  I don't want to take away their other supply in case it takes them a while to figure it out, but then I also think that if they still have the old one, what will be their motivation to try the nipples.  Any input?
When you put water In. I bumped a couple of the nipples and they got the idea. I slowly stopped using the pan method and they seam to like the new system better. Plus. NO MORE POOP IN THE WATER. YAAAAA

 

[ChickenWaterer]

Yes aquarium sealant but not the silicone sealant sold in hardware stores for sealing sinks and tubs.