Nipple wateter for chicks

[BoPeep75]

Hi! I have chicks that are about 10 days old and I have off and on been trying to teach them to use my nipple waterer system… it is a horizontal one… and they get the idea of where the water comes out, but they seem to not peck the nipple. They instead went to grab onto the stem with their beak and pull. Its a little bit funny, kind of like that far side comic where the gifted kid is pushing on the door that says to pull. I can't tell that anyone is getting anything out although they are very excited about trying for about fifteen seconds. I do keep pushing the nipples and trying to make it click but perhaps they're too young?

 

[Polish Hen House]

They are a little young. I started my chickens on a nipple waterer around 8-9 weeks. If you want you could probably start them around 4-5 weeks.

 

[snow5164]

Just make sure they have access to clean fresh water, birds really need that . If you insist on this nipple feeder ( the birds wouldn’t choose it ), make sure they’re using it .

I had those once , watched my birds stand under it for such a long time just to get a good drink , switched to these and were all so happy , one or two big gulps abs they’re done , water is very important to birds

 

[BoPeep75]

Thank you, I will try again when they're older. I also keep open water in the crate as well because I can see they're not getting enough. I will look into the other though. Thank you!

 

[OhZark Biddies]

I introduced mine at 4 weeks and they took right to it (to my surprise). I have this and a fount style in the run now, and they use both. I added the fount when it got really hot, worried they wouldn't get enough water.

... I had to teach them how to roost at 4 weeks though ... they wanted to sleep in pile on the ground.

 

[blackdog043]

I use a horizontal nipple waterer in the brooder at 2 -3 weeks along with the chick waterer. They usually use both waterers, after a week I take out the chick waterer and they do fine with the nipples. The nice thing about nipples, you have clean water 24/7. All my chickens get enough water from them, without any problem and they don't stand there very long to get a drink.

 

[meetthebubus]

I don't like nipple waterers chickens are very instinctual and it goes against their nature in the heat they'll also appreciate being able to dip waddles in water too

 

[imnukensc]

I started mine on horizontal nipples at 2 1/2 weeks. They took right to it. They get plenty of water. What could be more instinctual for a chicken than pecking at something?

 

[BoPeep75]

... I had to teach them how to roost at 4 weeks though ... they wanted to sleep in pile on the ground.

. Lol I thought I was the only one trying to teach them how to roost. I feel like a helicopter chicken mom.

 

[dpenning]

Hi! I have chicks that are about 10 days old and I have off and on been trying to teach them to use my nipple waterer system… it is a horizontal one… and they get the idea of where the water comes out, but they seem to not peck the nipple. They instead went to grab onto the stem with their beak and pull. Its a little bit funny, kind of like that far side comic where the gifted kid is pushing on the door that says to pull. I can't tell that anyone is getting anything out although they are very excited about trying for about fifteen seconds. I do keep pushing the nipples and trying to make it click but perhaps they're too young?

Give it another week then try again. Take out the other water supply and take a couple of the chicks and move the lever with their beak. They get mad but within a few minutes they will be back to check it out and the rest will follow. Watch them for a bit to make sure everyone has come to investigate and you're golden. If they don’t get it put the other water back in. Come back later and take out the easy water. I e never had to do this more than twice and they all figure it out.