Nipples or cups

I had a similar question and decided to go with cups. The reason being that I have a mixed flock of varying heights of birds. For nipple placement, it's easier if your birds are roughly the same height or consider two different heights. I went with cups and yes you do have to clean them out. Nipples would be easier that way. But then, I don't have wet spots from the cups.

 

The other thing to consider is winter and freezing. The nipples are much easier to keep from freezing. I have used both and the cups have to be cleaned and I could not use them during winter.

 

Hi currently using a self filling cup but I am worried it will freeze in winter so not sure what to do yet, my system is very simple I have a plastic box usualy used as a storage container made a hole in the end near the bottom, fitted a hose pipe connector to it hoselock type, ran a hose down using hose pipe click together fittings so I can remove the whole tank to clean when I need to, pipe down to the drinker bit more jiggery pokery connected the cup up and filled up the plastic tank cleaning is simple I just get a wodge of kitchen towel and wipe thorough the cup even with water in the kitchen towel still gets the muck out. I could show pics if it helps but i am sure you get the idea. This cost very little and some of the fittings where kicking around anyway, I am a bit frugle with stuff like to hang onto things just in case, you know I think its called hoarding?
Possible idea for winter is one of those gallon bucket on the side drinkers with a fish tank heater set at its lowest temp to just maintain temperature? don't want the girls making tea out there do we.

 

I have not tried the cups but have been using nipples since I brought my chicks home. I have mixed age chicks (3 weeks of range) so there is some difference in height. I hung the bucket for the taller ones (using chain so I can continue to adjust) and then put a scrap of 2x4 under one nipple. The smaller girls stand on it to drink, the taller ones don't. It's really that easy. And I don't have wet spots under the waterer -- my nipples don't leak at all.