Nipples vs cups for watering

[Jdutton24]

Plan on using 5 gal bucket and PVC or just bucket. Which is better horizontal nipples or cups? Both seem pretty hit or miss. Particular brand? Nipples seems like birds are thirsty and cups freeze and get stuck open. Or cups in summer and nipples in winter with an aquarium heater in bucket ?

 

[sealer39]

I use horizontal nipples in 5 gallon buckets. They work very well for the chickens. I introduce the chicks to the system after 1-2 weeks of age. I didn’t try the cups because reviews stated they constantly have to be cleaned and will still freeze in winter even with a heater in the bucket. Here is one of them:

 

[RoosterML]

I use horizontal nipples in 5 gallon buckets. They work very well for the chickens. I introduce the chicks to the system after 1-2 weeks of age. I didn’t try the cups because reviews stated they constantly have to be cleaned and will still freeze in winter even with a heater in the bucket. Here is one of them:
View attachment 2062905

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I have used both. Nipples hands down. In summer I will usually leave a hanging waterer or water bowl out also.

 

[pintail_drake2004]

I have used the horizontal nipples for several years now, and love them. They don't leak, but I take extra precautions and wrap the threads in pipe tape before I install them in my bucket. during the winter, I add a stock tank de-icer to the bucket. For the most part it keeps water available. When it gets to about 0* then they freeze up.

 

[wamtazlady]

I have used the horizontal nipples for several years now, and love them. They don't leak, but I take extra precautions and wrap the threads in pipe tape before I install them in my bucket. during the winter, I add a stock tank de-icer to the bucket. For the most part it keeps water available. When it gets to about 0* then they freeze up.

My horizontal nipples, tote with lid, and stock tank deicer has kept the chicken's water thawed even when it was -22 F here in NW Montana.

 

[DanEP]

I have used both and will never go back to cups. The only down side to the horizontal nipples I've found is that that chicks in a brooder can't seem to get them to work till their about 7-10 days old. The springs are a little stiff for the new chicks. After that their good to go.
when I had 50 -60 chickens I bought a cheap garbage can and put about 8 nipples around the bottom but up about 6" on the can. The reason for that is I've found that a 50 watt bird bath heater will keep 10-12 gallons of water thawed and keep the nipples ice free. The trick is the heater has to be lower than the nipples or they will freeze. I'm in western Ky so not real cold but still get to single digits.

 

[Birdielee]

So what brand of horizontal nipples works well and doesn't tend to leak?

 

[sealer39]

I buy the ones from My Pet Chicken. Go ahead and buy the 11/32 drill bit from the hardware store. Follow the instructions and your good to go. No need for plumbers tape. The only issue I’ve had where they did not work was when I tried to put them in a 2 gallon bucket. The bucket walls were not thick enough to support the nipples. A regular 5 gallon bucket works great. Make sure to drill a few tiny holes in the top of the wall of the bucket just below the lid so the water can be displaced with air.

 

[Birdielee]

Great. Thanks for the specifics.

I buy the ones from My Pet Chicken. Go ahead and buy the 11/32 drill bit from the hardware store. Follow the instructions and your good to go. No need for plumbers tape. The only issue I’ve had where they did not work was when I tried to put them in a 2 gallon bucket. The bucket walls were not thick enough to support the nipples. A regular 5 gallon bucket works great. Make sure to drill a few tiny holes in the top of the wall of the bucket just below the lid so the water can be displaced with air.

 

[MommA2K]

I use horizontal nipples in 5 gallon buckets. They work very well for the chickens. I introduce the chicks to the system after 1-2 weeks of age. I didn’t try the cups because reviews stated they constantly have to be cleaned and will still freeze in winter even with a heater in the bucket. Here is one of them:
View attachment 2062905

Do you only fill the bucket when it gets low on water? I’d imagine that would last awhile? I guess I’m worried about it not being fresh for them and getting sick? I don’t know if that’s a thing Still trying to figure all this stuff out!