Not getting enough water from nipple waterer?

[jreardon1918]

Except for the first few weeks with chicks we only use 5 gallon bucket with HN. We watch the water use. Measuring use will eliminate doubt.

 

[PortlandME]

Except for the first few weeks with chicks we only use 5 gallon bucket with HN. We watch the water use. Measuring use will eliminate doubt.

Thanks! So how much use do you consider normal for your girls?

 

[jreardon1918]

Thanks! So how much use do you consider normal for your girls?

I bring a one gallon pitcher out to the coop every couple days. This usually tops off the bucket. So the one pint per hen seems about right.

 

[CHlCKEN]

Yes, but that means you'd have to wash out the bowl and replace the water every 5 minutes, in my case. Mine kick dirt, shavings, and straw into their waterer all the time.

Means it’s not a great waterer (No offense). I only like waterers that are closed off to prevent chickens from ruining it. If you Don’t want to drink the water you’re giving to your chickens don’t give it to them. Clean water is always very important, and nipple waterers do a great job at that. I understand though that your case is different and you can’t really buy a better waterer. For now, as long As you’re on top of keeping it fresh, I should be alright. Just don’t give your chickens muddy-algae water!

 

[black_cat]

Thanks again for the response - great thoughts! I'd say it's about head height while their neck is slightly extended. I'll double check - maybe it needs to be raised a bit. I hadn't thought of them needing all 4 at once as I've never seen more than 2 drinking at the same time - but I'll keep a closer eye to see if that might help.

It should be around head height, so maybe lower it a bit? Also make sure that some girls aren't keeping others away from the water.

 

[black_cat]

Means it’s not a great waterer (No offense). I only like waterers that are closed off to prevent chickens from ruining it. If you Don’t want to drink the water you’re giving to your chickens don’t give it to them. Clean water is always very important, and nipple waterers do a great job at that. I understand though that your case is different and you can’t really buy a better waterer. For now, as long As you’re on top of keeping it fresh, I should be alright. Just don’t give your chickens muddy-algae water!

I could try to scrap up the money for a nipple waterer, but they're A) expensive, and B) I don't think that I could train my girls to use one.

 

[CHlCKEN]

I could try to scrap up the money for a nipple waterer, but they're A) expensive, and B) I don't think that I could train my girls to use one.

Actually it’s really simple to train them and I didn’t even have too. The first thing I did was put my finger to it and show one chicken how to use it. She used it and the rest copied her. That’s how my pullets learned. I understand your in a tight spot with money, so don’t feel pressured to buy one. I think your waterer will work fine, I just prefer nipple waterers since they are somewhat easier to keep clean

 

[black_cat]

Actually it’s really simple to train them and I didn’t even have too. The first thing I did was put my finger to it and show one chicken how to use it. She used it and the rest copied her. That’s how my pullets learned. I understand your in a tight spot with money, so don’t feel pressured to buy one. I think your waterer will work fine, I just prefer nipple waterers since they are somewhat easier to keep clean

I might buy a couple of poultry nipples and a 5 gallon bucket as a tester- I bet I could put that on the water heater base I already have. Might try it.

 

[CHlCKEN]

I might buy a couple of poultry nipples and a 5 gallon bucket as a tester- I bet I could put that on the water heater base I already have. Might try it.

Maybe! And do your research on how to, because you don’t want one that leaks!!

 

[black_cat]

Maybe! And do your research on how to, because you don’t want one that leaks!!

Looking it up right now!