Problem getting chickens to use Chicken Nipple Waterer

[Tofer76]

yeah we do worry but then again i wouldnt leave my dogs for more than 2 days without a checkin from a freind either

i fill my bucket about once a week and mainly just to keep it freash and cleaner (a little pre maint now prevents probs later) i guess

i use 3/4 filled poweraide bottles frozen and switched out every day in the buckets too cool it in the summers dont really need to freashen everyday but its part of the kids chore list hehe

 

[nerd0geekboyz]

I recently switched to a nipple watered and experienced the following:
1. My hens peck at the nipple and don't seem to get enough water. See bullet 2
2. When I let them out of the coop, they run to the bowl of water (just the Delaware and the Ameraucana).
3. Just yesterday, my Ameraucana's egg was malformed. On the egg was circle shape raised area with small cuts/openings. The egg was very fragile. Unsure if this had to do with the possible lack of water or lack of oyster shell.
4. The Delaware egg was discolored brown and splotchy.

I put back my normal waterer for now but still have the nipple system installed.

 

[blefky]

Quote:
It's now been almost a year and I'm quite pleased with the nipple waterers. I occasionally have pans of water distributed around the yard in the summer, but they get most of their water from the nipple waterers. I love them because they are a very clean and reliable source of water in case a waterer gets tipped or forgotten. Don't feel as if you have to make the switch now, do it when the weather cools. If you don't think they are getting enough water, quantify how much they are drinking. At least you'll know for sure and that should put your mind at ease. Good luck!

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