Problems With Heated Waterer

[Milli]

I have used heated water bases for years without a problem. This year I bought two of the heated waterers with nipples. I set up the first one about 3 weeks ago and the second about two weeks ago. In both pens a hen died about 1 1/2 weeks after the waterer was put in and I have just lost a second hen in the first pen. I have two other pens in the same coop. They have traditional waterers and all of the birds have been healthy. It could be a coincidence, but I am wondering if anyone else has had a problem with them. The chickens seem to be drinking from them without a problem.

 

[cavemanrich]

I really think it is just coincidence. I have heated water containers all winter and have for the last 20 years. Try a teaspoon of ACV, which may control some bacterial growth,,,,,,, but I'm not sure.
I just change the water in mine about every second day. On the non change day,,,, I just add fresh water. I don't use ACV
WISHING YOU BEST,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

 

[aart]

Hard to say if it was coincidental or dehydration.
Some birds don't 'get' the nipples right off the bat,
especially the Horizontal Nipples,
it's good to monitor water consumption during transition to nipples from an open waterer.
Even better to know daily consumption before the change so you can compare.
Best not to make the switch during extreme temps when dehydration can happen faster.

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