If you use a regular fount for watering your chickens, then the water is going to get dirty. It'll be a bit cleaner the higher the water is, but somehow, poop and shavings always end up in there. I've had chickens for seven years, and no matter what I try, a lot of water is dirtied and wasted
I've bought my chicken nipples and will be installing a first-trial nipple watering system as soon as the weather supports not freezing the water. Once I'm confident I have all the basic mechanics down, we'll design a nipple watering system (with a small water heater for winter use) for the new chicken coop, to be built this summer.
I have HAD IT with founts.