- Thread starter
- #11
Grandpa Goof
In the Brooder
Thanks everyone for your replies. Very helpful. I will add that my 12X20 run will be completely covered and predator proof. Just thought I would bring your attention to that. Thanks
Follow along with the video below to see how to install our site as a web app on your home screen.
Note: This feature may not be available in some browsers.
@aart I’m about to move to nipple waterers. I still change out waters for 100 birds every day.I keep feed and water in the coop because:
-My run is not weather proof, nor totally predator proof.
-We get some wicked weather, wild wind and feet of snow, there can be days on end that they don't spend much time outside.
-I use early morning supplemental lighting and they need to eat and drink way before they could go outside.
-Easier, and safer, for powering heated waterer.
-Feed is stored inside large shed that houses coop, so it's just easier for me the keeper.
Do not forget to make your coop easily accessible for you the keeper as well as for what the birds need.
Spill proof feeder keeps rodents at bay, as well as always set snap traps.
Horizontal Nipple waterer just about eliminates spills and evaporation issues.
I know you asked aart, but I'll answer, too. I start chicks at about 2 1/2 weeks. They take to it very quickly. A red laser pointer can help get them interested in them or even just using your finger on the nipple often works. Once one of them starts using them they all quickly follow suit. I've also transitioned 2 year old birds to them the same way. Keep a separate source of water nearby until you're sure one or two are using the nipples and then remove it completely. They catch on quickly.@aart I’m about to move to nipple waterers. I still change out waters for 100 birds every day.
How young do they use them and how long has transition taken for you, can you remember when you started using it?
I have the HN's available to chicks right off the bat, but they really aren't strong enough to depress the pin until a couple weeks old.How young do they use them and how long has transition taken for you, can you remember when you started using it?
Thank you both!!! Really looking forward to a new system.I have the HN's available to chicks right off the bat, but they really aren't strong enough to depress the pin until a couple weeks old.
I've had all age birds either pick it right up within an hour...and others that take weeks to really figure it out.
Here's my thoughts on 'nipple training'.
First, it's good to know how much water your flock consumes 'normally', I top off water every morning and have marks on the waterers so I know about how much they drink.
-Show them how with your finger(tho that might just train them to wait for your finger), and/or manually grab them and push their head/beak onto the trigger(easier with chicks than adults).
-No other water source, best to 'train' during mild weather when dehydration is less of an immediate health risk. I do provide an open waterer late in day to make sure they don't go to roost dehydrated, especially young chicks.
It can take days or weeks to get them fully switched over, just takes observation, consistency, and patience.
Should I have the feed and water in the coop or the run. What is the best?
I am designing my new coop & run build for this spring. It will be a 6x6 coop with a 12x20 run attached. Should I have the feed and water in the coop or the run. What is the best? I tend to lean towards the coop being just for roosting with no water or feed. What are your thoughts? Thanks
I will add that my 12X20 run will be completely covered and predator proof.
I am designing my new coop & run build for this spring. It will be a 6x6 coop with a 12x20 run attached. Should I have the feed and water in the coop or the run. What is the best? I tend to lean towards the coop being just for roosting with no water or feed. What are your thoughts? Thanks