Switching to a nipple waterer

[pearlygirly]

I have been using a basic chicken waterer and it’s been great. However with the snow coming along, we ordered a heated waterer with nipples. However I don’t think my chickens are catching on. I took a few and put their beaks up to them and they drank from it but whenever I check in, I don’t see them using it or seeing the water level going down so we’ve kept our original waterer in there. But now that it’s snowing in upstate New York, my original waterer started freezing over. I read to just remove the original waterer and put the new one in its place and they should catch on but I’m worried if I do that, they aren’t smart enough and will become dehydrated. I’m probably overthinking this but wanted to come here for any guidance. I’ve attached a photo of the new heated waterer with nipples.

 

[Auntiejessi3]

I just take my finger and tap the nipples a few times. Once one starts doing it, they will all catch on.

 

[pearlygirly]

I just take my finger and tap the nipples a few times. Once one starts doing it, they will all catch on.

I did do that but I don’t know if any of them caught on. Maybe I need to try it again tonight.

 

[CBaucom]

One of my flocks was given to me with a nipple waterer. They will drink from it but as soon as I let them out to free range they run straight to the water bucket by the house. I love the idea of the nipple waterer but I personally won't have the set up again because I don't think it's a natural way for them to drink. But rest assured, they will drink from it if that's all they have.