So far there hasn't been any "bullying" going on with my flock. I hope it continues to be this way. Thanks for the advice on the crumbles. I have been thinking about getting pellets when it's time to put them on layer, but may just stick with crumbles.Some people say that their chickens didn't get enough water from using nipples - I haven't seen that with ours. Yes, it does mean that they may have to spend more time drinking than if they were just scooping up water from a bowl, but I don't think it's a bad thing. When there is a lot of pecking/bullying, "they" make recommendations to feed crumbles, so that the birds have to spend more time eating to get the same amount as opposed to just swallowing a pellet. To me, the nipple watering system is the same way. They spend more time actively getting water instead of getting "bored" and harassing other chickens.
Sorry she didn't make it.I always appreciate hearing your advice. Sincerely, lol, thanks!![]()
Unfortunately she didn't make it. None of the others had that issue..its puzzling..but she was much smaller than the others from the start. Nature's course I suppose. I've still got 4 big, healthy active chicks left.
And you really don't want a chicken that's going to have constant health issues..

One of my Orpingtons is smaller than the other two. Almost half their size. She eats good, drinks good and does all "normal" chicken stuff. In fact, she was the first one to drink out of the horizontal nipples. It seems like she stopped growing.