Simple answer is chickens don't prefer nipple waterers. An open water source is easier to use, so if I put in a saucer of water they all run to it like they're dying of thirst, yet they've been using the same single nipple waterer for over 3 years now and nothing else*. (*Note that I do put out extra water on hotter days both for drinking and soaking their feet in, but it's not a regular thing).
Honestly for the same reason even if they have a full feeder in the coop, if I simply throw some pellets on the ground they go nuts like I've never fed them before. They just like eating off the ground better.
Honestly for the same reason even if they have a full feeder in the coop, if I simply throw some pellets on the ground they go nuts like I've never fed them before. They just like eating off the ground better.
