So, we've always bought pullets for layers and trained them to a self-waterer right off the bat (hanging 5-gallon food-grade bucket w/ nipples on bottom). We haven't had chickens for 2 years and recently bought some month-old RIR chicks. They are now 6 weeks old. My husband made a "mini" version of the bucket water system out of a much, much smaller container w/ 2 nipples on the bottom. Same system. BUT, I can't seem to get the chicks to use it. I hold them up to it and put their beak to a nipple and they look bewildered. I tap the nipples and they go after the drops that run down my hand. They have been using a plastic container that we clean and fill twice a day but they also are getting big and rowdy in the coop and knock it over. My question is: how do you train 6-week old chicks to use the hanging waterer or is it even possible? Thanks!
