Well I have quite a few two liter bottles that I thought i could use as a feeder or a waterer. Any ideas? or samples?
Two liter bottle made into a waterer?
- Thread starter Goat_Walker
- Start date
Here's a composite of a bunch of posts discussing their success with using inexpensive little "nipples" that are inserted into the bottom of any sort of empty bottle or empty bucket. GREAT for watering poultry. The composite is an excerpted conversation between about eighteen BYC members. I put the composite together last week and emailed it to family and friends to let them in on the "suspense and intrigue" of my wonderful new hobby of keeping chickens. So I've just copied and pasted it here for you, in answer to your question about making a waterer from a two-liter bottle.
Here goes:
I was looking for a different way to water my poultry! I found this and was wondering how many of the BYC crowd have used or use this type of waterer.
Check out this site--http://www.waldeneffect.org/adstore/
I've never seen those, but I am intrigued now as well!!!
However, I hate to spend lots of money, even though the DIY kit they sell is cheaper, I'm thinking about trying to DIY it without their kit.... I wonder where you can buy those nipple things they use? If anyone knows, spill it!
I HAVE THIS and this is what happened. I ordered 5 to do it myself. I bought a plastic gal tea jug from the Dollar General $3.00 and I poked a hole in the bottom, which wasn't easy, and sealed the nipple with 1.49 special glue. I hung it for my 14 hens to use and they just played with it a couple of times. So I painted the bottom white thinking they couldn't really see it being that the jug is clear. Still no usage. Then I got seventeen, 11-week old chicks and I decided to let them try it. And it works great. They use it more than the galvanized waterer I have. I don't know why the older hens (8 months) just didn't catch on. But I have to fill it every 3rd day or so. I just unscrew the lid, fill it and rehang. I really do like it. Its easy and no mess.
Those things look awesome. But they're waaaaay too expensive for a fancy milk carton and a water nipple. I've been trying to find the nipples for a while so I can make my own... but they're kinda difficult to come by.
Me thinks I'll order some water nipples and make my own! big_smile
I may have too many chickens for just one. I would sure like to try it though, am very tired of cleaning out water containers. DH has gravity flow with some type of nipples in pvc pipe going from pen to pen set up for the rabbits.. Will have to check it out and see what will work. The rabbits are heated with wood stove so it doesn't freeze- maybe the chickens can get it that posh!!
OK, I'm a visual person. I see the expensive bottle with the nipple on the bottom, and then I look at the websites to purchase the nipples...but which nipples do I buy? I would like to run some pvc into the coops to provide water. I currently have 4" PVC pipe reducing to 2" pipe with a 90 degree elbow for them to drink from. But they can be a bit messy with it. Nipples sound like the way to go. But which ones do you order?
http://www.bassequipment.com/Waterers/PVC+Ts,+Valves/default.aspx
???? Yes? I'm leaning towards the ones that require the saddle as I find any time you cut and glue PVC it is bound to leak eventually.
Thoughts???
So just my thoughts but if you can get the nipples then it seems you could make this with any larger water holding tub you can find ie a 20 gal keg and such... just my thoughts hmm might have to try this.
I put 2 nipples into the bottom of a 5 gallon bucket. It works as advertised, but I can't get my girls interested. Maybe if I removed their other water, but I don't dare do that...
Yeah, that's what I'm going to. But I'll be using plastic gallon milk cartons and I'm going to glue the nipples in with caulking. Then it'll have a handle and an opening to add water and viola!
when I am in the coop, I would tap the nipple and the hens would come over. Thats when they would play with it and just didn't catch on. I hope when my pullets move in with them, they will watch and learn.
I use this type of watering system but I did NOT pay those prices. I purchased the nipples and insert them into PVC pipe. I paid 1.69 per nipple. plus shipping. I have 2 per section of my coop just in case one doesnt work or something.
I would love to use this kind of system when my pullets come in 2 weeks but I live in a "freezing" climate and I don't think they would work well in winter. I'd hate to pay for two different watering systems but then again the nipples are so cheap ($1.69) that I could do that in the summer and switch to a heated base system in winter. I'm so undecided and being a newbie to chickens sometimes feel overwhelmed at all the choices out there!
I bought them but have since decided to just order the nipples from Farm tech and make them myself. I found that the glue they used broke down and leaked quickly, but they are great for brooding ducklings which is what I use mine for.
Anybody have feedback on how these work in the winter. Do they freeze and get stuck or break? I'm thinking of putting these in copper pipe that can be kept warm with heat tape wrapped around it to prevent freezing. Would this be a good idea?
I haven't changed to this but would like to. I use two different ones now. In the winter I use the heated dog water bowls or the bucket! And in the summer the regular plastic red/clear waterers.
Seems the big bucket with several nipples in the bottom is what I may try but no time now to put it together. I think even with a de-icer of some sort it will still freeze. even if the water inside the bucket stays thawed the nipple will freeze I think. ? May give it a try when things slow down here--HAHA! if ever!!
I just installed the push-in nipples from Farmtek 2 days ago.
I did my other halfs pens first. He has pheasants, turkeys, and RIR chicks.
I did not use any glue at all. I drilled a 3/8" hole and put in grommet and then pushed in the nipple. Now the first one leaked.. hummmm went back and took it apart and found that there was some plastic left from drilling out the milk jug. So I trimmed that and woohoo a nice waterer. The turkeys and chicks jumped on it right away. The pheasants weren't too sure.
I talked to a rep from Farmtek (by the way the customer services is beyond belief) they told me to remove the pan then take water and pour down over the milk jug.. as the water rolls down it will find the nipple and run off. They said a bird can not resist running water. They were right.. I stepped away from their pen and they came and pecked at the water all around the jug. Then one spotted the water on the end of the nipple.. and hit it.. after that they were all their to investigate.
They did tell me that if you want to use them without water pressure to get the ones that are threaded instead of the push in. That they work better as a gravity fed watering system. They are the same price. At this point I see no problem with the push-in so I think when I order for my Silkies I will get some of both.
I only bought 5 to try as I never thought about searching here for someone who may be using them. But as of this morning all I have install loves them. Now I had one left for me.. well I kept one for me. Other half thought his birds were more important to start with... so to prevent an argument I installed in a few of his pens first. I have the Durafonts (3, 5, and 7 gallon) for my chickens but they scratch woodchips and dust into the pans even when up on milk crates. So I have put one of these nipples in the bottom. I have a plug for when I want to clean it and have it hold water to do that.
When I reorder I will get a few more and put a couple in each one I have. Maybe the screw in ones they are self taping so will fit nicely. I took those hooks that screw into your garage to hold your bicycle and put in the side of my coop and hung the waterer. now no dirty/dusty pan and more floor space. They love it. I was really afraid to put a hole in one as they are $50+ a pop and was afraid it would ruin it. But woohoo, a really nice waterer and they love it. Now winter we go back to the rubber pans that I can get the ice out of.
I will say Farmtek also said the screw in ones are easier to remove to clean or exchange the container than the push in ones. The one that leaked due to my error was not hard to remove but the grommet comes out with it and its a #%$%$ to get off there.
Hope that helps
Don't they rock! I love mine! I'm so glad there's others using this. I think it makes it so much easier on us, and so much healthier for the birds!!
OK, next question...
If you have a 5 gallon bucket with the nipples on the bottom of the bucket...how do you raise the bucket high enough off the ground so that the birds peck upwards to get the water, and without the bucket being too "tippy" and falling over???
There are bucket holders used for horses for 5 gallon buckets-this might be worth a try. Or you could build a stand out of lumber 2x4's to kind of cradle the bucket in.
This seems like a great idea! I was about to order the ready-made version, but now I'm wondering if I could handle this as a DIY project.
What sort of container are you guys putting the nipples into? I was thinking of a gallon milk jug, but it seems like the plastic would be too flimsy to hold in the nipple. I'm only watering 3 hens.
For someone totally clueless like me, can you also explain your grommet method? Starting with what exactly a grommet is and where one would find one and in what size?
Thank you!!!!!
Hi,
If you buy the push-in ones it comes with the grommet.
You first drill (not punch) a 3/8" hole using a 3/8" drill bit.
Make sure all the plastic is smooth around the edges.. that is did not
leave any partial pieces when you drilled it. Then push the grommet (its what I call it.. the black thingy) into the hole. Then push the nipple in. What it does is the nipple causes the grommet to expand so no clue needed. So if the jug gets gross after sometime you can cut the jug get your system out and use a paper clip to get under the grommet so you can get it off the nipple and you are ready to afix to a new jug.
The milk jugs work great. I have 28 pheasants using one and 158 quail using one and its been over a month now with no problems.
The turkeys hit it hard and they only have a milk jug also. If you use your ACV in your water the jugs stay nice. No green slimmy stuff. And they are in the sun.. so prime time to grow things in water vessels. So your jugs will last you a while.
What is the model number of the one Farm Tec has? I put in chicken water nipples in the search and nothing rubber came up and not sure which one for the threaded.
Here ya go..
http://www.farmtek.com/farm/supplies/ca pples.html
oh and i use zip ties to hang them.. i think if you bent a clothes hanger or some piece of heavy wire you could make a hook. I just use plastic ties. One for height and one for keeping it straight.
They call them drinkers.
Thanks a million! I just ordered 3 of them. Almost choked on shipping, but it's still half the price of the name brand and I'll make 3!
Hi there, These things rock!!!
For photos of the milk jug waterer in action, check out my byc page:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/web/viewblog.php?id=27917
It only took a short time for my pullets to figure out the nipple water system. I ordered them from FarmTek plus extra grommets and placed 3 on the bottom of 2 (1 gallon buckets) that I switch out daily. I have an extra hook in the coop to hang the spare while I change buckets because of course you can't just sit it on the ground with the nipples on the bottom of it. Here is a pic of my girls working the water nipples.https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/uploads/33445_bucket_nipple_waterer.jpg
Figuring out how high to hang the bucket was trial and error! I hung it up and then stood at the window to see the height of my chickens as they passed the bucket. I finally have it hung about the same height as their heads. When I go out later to check for eggs, I will measure it from the ground and post it here.
I have seen some of the girls pecking (one is actually drinking) from the guinea pig waterer I bought for $3. Not sure if they all are using it yet - so for now I am leaving the pan in the tractor & continuing to "teach" each bird how to use it. I have faith that they will all learn.
I have put a Lick-It dog watering bottle & stem in my "Juvie" pen, and they are using it as a supplement to the traditional waterer. It is the same concept as the nipples, just not as dependable to keep from dripping dry. The spout on mine was chomped by my last litter of puppies, which dented in the SS pipe and made the ball not seal well. But it works as a supplemental waterer, and easy to get to as I mount it outside the pen with the spring that came with it.
I bought the Avian Water Miser DIY kit, and REALLY wish I'd checked here first. I got 3 nipples (the screw in kind) and some heavy wire & directions for about $20. I Knew somebody had to have those available, and sure enough, $2 bucks vs about $6 bucks each, and more than one kind, and many ways to use them. I think I'm going to try the milk jug outfit first, as those are plentiful. I'll let you know how the screw-ins work on the mj.
I use both the screw in and the push in ones. I just set up my OH's pheasant pens with 3 gallon buckets with the push in ones and they work great. Just put the lid on 3/4 tight.. so it can get air and they love it.
I put a brick under it so they have to step up to drink from it. Just means its higher off the ground so dust does not get in there from where the lid is cracked open. I just hated to put a whole in the lid when this works. This way at a quick glance I can see the water level. Use the AVG and no slime, no algae and good for them. Can't go wrong.
I found my nipples off ebay. Some place in China is selling them. Free shipping and 20 in a pack. They have a couple different styles.
For the thicker buckets the screw in works a bit better.
I have replaced the milk jugs as the birds hit them so hard that they caused them to leak. The turkeys and RIR chickens did that. So just replaced with the bucket.
I've only had my two point-of-lay pullets for the past four days. They're already taking food from my hand, and come to me whenever I step into their run.
I'm patiently trying to teach them to use the nipple waterer, but no luck so far. I've got the nipple installed at the bottom of a plastic gallon jug. And the jug is hanging outside in their run. It's in a nice shady spot, hanging off the corner of their coop's roof. The nipple is just about at the height of the chickens' heads.
I sit next to it for a half hour every morning and again every afternoon, tapping, tapping, tapping the nipple with one finger while HennyPenny and ChickenLittle stare intently at the drops falling to the ground. They'll come and peck at the wet spot on the ground, but haven't yet tried to touch the nipple. I've been doing this for four days now. I remove their water bowl for the half hour teaching session. Do you think I should "force" the issue and remove their water bowl for a few hours and just leave them alone to (hopefully) peck the nipple?
Too risky? I don't want them to get dehydrated, of course.
Any advice or tricks to get them to use the nippled jug? Anybody?
Carolyn,
I didn't even give my pullets a different water system 'cause I was afraid they'd go the easy route and skip the nipple system. It took a few hours for them to get it and I was worried they would get really thirsty but the nipples always had a drop of water on the end and they found it. The nipples have to be just above head level so they can reach up to get the water. Try taking their other water away for half a day and just watch them closely. I stood outside the coop window and watched to see if they would catch on. I need to get a bar stool as I spend way too much time watching them through the window!
I know what you mean about the watching-the-chickens addiction. I took my little plastic garden bench out of my veggie garden and now keep it just outside the ChickArena. Whenever I go there, I bring it inside the run with me, planning to sit for just five or ten minutes. Ha ! An hour or two later, I finally tear myself away and go back into the house.
I'll try your suggestion and will remove the water bowl for a few hours and watch to see if they try the nippled jug. I think I'll tape a big red fresh strawberry to the bottom of the jug, right next to the nipple. Maybe that will attract them.
Great idea about the strawberry!! I need to get me a stool. Right now in the evening we watch chicken T.V. from our deck with a glass of wine or some popcorn. I just took the girls some yogurt with dried mealworms sprinkled on top for their evening snack. They are chowing down.
I haven't set mine up yet, but I saw a post about this what I thought was a good suggestion to get them using it. The very smart person who posted said to pour water over the top of the jug, which will attract the chickens to the jug. As the water comes down, some of it will drip off the nipple and they will peck at it and get the idea to use the jug.
Let me know if this works for you!!!! I may be in the same boat in a day or two when I try to introduce this to my girls!
Already tried that, but no luck. I saw that same post, so I tried it. Over and over again. The girls stare and stare at the water as it drips to the ground, then they start pecking at the wet spot on the ground.
When HennyPenny finally looked like she might have figured it out, she came and pecked my fingertip instead of the nipple. My finger was right next to the nipple because I'd been tap, tap, tapping the nipple.
Today, I'm going to find a small sized plastic bottle and install a nipple in its bottom. And then I'm going to fill it with diluted apple juice, so the water will be sweet. A small bottle will be WAY easier for me to hold for the teaching sessions.
Will keep you all posted.
Off to find a small empty plastic juice bottle...
Be patient... I did my OH pheasants on Saturday and I must have been there for a good two hours and they looked at me like I was the man on the moon. I had poured so much water over the bucket for the nipple to be wet that I created a puddle. Now they are more interested in the puddle.
So I just figured it was starting to get dark and the pheasant began to roost. Ok nothing I can do now as they are going to bed. So the Sunday morning before I went to church I dumped more water over the bucket again. Water on ground and on cinder block that I had under nipple (so they had to step up to get to it). They drank the water from the puddle and off the cinder block but only stood under the nipple looking at it. So I poured more water over the bucket. Monday came now I have to go to work worried about them as I am not going to be there to keep watering the bucket I called the vet. The vet said no bird will thirst to death they have a natural instinct to hunt out water. He said keep doing what I am doing. He said if they are looking at it they are checking out to see if its staying in the pen and if they should continue to investigate. Ok I said and out again and watered the bucket. When I got home Monday evening they were all drinking out of it..50+ pheasant. As the vet said all you need is patience, trust in the bird, and leave them alone to figure it out and you only need one bird to figure it out and the rest will follow.
My chicks I just kept dribbling water down and finally 1 chick came and was drinking the water that was dripping down the side.. finally it saw a drop on the nipple and hit it. I stepped back and it decided to hit it again and they all came a running to watch and within about 20 minutes they were all using the nipple.
Hope that helps and sorry its long.
Fabulous, detailed story. Thanks for this wonderful encouragement. I'm feeling more confident now that I read your saga.
Will keep on trying the water-over-the-jug and see what happens.
Question: Did you remove all other water bowls/buckets/sources while waiting to see if they'd try the nippled bucket? And if so, how long was the longest that you left them with no water to drink (other than the nippled bucket)???
Why not just take one and introduce them to it. I physically picked one up and tapped his beak against the nipple. Then he kind of stood back like what was that! Finally he drank and the rest followed suit. It took me a second to do that and within 2 hours the rest were drinking out of it. My bigger girls (at that time were only 4 wks) and they just dove at it and started drinking. You don't need to be rough, just pick the bird up, hold his head with one hand and tap his beak against the nipple, gently. The water comes out freely, so it's not like you're being cruel. Same principle as when you introduce a day old to water. I don't know-just a suggestion and it worked for me! Good luck!
Sounds BRILLIANT. I shall give it a try first thing tomorrow morning.
The vet said to give them 24-36 hours.
Chickens don't freak as much as pheasants can. And they and quails can die right in your hands from getting so upset. That is why the vet said to give them the 24-36 hours before physically handling them to the nipple.
I am sorry I forgot that in my story and yes I removed all water but the bucket with the nipple on it. Vet said if you leave it there they will take the easy way out.
It worked!!! I put the jug with the nipple on top of my girls' cage. My toddler likes to toss Kix in through the top of the cage, so they are very curious about anything being introduced from above. They came running over and I pushed on the nipple so a bead of water was hanging from it. About 2 seconds later they were all squabbling over who got to drink next. I left it as the only water overnight and in the morning, all were fine and the water level was a little lower. First morning I didn't have to make a huge mess in the cage and the garage removing the waterer, cleaning it, and putting it back before work.... What a pleasure!!!!! You guys are my heroes....
Heres a photo of the setup: https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/uploads/34895_picture.jpg
Whoooooo Hoooooooo ! Success !!
At 10am this morning I found them walking around on the floor of the coop and refusing to walk out into the run. I couldn't imagine why, so I looked around to see if I could find anything unusual in the run that might be scaring them or something.
What I found was a little disconcerting. Apparently I had forgotten to return their water bowl to them after yesterday's late afternoon teaching session of me tap, tap, tapping my finger on the nippled jug.
So they've been without water since then. Well, having them very thirsty is a perfect setup for another demo, so I removed the nippled jug from where it's been hanging for them outside the coop, and I put it in through the coop window and rehung it inside.
Reached in through the coop window and tapped the nipple twice and HennyPenny came over instantly and worked that nipple like she was born to it! FABULOUS!!! She took about five drinks, walked away for 30 seconds and was back at it again. Meanwhile, ChickenLittle was watching and finally got up the courage to try it. And voila, I've got both pullets drinking from the nippled jug.
HOORAY!!!
Now if I need to go away for a weekend, I'll leave a couple of nippled gallon jugs and two bowls of layer feed and all should be well when I get back.
SO HAPPY!!
Thanks everybody.
Here goes:
I was looking for a different way to water my poultry! I found this and was wondering how many of the BYC crowd have used or use this type of waterer.
Check out this site--http://www.waldeneffect.org/adstore/
I've never seen those, but I am intrigued now as well!!!
However, I hate to spend lots of money, even though the DIY kit they sell is cheaper, I'm thinking about trying to DIY it without their kit.... I wonder where you can buy those nipple things they use? If anyone knows, spill it!
I HAVE THIS and this is what happened. I ordered 5 to do it myself. I bought a plastic gal tea jug from the Dollar General $3.00 and I poked a hole in the bottom, which wasn't easy, and sealed the nipple with 1.49 special glue. I hung it for my 14 hens to use and they just played with it a couple of times. So I painted the bottom white thinking they couldn't really see it being that the jug is clear. Still no usage. Then I got seventeen, 11-week old chicks and I decided to let them try it. And it works great. They use it more than the galvanized waterer I have. I don't know why the older hens (8 months) just didn't catch on. But I have to fill it every 3rd day or so. I just unscrew the lid, fill it and rehang. I really do like it. Its easy and no mess.
Those things look awesome. But they're waaaaay too expensive for a fancy milk carton and a water nipple. I've been trying to find the nipples for a while so I can make my own... but they're kinda difficult to come by.
Me thinks I'll order some water nipples and make my own! big_smile
I may have too many chickens for just one. I would sure like to try it though, am very tired of cleaning out water containers. DH has gravity flow with some type of nipples in pvc pipe going from pen to pen set up for the rabbits.. Will have to check it out and see what will work. The rabbits are heated with wood stove so it doesn't freeze- maybe the chickens can get it that posh!!
OK, I'm a visual person. I see the expensive bottle with the nipple on the bottom, and then I look at the websites to purchase the nipples...but which nipples do I buy? I would like to run some pvc into the coops to provide water. I currently have 4" PVC pipe reducing to 2" pipe with a 90 degree elbow for them to drink from. But they can be a bit messy with it. Nipples sound like the way to go. But which ones do you order?
http://www.bassequipment.com/Waterers/PVC+Ts,+Valves/default.aspx
???? Yes? I'm leaning towards the ones that require the saddle as I find any time you cut and glue PVC it is bound to leak eventually.
Thoughts???
So just my thoughts but if you can get the nipples then it seems you could make this with any larger water holding tub you can find ie a 20 gal keg and such... just my thoughts hmm might have to try this.
I put 2 nipples into the bottom of a 5 gallon bucket. It works as advertised, but I can't get my girls interested. Maybe if I removed their other water, but I don't dare do that...
Yeah, that's what I'm going to. But I'll be using plastic gallon milk cartons and I'm going to glue the nipples in with caulking. Then it'll have a handle and an opening to add water and viola!
when I am in the coop, I would tap the nipple and the hens would come over. Thats when they would play with it and just didn't catch on. I hope when my pullets move in with them, they will watch and learn.
I use this type of watering system but I did NOT pay those prices. I purchased the nipples and insert them into PVC pipe. I paid 1.69 per nipple. plus shipping. I have 2 per section of my coop just in case one doesnt work or something.
I would love to use this kind of system when my pullets come in 2 weeks but I live in a "freezing" climate and I don't think they would work well in winter. I'd hate to pay for two different watering systems but then again the nipples are so cheap ($1.69) that I could do that in the summer and switch to a heated base system in winter. I'm so undecided and being a newbie to chickens sometimes feel overwhelmed at all the choices out there!
I bought them but have since decided to just order the nipples from Farm tech and make them myself. I found that the glue they used broke down and leaked quickly, but they are great for brooding ducklings which is what I use mine for.
Anybody have feedback on how these work in the winter. Do they freeze and get stuck or break? I'm thinking of putting these in copper pipe that can be kept warm with heat tape wrapped around it to prevent freezing. Would this be a good idea?
I haven't changed to this but would like to. I use two different ones now. In the winter I use the heated dog water bowls or the bucket! And in the summer the regular plastic red/clear waterers.
Seems the big bucket with several nipples in the bottom is what I may try but no time now to put it together. I think even with a de-icer of some sort it will still freeze. even if the water inside the bucket stays thawed the nipple will freeze I think. ? May give it a try when things slow down here--HAHA! if ever!!
I just installed the push-in nipples from Farmtek 2 days ago.
I did my other halfs pens first. He has pheasants, turkeys, and RIR chicks.
I did not use any glue at all. I drilled a 3/8" hole and put in grommet and then pushed in the nipple. Now the first one leaked.. hummmm went back and took it apart and found that there was some plastic left from drilling out the milk jug. So I trimmed that and woohoo a nice waterer. The turkeys and chicks jumped on it right away. The pheasants weren't too sure.
I talked to a rep from Farmtek (by the way the customer services is beyond belief) they told me to remove the pan then take water and pour down over the milk jug.. as the water rolls down it will find the nipple and run off. They said a bird can not resist running water. They were right.. I stepped away from their pen and they came and pecked at the water all around the jug. Then one spotted the water on the end of the nipple.. and hit it.. after that they were all their to investigate.
They did tell me that if you want to use them without water pressure to get the ones that are threaded instead of the push in. That they work better as a gravity fed watering system. They are the same price. At this point I see no problem with the push-in so I think when I order for my Silkies I will get some of both.
I only bought 5 to try as I never thought about searching here for someone who may be using them. But as of this morning all I have install loves them. Now I had one left for me.. well I kept one for me. Other half thought his birds were more important to start with... so to prevent an argument I installed in a few of his pens first. I have the Durafonts (3, 5, and 7 gallon) for my chickens but they scratch woodchips and dust into the pans even when up on milk crates. So I have put one of these nipples in the bottom. I have a plug for when I want to clean it and have it hold water to do that.
When I reorder I will get a few more and put a couple in each one I have. Maybe the screw in ones they are self taping so will fit nicely. I took those hooks that screw into your garage to hold your bicycle and put in the side of my coop and hung the waterer. now no dirty/dusty pan and more floor space. They love it. I was really afraid to put a hole in one as they are $50+ a pop and was afraid it would ruin it. But woohoo, a really nice waterer and they love it. Now winter we go back to the rubber pans that I can get the ice out of.
I will say Farmtek also said the screw in ones are easier to remove to clean or exchange the container than the push in ones. The one that leaked due to my error was not hard to remove but the grommet comes out with it and its a #%$%$ to get off there.
Hope that helps
Don't they rock! I love mine! I'm so glad there's others using this. I think it makes it so much easier on us, and so much healthier for the birds!!
OK, next question...
If you have a 5 gallon bucket with the nipples on the bottom of the bucket...how do you raise the bucket high enough off the ground so that the birds peck upwards to get the water, and without the bucket being too "tippy" and falling over???
There are bucket holders used for horses for 5 gallon buckets-this might be worth a try. Or you could build a stand out of lumber 2x4's to kind of cradle the bucket in.
This seems like a great idea! I was about to order the ready-made version, but now I'm wondering if I could handle this as a DIY project.
What sort of container are you guys putting the nipples into? I was thinking of a gallon milk jug, but it seems like the plastic would be too flimsy to hold in the nipple. I'm only watering 3 hens.
For someone totally clueless like me, can you also explain your grommet method? Starting with what exactly a grommet is and where one would find one and in what size?
Thank you!!!!!
Hi,
If you buy the push-in ones it comes with the grommet.
You first drill (not punch) a 3/8" hole using a 3/8" drill bit.
Make sure all the plastic is smooth around the edges.. that is did not
leave any partial pieces when you drilled it. Then push the grommet (its what I call it.. the black thingy) into the hole. Then push the nipple in. What it does is the nipple causes the grommet to expand so no clue needed. So if the jug gets gross after sometime you can cut the jug get your system out and use a paper clip to get under the grommet so you can get it off the nipple and you are ready to afix to a new jug.
The milk jugs work great. I have 28 pheasants using one and 158 quail using one and its been over a month now with no problems.
The turkeys hit it hard and they only have a milk jug also. If you use your ACV in your water the jugs stay nice. No green slimmy stuff. And they are in the sun.. so prime time to grow things in water vessels. So your jugs will last you a while.
What is the model number of the one Farm Tec has? I put in chicken water nipples in the search and nothing rubber came up and not sure which one for the threaded.
Here ya go..
http://www.farmtek.com/farm/supplies/ca pples.html
oh and i use zip ties to hang them.. i think if you bent a clothes hanger or some piece of heavy wire you could make a hook. I just use plastic ties. One for height and one for keeping it straight.
They call them drinkers.
Thanks a million! I just ordered 3 of them. Almost choked on shipping, but it's still half the price of the name brand and I'll make 3!
Hi there, These things rock!!!
For photos of the milk jug waterer in action, check out my byc page:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/web/viewblog.php?id=27917
It only took a short time for my pullets to figure out the nipple water system. I ordered them from FarmTek plus extra grommets and placed 3 on the bottom of 2 (1 gallon buckets) that I switch out daily. I have an extra hook in the coop to hang the spare while I change buckets because of course you can't just sit it on the ground with the nipples on the bottom of it. Here is a pic of my girls working the water nipples.https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/uploads/33445_bucket_nipple_waterer.jpg
Figuring out how high to hang the bucket was trial and error! I hung it up and then stood at the window to see the height of my chickens as they passed the bucket. I finally have it hung about the same height as their heads. When I go out later to check for eggs, I will measure it from the ground and post it here.
I have seen some of the girls pecking (one is actually drinking) from the guinea pig waterer I bought for $3. Not sure if they all are using it yet - so for now I am leaving the pan in the tractor & continuing to "teach" each bird how to use it. I have faith that they will all learn.
I have put a Lick-It dog watering bottle & stem in my "Juvie" pen, and they are using it as a supplement to the traditional waterer. It is the same concept as the nipples, just not as dependable to keep from dripping dry. The spout on mine was chomped by my last litter of puppies, which dented in the SS pipe and made the ball not seal well. But it works as a supplemental waterer, and easy to get to as I mount it outside the pen with the spring that came with it.
I bought the Avian Water Miser DIY kit, and REALLY wish I'd checked here first. I got 3 nipples (the screw in kind) and some heavy wire & directions for about $20. I Knew somebody had to have those available, and sure enough, $2 bucks vs about $6 bucks each, and more than one kind, and many ways to use them. I think I'm going to try the milk jug outfit first, as those are plentiful. I'll let you know how the screw-ins work on the mj.
I use both the screw in and the push in ones. I just set up my OH's pheasant pens with 3 gallon buckets with the push in ones and they work great. Just put the lid on 3/4 tight.. so it can get air and they love it.
I put a brick under it so they have to step up to drink from it. Just means its higher off the ground so dust does not get in there from where the lid is cracked open. I just hated to put a whole in the lid when this works. This way at a quick glance I can see the water level. Use the AVG and no slime, no algae and good for them. Can't go wrong.
I found my nipples off ebay. Some place in China is selling them. Free shipping and 20 in a pack. They have a couple different styles.
For the thicker buckets the screw in works a bit better.
I have replaced the milk jugs as the birds hit them so hard that they caused them to leak. The turkeys and RIR chickens did that. So just replaced with the bucket.
I've only had my two point-of-lay pullets for the past four days. They're already taking food from my hand, and come to me whenever I step into their run.
I'm patiently trying to teach them to use the nipple waterer, but no luck so far. I've got the nipple installed at the bottom of a plastic gallon jug. And the jug is hanging outside in their run. It's in a nice shady spot, hanging off the corner of their coop's roof. The nipple is just about at the height of the chickens' heads.
I sit next to it for a half hour every morning and again every afternoon, tapping, tapping, tapping the nipple with one finger while HennyPenny and ChickenLittle stare intently at the drops falling to the ground. They'll come and peck at the wet spot on the ground, but haven't yet tried to touch the nipple. I've been doing this for four days now. I remove their water bowl for the half hour teaching session. Do you think I should "force" the issue and remove their water bowl for a few hours and just leave them alone to (hopefully) peck the nipple?
Too risky? I don't want them to get dehydrated, of course.
Any advice or tricks to get them to use the nippled jug? Anybody?
Carolyn,
I didn't even give my pullets a different water system 'cause I was afraid they'd go the easy route and skip the nipple system. It took a few hours for them to get it and I was worried they would get really thirsty but the nipples always had a drop of water on the end and they found it. The nipples have to be just above head level so they can reach up to get the water. Try taking their other water away for half a day and just watch them closely. I stood outside the coop window and watched to see if they would catch on. I need to get a bar stool as I spend way too much time watching them through the window!
I know what you mean about the watching-the-chickens addiction. I took my little plastic garden bench out of my veggie garden and now keep it just outside the ChickArena. Whenever I go there, I bring it inside the run with me, planning to sit for just five or ten minutes. Ha ! An hour or two later, I finally tear myself away and go back into the house.
I'll try your suggestion and will remove the water bowl for a few hours and watch to see if they try the nippled jug. I think I'll tape a big red fresh strawberry to the bottom of the jug, right next to the nipple. Maybe that will attract them.
Great idea about the strawberry!! I need to get me a stool. Right now in the evening we watch chicken T.V. from our deck with a glass of wine or some popcorn. I just took the girls some yogurt with dried mealworms sprinkled on top for their evening snack. They are chowing down.
I haven't set mine up yet, but I saw a post about this what I thought was a good suggestion to get them using it. The very smart person who posted said to pour water over the top of the jug, which will attract the chickens to the jug. As the water comes down, some of it will drip off the nipple and they will peck at it and get the idea to use the jug.
Let me know if this works for you!!!! I may be in the same boat in a day or two when I try to introduce this to my girls!
Already tried that, but no luck. I saw that same post, so I tried it. Over and over again. The girls stare and stare at the water as it drips to the ground, then they start pecking at the wet spot on the ground.
When HennyPenny finally looked like she might have figured it out, she came and pecked my fingertip instead of the nipple. My finger was right next to the nipple because I'd been tap, tap, tapping the nipple.
Today, I'm going to find a small sized plastic bottle and install a nipple in its bottom. And then I'm going to fill it with diluted apple juice, so the water will be sweet. A small bottle will be WAY easier for me to hold for the teaching sessions.
Will keep you all posted.
Off to find a small empty plastic juice bottle...
Be patient... I did my OH pheasants on Saturday and I must have been there for a good two hours and they looked at me like I was the man on the moon. I had poured so much water over the bucket for the nipple to be wet that I created a puddle. Now they are more interested in the puddle.
So I just figured it was starting to get dark and the pheasant began to roost. Ok nothing I can do now as they are going to bed. So the Sunday morning before I went to church I dumped more water over the bucket again. Water on ground and on cinder block that I had under nipple (so they had to step up to get to it). They drank the water from the puddle and off the cinder block but only stood under the nipple looking at it. So I poured more water over the bucket. Monday came now I have to go to work worried about them as I am not going to be there to keep watering the bucket I called the vet. The vet said no bird will thirst to death they have a natural instinct to hunt out water. He said keep doing what I am doing. He said if they are looking at it they are checking out to see if its staying in the pen and if they should continue to investigate. Ok I said and out again and watered the bucket. When I got home Monday evening they were all drinking out of it..50+ pheasant. As the vet said all you need is patience, trust in the bird, and leave them alone to figure it out and you only need one bird to figure it out and the rest will follow.
My chicks I just kept dribbling water down and finally 1 chick came and was drinking the water that was dripping down the side.. finally it saw a drop on the nipple and hit it. I stepped back and it decided to hit it again and they all came a running to watch and within about 20 minutes they were all using the nipple.
Hope that helps and sorry its long.
Fabulous, detailed story. Thanks for this wonderful encouragement. I'm feeling more confident now that I read your saga.
Will keep on trying the water-over-the-jug and see what happens.
Question: Did you remove all other water bowls/buckets/sources while waiting to see if they'd try the nippled bucket? And if so, how long was the longest that you left them with no water to drink (other than the nippled bucket)???
Why not just take one and introduce them to it. I physically picked one up and tapped his beak against the nipple. Then he kind of stood back like what was that! Finally he drank and the rest followed suit. It took me a second to do that and within 2 hours the rest were drinking out of it. My bigger girls (at that time were only 4 wks) and they just dove at it and started drinking. You don't need to be rough, just pick the bird up, hold his head with one hand and tap his beak against the nipple, gently. The water comes out freely, so it's not like you're being cruel. Same principle as when you introduce a day old to water. I don't know-just a suggestion and it worked for me! Good luck!
Sounds BRILLIANT. I shall give it a try first thing tomorrow morning.
The vet said to give them 24-36 hours.
Chickens don't freak as much as pheasants can. And they and quails can die right in your hands from getting so upset. That is why the vet said to give them the 24-36 hours before physically handling them to the nipple.
I am sorry I forgot that in my story and yes I removed all water but the bucket with the nipple on it. Vet said if you leave it there they will take the easy way out.
It worked!!! I put the jug with the nipple on top of my girls' cage. My toddler likes to toss Kix in through the top of the cage, so they are very curious about anything being introduced from above. They came running over and I pushed on the nipple so a bead of water was hanging from it. About 2 seconds later they were all squabbling over who got to drink next. I left it as the only water overnight and in the morning, all were fine and the water level was a little lower. First morning I didn't have to make a huge mess in the cage and the garage removing the waterer, cleaning it, and putting it back before work.... What a pleasure!!!!! You guys are my heroes....
Heres a photo of the setup: https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/uploads/34895_picture.jpg
Whoooooo Hoooooooo ! Success !!
At 10am this morning I found them walking around on the floor of the coop and refusing to walk out into the run. I couldn't imagine why, so I looked around to see if I could find anything unusual in the run that might be scaring them or something.
What I found was a little disconcerting. Apparently I had forgotten to return their water bowl to them after yesterday's late afternoon teaching session of me tap, tap, tapping my finger on the nippled jug.
So they've been without water since then. Well, having them very thirsty is a perfect setup for another demo, so I removed the nippled jug from where it's been hanging for them outside the coop, and I put it in through the coop window and rehung it inside.
Reached in through the coop window and tapped the nipple twice and HennyPenny came over instantly and worked that nipple like she was born to it! FABULOUS!!! She took about five drinks, walked away for 30 seconds and was back at it again. Meanwhile, ChickenLittle was watching and finally got up the courage to try it. And voila, I've got both pullets drinking from the nippled jug.
HOORAY!!!
Now if I need to go away for a weekend, I'll leave a couple of nippled gallon jugs and two bowls of layer feed and all should be well when I get back.
SO HAPPY!!
Thanks everybody.
jenna2030
Chirping
- Apr 4, 2015
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That was a lot of reading woah
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