Types of Waterers

[Cluckenstein]

Has any one ever tried using the type of waterer sold for rabbits or gerbils in their coops? The type that hangs upside down on the side of the cage and has a ball bearing at the end of the metal tube that has to be licked to dispense water. Would a chicken be able to get enough water from this type of device?

 

[rebelcowboysnb]

Some do but training is required

 

[lisahaschickens]

Actually, everything I've read about those waterers for chickens is very positive.

I don't use them myself, but people say that the chickens naturally peck them right away because of the shiny metal... and when water comes out, they've learned. It only takes a few minutes. Easy as pie and a nice, clean setup. People seem to love them!

I personally use poultry cup waterers (like the ones sold by McMurray Hatchery) and I LOVE them. It took a little while for the birds to learn (maybe two days) but now they're great with them and they're so clean and easy... no spilled water, no poop in the water, etc. awesome! I would think the rabbit waterers would bring you similar happiness! I say go for it.

 

[tallieb]

I looked up the poultry cup waterers those look pretty neat I think I will have to have my DH make some for me

 

[Scott]

Didn't realize that you could use those type of waterers. That is great to hear that they work so well. Seems like that would be great if you keep only a few chickens. Or for small pair/trio pens. I use hanging galvanized waterers and feeders. They stay clean because the birds can't get into them accept for their beaks. For a larger number of birds, they work well. I only have refill the feed and water every few days.

 

[toletiquesbysam]

I did use them for my chicks in the brooder then moved them out to the coop when they were older. They work great, the reason I no longer use them is because my geese like to "play" with everything. So when I'd go in the coop in the morning, I'd have to search high and low to find the metal clips that keep the bottle upright! Mine did drip but beyond that, they were wonderful and I'd still be using them if not for the geese! My ducks and geese would drink from them as well!

 

[ruralmom]

Yes, I do use those waterers. I started out using them to raise my last clutch of about 50 chicks and they worked really well. I was tired of cleaning out the plastic red reservior type once they all started scratching. They were very curious and started using as soon as I put in pen. Tried the nipple waterers with little to no success but they had access to the rabbit waterers and they prefered it. I also put the bottle in the freezer at night and froze some water to provide a cool water source when the weather is really hot. Recommend highly.