Using a nipple waterer AND a traditional water simultaneously?

[Bear4boo]

Hello,
I am new to raising chickens and currently have six 8 week old chicks of different breeds. We introduced a nipple waterer to them yesterday. Although they seemed to catch on to how to use it right away, I can’t tell if they are getting enough water? Someone suggested making both their old open waterer AND the new nipple one available to them, at least as they transition. I’m concerned, however, that they will be confused or just use the regular waterer. Does anyone here successfully use both? Any advice on how to make sure they are getting enough from just the nipple waterer?

 

[rjmyooper]

Welcome! I like the vertical waterers because they're least likely to malfunction. My latest experience showed me how my Ducks reacted to not having enough water; They ran to me when I entered their run, as if there was an emergency. Watch and observe how you chicks are acting.

 

[janiedoe]

Hello,
I am new to raising chickens and currently have six 8 week old chicks of different breeds. We introduced a nipple waterer to them yesterday. Although they seemed to catch on to how to use it right away, I can’t tell if they are getting enough water? Someone suggested making both their old open waterer AND the new nipple one available to them, at least as they transition. I’m concerned, however, that they will be confused or just use the regular waterer. Does anyone here successfully use both? Any advice on how to make sure they are getting enough from just the nipple waterer?

Hello, welcome to BYC. I can't help, I don't use nipple waterers. I had bad luck with them leaking, so I just use open ones now.

 

[Boppo]

It's kind of scary, isn't it? Make sure that ONE of your chicks knows how the nipple works. Take it over to the nipple waterer and hold its beak up to press the water out. Watch a little to see, but that chick will probably show the other chicks how to get the water now.

 

[Fuchsia]

Hello
Welcome to BYC! I'm glad you joined us!

 

[Isadora]

Hello, and welcome to BYC! I'm so glad you decided to join our friendly and helpful community.
When I have switched my chicks from panwaters to nipple waterers, I have only left the old water in there for about a day. Once one of the chicks catches on, the rest will emulate the behavior.
I would just check on the water level and make sure it's going down at an appropriate level and keep an eye on the chicks behavior.

 

[sourland]

Welcome to BYC. Leave the open water for a day or so, and then observe to see that all chicks are remaining hydrated.

 

[DobieLover]

Hello and welcome to BYC! Glad you joined.
They should have access to both especially in hot weather. The last thing you want is for them to die of thirst.

 

[pennyJo1960]

Welcome to Backyard Chickens. This is a great place to explore

 

[Grammy60]

Hello and welcome to BYC So happy you have joined our flock.