waterer

[barleeb]

Last year I made a waterer for my chickens using a 5 gal.food grade bucket and "nipples on the bottom.I have checked it regularly to make sure the nipples are allowing water to pass through and it works! I just can't get ANY of my small (7) flock to drink from it. Is there a way to train them to drink from the bucket waterer? Help!

 

[RonP]

It's been many years since I started using watering nipples. I use horizontal ones.
To start the birds, I used a laser pointer to get their attention.

Hope this helps.

 

[hillbillyreefer]

It's been many years since I started using watering nipples. I use horizontal ones.
To start the birds, I used a laser pointer to get their attention.

Hope this helps.

This^^^. Works like a charm. It’s also a good idea to remove their other sources of water, once they know where the new waterer is. They are chickens they aren’t brilliant, but they are smart enough to drink.

 

[wamtazlady]

I've never taught my birds to use the nipples. The main thing is to remove all the other water sources. If there is other water available they will never learn to use the nipples. The birds will be attracted to the nipples due to the color and the shiny metal. One will peck a nipple to see what it is and get some water. Might be a couple hours before they are all using the nipples. I have always assumed that the birds will use the nipples and the birds have never disappointed me.

 

[NorthGeogia]

QUESTION:
Which are better, Horizontal or vertical nipples?

 

[blackdog043]

IMO and many people on here, horizontal. There are a few people on here that like the vertical. If you are switching to a nipple waterer, remove all other water sources, when you introduce the nipple waterer.

horizontal pros: they don't leak, you don't have to hang the bucket, you can sit the bucket down to clean it, the nipples won't freeze, if you use a heater in the bucket.
horizontal cons: none that I know of. ok 1, they're more expensive, for a reason(they work better)

Vertical pros: none that I know of.
vertical cons: All the pros of the horizontal are cons for the vertical

 

[blackdog043]

The main thing is to remove all the other water sources. If there is other water available they will never learn to use the nipples.

This

 

[Toothpick]

I've got the 5gal bucket with horizontal nipples. When I first put it in the pen I grabbed a few chickens and stuck their beaks on the nipple. I also stood there for a bit and pushed it in letting water flow. They were way curious and come over to lap up the water.

They figured it out after that.

 

[Relleoms]

IMO and many people on here, horizontal. There are a few people on here that like the vertical. If you are switching to a nipple waterer, remove all other water sources, when you introduce the nipple waterer.

horizontal pros: they don't leak, you don't have to hang the bucket, you can sit the bucket down to clean it, the nipples won't freeze, if you use a heater in the bucket.
horizontal cons: none that I know of. ok 1, they're more expensive, for a reason(they work better)

Vertical pros: none that I know of.
vertical cons: All the pros of the horizontal are cons for the vertical

Question: do you think birds get enough water from the horizontal nipples? I recently added a heated one to my coop and when I watch them, it seems like they stand there an awfully long time drinking. I just want to make sure I’m not starving them! Also, I read a suggestion somewhere to set a sunflower seed on the horizontal nipple cup to get them to peck. My girls took to it right away, so need for the sunflower seed, but sounds like a good idea!

 

[rosemarythyme]

Question: do you think birds get enough water from the horizontal nipples?

They get enough water that way, even if it seems inefficient. I wouldn't say they like it (mine always prefer muddy puddles instead) but mine haven't died of thirst yet...