Waterer

[Fishburne]

Does your chickens have any difficulty drinking from this. I just ordered the nipples off of eBay. I'm new to chickens. I'm just not sure what they prefer.

Hi Kip,
My Gals have no issues drinking from this. I'll often hear the "tap tap tap" of the nipples as the peck and drink from them. As I mentioned in a previous post, even when they have a watering trough/bowl what chickens do is scoop up a little bit of water and tilt their heads back to get it down their throat. With this, they are already tilting their heads back making it more efficient for them to drink with the nipples.

However, the best part about a nipple system, by far, is how much more sanitary it is than an open water source. I wouldn't consider chickens to be dirty, but they are messy! They like to move around, explore, scratch, jump on anything they can and poop wherever they feel inclined. As a result, any open water system is going to get some debris in it from time to time, which requires regular cleaning and maintenance. This is pretty much maintenance free and when I look inside the water is as clear and clean as the day I fill it up.

 

[Fishburne]

Most chickens prefer open waterers depending on size. How old are yours ?

They're 8 months old, still technically Pullets, but laying daily.

 

[Fishburne]

I'm getting them on Saturday! Well only be a week or two at most.

I'm not sure how old your chickens will be when you get them, but since most people start with chicks, you will probably want to start them with a different system when they're in the brooder. You can actually get them used to the nipples early on, perhaps just use an upside-down plastic water bottle, drill out and secure one nipple to the cap. Then just tie the water bottle to the side of your brooder and let them have at it. Keep in mind though, that some water will drip down to the ground when they drink, so make sure the area around the nipples can get a little wet.

 

[Fishburne]

Something like this:

 

[Blooie]

Does your chickens have any difficulty drinking from this. I just ordered the nipples off of eBay. I'm new to chickens. I'm just not sure what they prefer.

I had no trouble at all getting my 22 chickens to use the poultry nipples. One went over to investigate the pretty red thing, pecked at it, water came out and the training was over. LOL I know that open waterers are preferred by many but for me the water staying so clean, the ability to provide enough water if I have to leave for a day or two, and the elimination of the risk of it tipping over and drenching their litter if I'm gone far outweighed the uncertainty of changing over. Whatever you decide, there is no right or wrong...just what's best for you and your situation.

 

[ladyearth]

good idea,,, I was able to buy food grade empty 5 gallon buckets for $1 last year at local flea mkt....
just found out yesterday Lowes online has the food grade gamma lids for $7 something.. HD looks like they are not.. Heck ebay looks even higher..... Duh
oh one line with free home delivery 6 pk is a bit cheaper.....toal purchase needs to be $49 and above
Oh Hubby made one of the street L bucket feeders....... just which could find the flanged street L plg fitting.....
Just commenting
take care all