The Accidental Smallholder Forum
Livestock => Poultry & Waterfowl => Topic started by: Justin on March 26, 2017, 10:16:44 am
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I recently built a nipple drinker system, 4 nipples on a length of pvc pipe with a 5 gallon container feeding it. The idea was to have something that they wouldn't kick dirt into and reduce the need to keep refilling it. The only one they don't kick full of dirt is the one that is hanging next to their feeder and is a few inches off the ground.
I've not seen them even try using it so I've picked a few up and tapped their beaks against the nipples so they get water and they'll drink when I do that, but they otherwise don't use them.
I don't want to remove the other drinker as they'd have no access to water unless they get used to using the new drinker.
Any ideas?
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They will continue with the old drinker while it is still there Justin. As you say the way is to show a few where the water is and the rest will learn -hopefully.
We had a similar problem with a trigger feeder. They didn't learn, despite being shown repeatedly, until they were starving. Then one hen started and the others very slowly learned as well- took about 3 months for the last.
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When I did it with chicks I set the nipple above existing water dish and leave it slightly unscrewed so that it dripped a tiny amount - just so there was always a drip hanging and occasional movement. Maybe chicks are set up to learn, but they'd all be using it within a day or two.
Is your system high enough? They like to reach up for drip drinking. Good luck.
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Ah, might be too low then. Article i read recommended chest height. I'll raise it all up tomorrow and see how they get on.
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Ive seen people use laser pointers. Most animals like chasing those laser pointers and they shone it on the nipples and they peck it and get water.
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Definitely needs to be at head height not chest height. Have a small amount of water in a bowl twice a day so that you know that they are getting something. But then, follow Steph Hens advice. they get the hang of it pretty quickly. :)
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I set galv. drinkers on top of a couple of bricks, which is generally high enough to prevent detritus being scratched in.
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just a quick update. The girls are now all using the new drinker. I raised them up to above head height and took the other drinkers away. Took a few days for them all to catch on but they did eventually. Much cleaner and only needs refilling once a week.