Chicken Double Nipples

Medilink Vet Supplies is proud to offer a fantastic range of high-quality poultry drinkers that are designed to meet all your chicken’s water needs. You need to have about 3″ of open waterer space per hen as a minimum and 1 nipple per 9 hens, again as a minimum. The advantage of a nipple system is that it is quite resistant to bacterial growth, unlike the septic soup that most open waterers quickly become.

The Revolution of Chicken Drinking Nipples in Poultry Farming

Chicken drinking nipples are a fairly recent innovation in the backyard poultry world, although the commercial industry has been using them for several years. In fact, regular drinkers have not been used in the commercial poultry field for years. One of the biggest benefits of drinking nipples is the fact that it keeps the water fresh and clean. In this article, we will explain how to set them up, how to train your chickens to use them, common problems with them, and much more.

Introduction to Chicken Drinking Nipples

Chicken drinking nipples are specialized devices designed to provide a clean and efficient way for chickens to access water. They consist of a small valve that releases water when pecked by the chickens, ensuring that the water remains enclosed and uncontaminated. This innovative system has gained popularity among backyard poultry keepers due to its numerous benefits over traditional watering methods.

Benefits of Using Chicken Drinking Nipples

Fresh and Clean Water: One of the primary advantages of using drinking nipples is the maintenance of fresh and clean water. Traditional waterers are prone to contamination by dirt, droppings, and other debris, which can lead to health issues for the chickens. Drinking nipples eliminate this problem by keeping the water enclosed and only dispensing it when pecked by the chickens.

Reduced Maintenance: Traditional waterers require frequent cleaning to prevent algae growth and contamination. In contrast, drinking nipples significantly reduce maintenance efforts as the water remains clean and free from external contaminants. This saves time and effort for poultry keepers, allowing them to focus on other aspects of flock management.

Prevents Spillage: Drinking nipples minimize water spillage, which is a common issue with open water containers. This not only keeps the coop dry but also reduces water wastage, making it an eco-friendly and cost-effective solution.

Health Benefits: Access to clean and uncontaminated water is crucial for the health and well-being of chickens. Drinking nipples help prevent the spread of diseases and infections, supporting overall flock health and egg production.

Setting Up Chicken Drinking Nipples

Materials Needed: To set up a drinking nipple system, you will need a water container (such as a bucket), chicken drinking nipples, a drill, and sealing tape.

Installation Steps:

Drill Holes: Use a drill to make holes in the bottom or sides of the water container.

Insert Nipples: Screw the drinking nipples into the holes, ensuring they are tightly sealed to prevent leaks. Apply sealing tape if necessary.

Mount the Container: Hang or place the container at a height suitable for your chickens to comfortably reach the nipples.

Training Chickens to Use Drinking Nipples

Introduction: Show the chickens how the nipples work by gently tapping the nipples to release water. Chickens are naturally curious and will quickly learn to peck at the nipples to access water.

Temporary Assistance: For the initial days, you might want to leave a small amount of open water in the coop while they get used to the new system.

Consistency: Once they start using the drinking nipples, remove the open water source to encourage exclusive use of the nipples.

Common Problems and Solutions

Leaking Nipples: Ensure the nipples are tightly sealed and correctly installed. Use sealing tape if necessary to prevent leaks.

Blocked Nipples: Occasionally, dirt or debris might block the nipples. Clean them regularly to prevent blockages.

Training Challenges: Some chickens might take longer to adapt to the new system. Be patient and consistently guide them to the nipples until they are comfortable using them.

Conclusion

Chicken drinking nipples are a valuable addition to any poultry management system. They offer numerous benefits, including maintaining clean and fresh water, reducing maintenance efforts, preventing spillage, and supporting overall flock health. By implementing this innovative watering system, poultry keepers can ensure their chickens have access to the best possible drinking water, promoting their well-being and productivity.