How to Get Chickens to Drink Out of Nipple Waterers

Teaching chickens something new requires patience, but once they master a skill, it becomes a habit. Nipple watering devices allow chickens to get a drink on demand without soiling the rest of the water. It is also impossible for a chicken to drown in a nipple waterer, since they don't have access to the water source. It is easier to teach freshly hatched chicks to use a nipple waterer than it is to teach full grown birds that are used to being watered differently.

Things You'll Need

  • Nipple waterer
  • Water
  • Spoon
  • Plain yogurt
  • Meal worms or other chicken treats
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Instructions

  1. Chicks

    • 1

      Fill the bottle with water and add the nipple top.

    • 2

      Install the waterer in the brooder box by attaching it to the side. The nipple end should be about 3 inches above the brooder floor.

    • 3

      Pick up a chick and tap its beak onto the ball portion of the nipple to release some water. Repeat for each chick. The first time is often enough to teach the technique to most chicks, but if you have a chick that seems confused, show it a few times until you are sure it knows to peck the waterer.

    • 4

      Move the waterer up as the chicks grow. It needs to be at head level or below for the chicks to drink from it.

    Adult Hens and Roosters

    • 5

      Fill the waterer and hang it about 1 foot from the ground for standard sized chickens. Bantam breeds may need the waterer to be positioned closer to the ground.

    • 6

      Call the chickens over to the waterer if they aren't already watching install it.

    • 7

      Spoon some yogurt on the end of the nipple to encourage the chickens to peck at it. As they do, it will release water. Periodically replace the yogurt so the chickens continue to return.

    • 8

      Sprinkle meal worms on the ground around the waterer to keep the chickens interested in the area. Most will peck a the waterer out of curiosity, and will soon figure out that it is a water source.

    • 9

      Fill the waterer with fresh water and omit the treats after the first day. If the chickens have figured it out, you will see them approach for a drink. If not, continue luring them with treats, or tap the end of the nipple to encourage pecking. Some birds are smarter than others, but as soon as one bird figures it out, the rest will often mimic the behavior.