-180x100.png)
A balanced feed will not give the expected result without a sufficient amount of water drunk. Therefore, all systems in the poultry house should be taken care of simultaneously and qualitatively. Even the slightest water deficit will lead to a decrease in egg production, affect the quality of the shell and provoke general stress in the bird. To avoid this, poultry farms install nipple drinkers for chickens. What is it - let's figure it out.
Principles of operation of nipple drinkers for chickens
An automated drinking system helps maintain cleanliness in the poultry house, control water consumption and optimal conditions for keeping poultry at an optimal level.
A nipple drinker for chickens is a mechanical valve that opens only when the bird touches it with its beak. Inside the nipple is a rod or ball mechanism that reacts to vertical and lateral touch. Water is supplied dropwise. As soon as contact ceases, the valve instantly closes.
This principle of operation significantly saves water, it does not spill on the floor, and the litter remains clean throughout the entire growing cycle. What else is the advantage? “With a nipple system, you can understand how much water is consumed, and also quickly notice deviations in the behavior of the bird,” says Oleksandr Zhylinsky, an engineer at VADA.
Automatic drinkers for chickens, compared to cup or open ones, have a number of advantages:
- hygiene is maintained - the water is not contaminated with droppings, litter or feed;
- dry litter - healthier paws and respiratory tract;
- economical water consumption by 30-40%;
- reduced manual labor, because the system works automatically;
- continuous access to water for all chickens.
These are the moments that encourage farmers to buy nipple drinkers for chickens for their poultry houses. They are most often used on farms with floor-based poultry. They are equally effective for both small farms and industrial-scale laying hen farming. Their main advantage is the ability to flexibly change the configuration of the system, adapting it to the age of the bird, the density of planting and the layout of the premises.
According to VADA specialists, a properly configured nipple system stimulates the bird to drink water more often, but in small portions. This mode is physiologically correct and has a positive effect on the stability of egg production.
Why is the height of the installation of drinkers important for chickens?
The correct installation height affects how much water the chicken will drink. It should not squat or jump to reach the nipple. This is due to the peculiarities of the structure of the larynx. In fact, the chicken swallows water when its head is slightly raised up. And if it has to bend down, this makes swallowing difficult, if it reaches too high - it will spend extra energy and, accordingly, will drink less.
WADA engineers recommend focusing on the following nipple height:
- from birth to two days old, adjust them to the level of the chicks' eyes or slightly higher. This is where they get acquainted with the system and learn to use it.
- At 2-7 days old, the line is gradually raised, while maintaining the correct angle of head elevation.
- From a month and older, the nipple should be located 1-2 cm above the level of the hen's head in a calm position.
Important! Even a few centimeters matter for productivity. When the equipment for laying hens works correctly, the farmer does not have to fix minor problems in the poultry house every day.
Stages of installation of nipple drinkers
The nipple drinking system consists of many elements, each of which performs its function. The standard set includes: a drinking pipe, metal profiles or cables, fasteners and a suspension system, nipples, drip traps, water pressure regulators, breathers for pressure equalization and water supply hoses.
Before installation drinking lines for chickens, you need to correctly calculate the number of nipples. If there are not enough of them, the chickens will start to gather around the drinkers, which is not good, because this will provoke stress and uneven water consumption. And an excess number of nipples is an unnecessary expense.
The standard calculation is 1 nipple for 8-10 laying hens. If the density of the landing is high, then it is better to install 6-7 heads per nipple.
Installation begins with the design of the drinking line and determination of suspension points. Next, pipes are installed, nipples and drip traps are screwed in, a pressure regulator and a water supply system are connected. Then testing for tightness and uniformity of water supply. And at this stage, practical experience is important. At the VADA company, drinking systems are selected taking into account the real conditions of the poultry house, and then the risk of errors is reduced several times.
Why do nipple drinkers for chickens leak?
Most often, this happens due to errors during installation or operation. For example, incorrect alignment of the watering line, exceeding the permissible water pressure, mechanical damage to the nipple, contamination of the system.
To avoid these problems, it is necessary, first of all, to correctly adjust the pressure regulator, check the condition of the nipples, flush the system and filters, and use high-quality components.
If you need equipment for poultry farming, contact the company "VADA", which provides comprehensive solutions for laying hens, feeders, drinkers, climate control systems, ventilation, heating, cooling, etc.
22/12/2025
