-180x100.png)
Filters
Nipple watering for chicks
Modern poultry farming is increasingly moving away from traditional drinkers in favor of nipple systems, which are considered more hygienic, convenient, and economical. A nipple drinker is a specialized water dispensing device that supplies water only when the chick presses a small valve (nipple) with its beak. Typically, such systems are connected to a common water main, which ensures a continuous supply of water.
You can buy nipple drinkers for chickens in Ukraine in the VADA online store with delivery and consultation.
Nipple drinkers for chickens: the basics
The design of a nipple drinker is simple and reliable. Inside the drinker is a metal or plastic nipple (stem). When the chick touches the nipple with its beak, the rod moves, opening a small hole through which water enters in the form of a drop. When the pressure on the rod stops, the hole closes and the water stops flowing. Some models are equipped with drip catchers that collect residual drops to avoid moistening the litter.
Advantages:
- hygienic - water does not stagnate in open containers;
- economical - it is supplied in small amounts;
- clean litter due to the absence of spills;
- convenient for birds - it is a natural drinking process for chicks;
- easy to maintain - such systems are easy to install, clean, and maintain.
Types of nipple drinkers for chicks
Drinkers are distinguished by:
- the age of the birds (0-7 days, 1-3 weeks, older chicks);
- nipple sensitivity (for light pressure with the beak);
- the number of chicks per drinker (5-12 heads);
- shape - single or with a drip tray;
- installation options (pipes with a diameter of 22 mm, 25 mm, ¾ inch).
Table. Approximate water consumption rates for chicks of different ages (ml/head)
| Chick age | Daily water consumption (ml/head) |
| 1-3 days | 10-15 |
| 4-7 days | 15-25 |
| 8-14 days | 30-50 |
| 15-21 days | 60-80 |
| 22-28 days | 90-110 |
| 29-35 days | 120-140 |
| 36-42 days | 150-180 |
In hot weather, chicks may drink 10-20% more. Water consumption is usually 1.6-2 times higher than feed consumption by weight.
How to choose a nipple drinker for chicks?
To ensure that chicks always have access to clean and fresh water, it is important to choose the right nipple drinker. A number of factors must be taken into account.
Age. For day-old and young chicks, choose sensitive drinkers that respond to a light touch with the beak. It is desirable that these have drip catchers to avoid wetting the litter. For chicks aged 14 days and older, drinkers with standard sensitivity are suitable. At this stage, they already press harder on the nipple, so excessive sensitivity will lead to water wastage. For young birds before they are transferred to the adult poultry house (from 1 month), you can use drinkers for adult birds.
Mounting type: to a pipe, plastic container or tank, and a suspension system (in this case, the drinkers can be easily adjusted in height as they grow).
Nipple and body material: stainless steel (the best choice for industrial poultry houses), plastic + stainless steel, solid plastic (this option is only for temporary use or aviaries).
Drinker shape and design: horizontal (convenient for cage housing), vertical - universal for floor and cage rearing, especially on farms, with a drip tray - mandatory for day-old chicks.
The price of nipple drinkers for chicks depends on the material, type of attachment, and sensitivity of the nipple.
How to install a nipple drinker for chicks?
The pipe with drinkers should have a slight slope (approximately 1-3 mm per meter) towards the drain valve or the lowest point of the system. This allows water residues and contaminants to drain down during flushing. Install the nipples at the recommended height:
- for day-old chicks — slightly above eye level
- for older chicks — at head level or slightly higher so that the chicks stretch their necks slightly when drinking.
Connect the system to a tank or main pipe with a pressure reducer (0.2-0.5 atm). Excessive pressure leads to water splashing, over-wetting of the litter, and wasteful overuse.
For day-old chicks, be sure to install drip catchers under each nipple to avoid dripping on the floor.
Adjust the height of the nipples so that the chicks drink in the correct position — stretching their necks upward, but without straining.
Mistakes during installation are costly, so everything should be done carefully and correctly.
Tips for caring for drinkers
- Daily flushing of the pipeline with clean water.
- Weekly cleaning of scale.
- Checking the valve for proper operation.
- Monitor stable pressure in the system.
- Where to buy nipple drinkers for chicks?
The VADA online store is like a virtual megamarket where you can find all the necessary equipment for poultry and livestock farming. Ordering nipple drinkers for chicks of all ages is easy — just leave a request on the website or call us. Our managers and engineers will help you choose the right model, and our support service will ensure that the goods are delivered to you as quickly as possible. You can also purchase related products from us, such as pipes, fasteners, pressure reducers, water meters, drainage units, etc. We look forward to seeing you as our customer.
