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Nipples for DIY Backyard Chicken Poultry Waterer/Drinker, Push-In Style

Build your own nipple waterer for your backyard chickens with these durable push-in nipples. They ship FREE within the U.S.!

Poop-free water. Less waste. Less work.

Like most backyard chicken keepers, we started out with a standard galvanized gravity waterer. Problem is, dirt and poop get kicked up into the open saucer. Things can get pretty nasty, pretty quickly.

On the advice of a customer, we made our own nipple waterer, and we haven't looked back. Instead of refreshing our hens' water every day, we now do so about once a week. The water that goes in is the water that comes out, right into your chooks' mouths. So it lasts longer, saving you on trips to clean/change it out.

What you get.

Ten (10) durable stainless-steel nipples. These push-in style nipples have a stainless-steel mechanism within a hard-plastic outer casing. They fit into your do-it-yourself waterer (either a container or tubing) with a silicone grommet for a tight, long-lasting seal. Each nipple is adequate for around 10-15 chickens, so your birds can keep themselves well hydrated.

Instruction sheet. Not that it's hard to figure out, but we include the same basic instructions that are below on this page, that way you can be sure you're using them right.

Questions about the poultry nipples and making your own chicken waterer:

How do the nipples work?

Poultry nipples are a simple device used extensively in commercial poultry operations. When a chicken pecks at the metal pin from any direction, this opens the flow of water enough for a few drop to trickle out, right into its mouth. There's less waste and no evaporation, which means more water for your flock.

Will my chickens learn to drink from the poultry nipples?

Most chickens figure it out on their own within minutes. Chickens will peck at anything, and the red pastic casing especially draws their attention. Once they notice that water flows from the nipples, they're trained.

How do I attach the poultry nipples?

For these particular nipples, use a 3/8" or 13/32" drill bit to make a clean hole (no burrs or nicks) in your tubing or container. Either bit size should work for a container made of HDPE plastic or similarly pliable plastic. I prefer 3/8" for a more snug fit. Use the larger diameter bit (13/32") for PVC tubing or other rigid/thicker material.

Insert the grommet first, then the nipple, pushing from the bottom (outside) of your container in. A couple tips: Moistening the nipple helps it go in easier. And using a socket (from a socket wrench set) to hold the nipple makes it easier to insert. Push straight and turn gently side to side, being careful not to stress/tear the grommet. If this is your first time installing these, you may want to order a couple extra in case you make a mistake. We do not supply replacement grommets.

If you are going to seal your container, be sure to create a separate hole near the top (above the water line) so that air can enter as the water goes out.

The nipples are meant for gravity-fed systems — working pressure at or below 1 psi. (For reference, normal house water pressure is 30–80 psi, so do not hook your system up to a garden hose without also using a pressure regulator.)

Also, the nipples must be mounted vertically. They will leak if you mount them horizontally.

Looking for a pre-made bucket-style nipple waterer?

We also offer ready-to-use waterers. See our other listings.

How high up should the poultry nipples be?

Position your waterer or tubing so that the nipples are just above your chooks' heads. Chickens have to raise their necks to swallow. One of the nice things about this kind of waterer is that you can position the water above their heads, so it trickles right into their mouths when they drink.

Expanding your flock or upgrading your chicken coop?

We also offer original chicken coop and run plans that take the guesswork out of building or expanding a secure, stylish chicken coop. Written for beginners on up! Check out our other listings for more details.

Any other questions as you go?

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