“I originally got the bucket with predrilled holes and the nipple waterers (had to screw them in myself, but the included drill attachment was a lifesaver as they do fit tightly). I wanted a second one as spring is taking its sweet time coming (April 2nd today and it's only 14F), so since I don't have electricity going out to the coop, my waterer has been freezing overnight. Plus, I also wanted a second to use outside once summer hits. I got a 10-pack of the nipples, and I made a stop at the local bakery to get a couple frosting buckets. Fortunately, the instructions said I could use a 3/8" drillbit since we don't have an 11/32" bit at the moment. Spacing them a little over 6 inches apart, I could get 5 nipples in each bucket, and they are 3 gallons each so plenty of water for hot summer days and cold "spring" days to slow down the freezing process. The drilling process took a whole 30-60 seconds, and that includes marking out every 6 inches around the bucket. Screwing the nipples in took about the same amount of time. All in all, a couple minutes work to have an awesome watering system. My 10-week chicks figured it out immediately (just tap on the metal part a few times while they're watching, and once one figured it out, the rest learned too), and then I just introduced it to my 2-week chicks. The younger chicks figured it out right away, but of course, they still prefer the vertical nipples which are much easier to peck. They will not use it unless the vertical one is empty or has a vacuum (forgot to put a small release hole in the top of that one), but they can use it just fine. Taking away "easy" water sources forces them to use the nipples, and they can do it just fine. It's amazing to not have to clean and replace the waterers multiple times a day. Heck, if it wasn't freezing here right now, I could go at least a few days without needing to change the water. Next winter, I will definitely be putting a water heater out there. Regardless, the water stays pristinely clean (highly recommend covering with a lid or some other covering to keep dust out).
They work amazing. I do wish that the individual nipples had been shipped with the drill attachment for easier attachment (can't find the thing that came with the bucket I had ordered a couple months ago) because that made it so much easier. Or, it would be nice to have the option to buy it when ordering them so that you could get one if needed or not get another if you are smart and put it in a place where you can find it again, unlike me haha.
The pack of 10 was shipped in an envelop, and it was a lucky thing I didn't lose any. Because they are hard plastic, the rigors of shipping and being sorted made them tear up the plastic bag they were in, and they were loose in the envelop which was also being torn up from them. A bit of bubble wrap or a padded mailer would have helped prevent that I think. Otherwise, they arrived perfectly fine, and none were missing.”
“Second order for these nipples, and am very pleased with what they have provided for watering our birds. Very easy to use, don‚Äôt leak, and birds have no problem learning to use them. Did notice the ones we received this time are a little larger than the first ones we received.”
“I live in Alaska. I have a 16 gal heated bucket with brass fitting installed that these fit right into and the water doesn't freeze up. My ducks also figured out how to use it.”
“Very helpful young woman on the other end of the phone. Not only did she sell me the product, but gave me pointers on how best to use the products.
Will order from them again for my future needs.”
