Whether you’re using a pet bowl or a poultry drinker, it’s almost impossible to keep your chickens’ drinking water clean throughout the day.
Birds love to scratch and peck, which also means dirt and food in their water source!
Best Saddle Style Poultry Water Nipples
Best Horizontal Poultry Water Nipples
The easiest way to guarantee clean water is with a nipple drinker.
Poultry water nipples are used in commercial farms and recently made their way into backyard chicken keeping.
Today, let’s learn more about poultry nipples and how to choose the best waterer for your flock.
The Best Nipple Waterers in Our Review
Here are the best nipple waterers from the review sorted by category…
Top Pick
MEWTOGO Pack of 20 Chicken Waterer PVC Nipples
Designed to connect to PVC pipes that are used as waterers.
MEWTOGO Pack of 20 Chicken Waterer PVC Nipples
If you don’t like the idea of drilling into a bucket to provide fresh drinking water, then MEWTOGO PVC Nipples is the solution.
These quick selling items are in stock and come in a pack of 20.
Build
It is designed to connect to PVC pipes that are used as waterers.
Once a threaded nipple is screwed into the fitting, you will have an effective waterer.
You can provide your chicken water without the hassle of DIY, which makes MEWTOGO our top pick.
Best Saddle Style Poultry Water Nipples
Saddle StyleOasis 5 Pack Nipples
Simple and affordable poultry nipples that are great for a small flock.
Saddle StyleOasis 5 Pack Nipples
Saddle StyleOasis is our best pick for saddle style poultry nipples because it is simple and affordable.
It is a quality vertical nipple that is readily in stock to add to chicken waterers. Saddle StyleOasis is great for a small flock.
Design
It fits snugly over a hole drilled into ¾” plastic piping.
Once it is installed, birds can tap at the nipple for a drink of fresh water.
You can purchase the 5 pack saddle nipples and keep the extras as spares.
Best Horizontal Poultry Water Nipples
RentACoop 5 Gallon Chicken Waterer
An easy to use drinker that can be cleaned easily and filled by removing and replacing the lid.
RentACoop 5 Gallon Chicken Waterer
RentACoop’s 5 Gallon chicken drinker with nipples wins the category of the best horizontal waterer! With no mess and no fuss, this item is designed to keep water clean.
Chickens using the RentACoop range will have up to 10 days of water.
Design
The no roost lid with a prepared bucket will help you effortlessly fill and clean the container.
It is in stock and a popular item for giving chickens water.
Specs
- Type: side mount horizontal nipple waterer
- Complete Setup: Yes
- Material: Food grade and BPA free plastic
Pros
- Easy to clean and fill
- No roost lid
- Horizontal drinker
Cons
- Must be raised for chickens to reach it
- May leak
The Top Poultry Water Nipples and Drinkers
Let’s proceed to the full reviews…
RentACoop Make Your Own Waterer Kit
Make your unique drinking system to provide your flock clean water.
RentACoop Make Your Own Waterer Kit
If you have a bucket, a water nipple, and some free time, you can make your own chicken waterer!
RentACoop makes it easier for chicken keepers to provide clean water to their flock while saving money.
Design
This simple DIY watering system differs from related products because it’s super durable and easy to use.
The waterer kit comes in a pack of 10 poultry nipples.
Generally, you should use one nipple for every four birds.
This item is certainly economical for large flocks.
Assembly
To make your unique drinking system, you will need items such as a 5 gallon bucket and an 11/32” drill bit.
If you don’t have an 11/32” bit, then a 3 8” bit will do.
In this case, drill into the bottom of the bucket and screw the nipple into the hole to prevent leaks.
When RentACoop’s poultry nipples are correctly screwed into the bucket, it won’t freeze in winter
TIP
Always adjust it to the height of your birds, and note that only chicks that are four weeks and older can use it.
Specs
- Type: DIY water nipple
- Complete setup: No
- Material: Plastic
Pros
- Easy installation
- Won’t freeze
- Cost effective
Cons
- Requires specific drill bit
- Leaks if not screwed in properly
Best Horizontal Poultry Water Nipples
RentACoop 5 Gallon Chicken Waterer
An easy to use drinker that can be cleaned easily and filled by removing and replacing the lid.
RentACoop 5 Gallon Chicken Waterer
If you’re tired of constantly refilling the poultry drinker, the RentACoop 5 Gallon Chicken Waterer could be your answer.
This item is in stock and does not require any DIY fixtures.
It provides up to ten days of water for four chickens!
Let’s look at reasons to add the RentACoop poultry watering system to your arsenal.
Design
The drinker has 4 horizontal side mount nipples that only release water when chickens peck at one nipple.
It is a complete system, so you won’t need to drill a hole to set up the poultry waterer.
This easy to use drinker can be cleaned and filled by removing and replacing the lid.
Installation
This chicken waterer must be raised to make it easier for birds to reach it with ease. RentACoop has also gone one step further to include a no-roost cone lid.
This ensures that birds don’t make a mess on the top of the container!
Specs
- Type: side mount horizontal nipple waterer
- Complete Setup: Yes
- Material: Food grade and BPA free plastic
Pros
- Easy to clean and fill
- No roost lid
- Horizontal drinker
Cons
- Must be raised for chickens to reach it
- May leak
Top Pick
MEWTOGO Chicken Waterer PVC Nipples 20 Pack
Designed to connect to PVC pipes that are used as waterers.
MEWTOGO Chicken Waterer PVC Nipples 20 Pack
When you can’t get regular nipples to stop leaking, it could be time to switch to MEWTOGO’s PVC poultry waterer.
The PVC tee fitting is designed for threaded watering nipples.
It is versatile and can be used with different watering products.
The pack of 20 nipples requires very little maintenance.
Assembly
The tee works by connecting to a PVC pipe.
It has a threaded bottom that a poultry nipple is screwed into.
When you don’t want to drill holes or worry about a daily water supply for your flock, then a tee fitting for an automatic waterer is best!
MEWTOGO’s threaded tees work with a ½” pipe.
Repair
If you do notice minor leaks, secure the nipple waterers using a good PVC tape.
The tee fitting is compatible with both threaded drinking cups and poultry nipples. MEWTOGO fittings are durable and simple to clean.
Specs
- Type: Tee fitting
- Complete System: No
- Material: PVC
Pros
- Easy to install
- Reduces leaks
Cons
- Only works with select nipple sizes
LOVATIC Horizontal Side Mount Poultry Water Nipples
Horizontally mounted water nipples that make it easier for chickens to drink.
LOVATIC Horizontal Side Mount Poultry Water Nipples
LOVATIC has taken great care to produce stock that reduces waste.
It does require drilling holes into a 5 gallon bucket (not included).
These horizontal side mount nipples make it easier for chickens to drink freely. This set of nipples is easily installed, but you can add tape to prevent the frustration of a leak.
Design
LOVATIC poultry nipples are good to use in winter.
The metal pin will not freeze, allowing a chicken to tap at the nipple and drink with ease.
The stem design prevents chicken matter and dirt from getting trapped in the nipple.
This stops the internal spring and pin from failing to release water!
Installion
You can use any bucket to make a chicken waterer with this item.
Measure the correct hole size before drilling to ensure the perfect fit
The bucket that the nipples are screwed into should be hung or raised off the coop floor.
This creates the right pressure for water to slowly drip out of the nipple.
Specs
- Type: Poultry nipple
- Complete System: No
- Material: Plastic with metal pin
Pros
- Affordable nipples
- Horizontal side mount design
- Quick installation
- Best for small backyard chicken keeping
Cons
- Must drill holes into a bucket to use
Best Saddle Style Poultry Water Nipples
Saddle Style Oasis Poultry Nipples
Simple and affordable poultry nipples that are great for a small flock.
Saddle Style Oasis Poultry Nipples
Saddle StyleOasis introduces its sturdy vertical nipples that clip onto a compatible PVC pipe.
The nipple system is affordable, in stock, and works well with automatic waterers.
It is easy to install and encourages birds to drink water without difficulty.
Installation
To turn your PVC pipe into a poultry watering system, simply drill a 5/16” hole into the pipe. Use the Saddle StyleOasis nipple to clip over the hole.
The slow release of water will have chickens drinking in no time.
For the Saddle StyleOasis poultry nipple to work, it must be installed vertically.
Seal
The vertical nipples are perfect for making your own nipple waterers.
If you’re concerned about a leak, you can add tape to seal the fitting.
The saddle style nipple will provide a clean source of water for your flock.
Specs
- Type: Saddle poultry nipple
- Complete system: No
- Material: Plastic and metal pin
Pros
- Simple clip on design
- Slow water release
- Durable pins
Cons
- Takes more effort to install
- Let’s explore our winning product categories so you can purchase the best waterers.
How to Choose the Best Water Nipples
We know that chickens can create a real mess in their coop!
They get dirt in their water bowls and tend to tip their drinkers over.
This means that you have to make many trips to the coop to check on their water source, especially in summer.
Function
Nipples are a good choice for commercial and backyard flocks because it prevents sand and other matter from contaminating the water.
Because it is raised, it also stops birds from knocking their bowls over and wasting their water.
The Importance of Fresh Water for Chickens
What most new chicken keepers don’t know is how quickly birds can dehydrate.
If you live in a hot climate, purchase a drinker to provide clean drinking water throughout the day.
Chickens can go from panting and not eating to listless and unresponsive in a matter of hours.
NOTE
By providing access to water, you can prevent heat stress and dehydration in birds.
What is a Poultry Nipple?
The purpose of a nipple waterer is to reduce waste, especially for waterers placed inside the coop.
The installation of a nipple helps keep the coop dry and offers poultry a consistent water supply.
The poultry nipple is a small plastic plug with a metal pin.
Design
This item is designed to dispense water when it is pecked by a bird.
The most common nipples are screwed into the bottom or side of a bucket or pipe.
Nipple waterers work with pressure and flow rate.
A 5 gallon bucket with side mount nipples will create a slow drip that works perfectly for birds.
What are Different Types of Poultry Nipples?
Horizontal side mount and vertical nipples are the most common styles.
The side mount nipples are screwed into a hole made in the side of a bucket or container.
A vertical nipple will clip onto PVC piping or can be secured into the bottom of a container.
What to Look for in Chicken Water Nipples
Chicken nipples should be easy to install, durable, and not leak…
The purpose of using a nipple is to minimize waste and the tipping of water bowls. It is best to purchase a pack of nipples.
The extras will help you easily replace an item that is not working properly.
The Benefits of Nipple Waterers
If you’re at your wit’s end having to constantly check on water in the coop, nipple drinkers can help!
It only releases droplets of water when a bird pecks at the nipple.
It can also prevent mess and wastage inside the coop provided it does not leak.
See it in action on the video below
Efficient
Poultry nipples are effective and affordable.
All you need is a bucket or container with a lid, a drill, and a pack of nipples.
A 5 gallon bucket will work best. Once the holes are drilled, screw the nipples in, and you have a new waterer.
Prevents Contamination
Chicken water can be kept clean with watering nipples.
It connects to a sealed container or piping, which prevents birds from scratching dirt into the water.
It also stops mosquitoes and rats from contaminating drinkers.
NOTE
A nipple that is correctly installed reduces moisture inside the coop that could lead to bacteria and mold.
How to Install Chicken Waterer Nipples
You will need a bucket, a drill (with the appropriate sized bit), a pack of nipples, a pen for measuring, and pliers to fix the nipple.
You can add silicone and tape in case of a leak.
Installation
Once you have every item you need, mark the areas you will be drilling for the placement of nipples
A chicken nipple comes with thread and should be easily screwed into the bucket where the hole is made.
Positioning
If you are unsure of the positioning and process, you can find an image with directions of a ready-made waterer online.
The image can serve as a guide for nipple placement.
TIP
Take care to raise the container to the appropriate height.
It should also be secured in a quiet corner where it cannot be knocked over by boisterous birds.
FAQS
How many chicken waterer nipples do I need?
It depends on the number of birds.
The general rule is 1 nipple to 4 chickens.
You can purchase a pack of 5 or 20 nipples that are in stock for your type of waterer and the size of the flock.
How much water does a chicken need?
One large adult hen will typically consume a pint of water a day.
In summer, a laying hen will drink up to a quart per day.
While a chicken can go without water overnight, they must have access to a clean waterer during the day, come winter or summer.
How can you tell if a chicken is dehydrated?
A chicken suffering from heat stress will start to pant, fluff up its feathers, and hold its wings away from its body.
When dehydration sets in, they will not eat, may have a pale comb and skin, and will become listless.
Within hours, a chicken that does not receive intervention can become unresponsive and die.
TIP
To check if your pet is hydrated enough, you can also pinch the skin on the thigh to check if it bounces back. If not, it is most likely dehydrated.
How high should waterer nipples be for chickens?
A nipple waterer should be around 12-14 inches off the ground or it should at least reach the average head height of birds.
Related products such as a hanging waterer can be set at the shoulder height of birds.
How often should you change chickens’ water?
Chicken water should be cleaned daily.
If you are using a nipple waterer, it must be cleaned every week.
Any signs of dirt and algae must be removed immediately! You don’t want to risk your chickens getting algae poisoning.
TIP
A chicken can become extremely ill if they continue to drink contaminated water.
How Do I Get My Chickens to Drink from the Nipples?
Some chickens are braver than others and are naturally curious when new items are introduced into the coop.
Attract birds to the nipple by tapping on the metal pin until water droplets are dispensed. Some birds will learn how to use the nipple in minutes, while it could take 2 weeks before others figure it out!
Conclusion
Poultry water nipples are simple, convenient, and a more hygienic solution to give birds water.
It is also more affordable compared to related products such as a regular poultry waterer.
It can take up to 2 weeks for a chicken to learn to use a nipple, but once they get the hang of it, most of your watering problems will be resolved!
Types
There are many types of nipples that are online and in stock, but choosing the right product depends on your flock.
You can also look at an image of a ready-made nipple waterer for an idea of how to make your own.
Most products are in stock in a pack of 5 or more, so you can add as many nipples as you need.
Best Saddle Style Poultry Water Nipples
Best Horizontal Poultry Water Nipples
Best Horizontal Poultry Water Nipples
If you don’t want to make your own waterer, the RentACoop 5 gallon bucket with no roost roof comes ready assembled.
Top Pick
You can also make a DIY poultry waterer with nipples using the MEWTOGO pack of 20 nipples.
Best Saddle Style Poultry Water Nipples
For affordable and durable nipple waterers that encourage birds to drink, the Saddle StyleOasis 5 Pack Nipples is ideal.
Keep Your Coop Hydrated!
Whether you need a drinker that will not freeze in winter or a waterer that reduces waste, consider nipple watering systems for your chickens. If you need more options, these heated waterers are also great alternatives to help keep your flock hydrated during winter.
Watering nipples are affordable and simple to use.
It stops rodents from sharing the chicken water and saves time replacing dirty water.
The ideal item is out there, whether for a small or large flock! But in case you need more options, we also have this automatic waterer review.
