Providing easily accessible fresh, clean water from the first day of a chick’s life is critical to maintaining feed intake and supporting rapid growth
Nipple Drinker Systems
Two common nipple drinker configurations are available:
With drip cups: Allows visual pressure assessment—excessive water in cups indicates high pressure or low waterline; moist cups indicate proper pressure; dry cups signal malfunctioning nipples.
Without drip cups: Simpler but less diagnostic.
Nipple types include:
Stamped nipples: Cheaper but prone to leaks and harder for chicks to activate.
Rotary standard nipples: Higher quality, easier activation due to precise machining
Height Adjustment
Day 1: Nipples at eye level for chicks.
Day 2 onward: Gradually raise to a 45° angle relative to the chicken’s head.
General rule: Birds should drink with necks slightly extended, feet flat on the floor—no jumping or lowering the head.
Water Quality
1.Mineral Content:
High calcium/sodium is tolerable, but iron/manganese cause bitterness, reducing intake and promoting bacterial growth.
Solutions: Use 40–50 μm filters (checked weekly) and chlorination for iron issues.
Hardness: Calcium/magnesium deposits reduce system efficiency. Use salt-based softeners cautiously; assess sodium levels to avoid reproductive issues (nitrates >10 ppm).
2.ORP (Oxidation-Reduction Potential):
≥650 mV: Safe microbial quality (strong chlorine disinfection).
≤250 mV: High organic load, exceeding chlorine' s capacity.
Key Recommendations
Prioritize closed drinking systems for hygiene.
Align water management with local standards (e.g., 0.3–0.6 L/day per layer in Chongqing).
Automate monitoring via IoT systems for real-time adjustments.
ZHENGZHOU OUKE MACHINERY CO., LTD. – Your Partner in Poultry Excellence!