is a system in which birds drink water from also known as nipples, or from located directly underneath them. Many professional and industrial poultry farms, particularly broiler farms, use nipple drinking systems. Nipple drinking systems offer numerous advantages, including constant access to fresh water, reduced water consumption, improved drinking hygiene and significant savings in the farmer's time and labour. In addition, the cost of the system is relatively low, while installation and maintenance are straightforward. Many professional poultry farmers consider nipple drinking systems to be one of the most efficient and effective methods of supplying water to poultry. Importantly, nipple drinkers can be used for birds from the very first day of life. The height of the drinkers simply needs to be adjusted accordingly. are suitable for both floor-reared and cage-reared poultry.
Depending on the flow rate of the , when raising chickens to a final weight of up to 2 kg, approximately 18–20 birds can be allocated to each nipple. For birds with a final weight of up to 3 kg, this number decreases to approximately 15–18 birds per nipple.
As standard, nipple drinkers are installed in a After drilling a hole, the nipples are screwed into the pipe (typically with a 1/8-inch thread). There are many types of nipple drinkers available on the market, differing in their operating principle, flow rate and construction. This article presents some of the most popular and commonly used types of poultry nipple drinkers.
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Nipple drinkers without drip cups
Let us begin with nipple drinkers without drip cups. Poultry drinking lines constructed in this way can result in a relatively high level of litter moisture, so in this case it is recommended to use reduced-flow nipples. This type of nipple effectively reduces unnecessary water consumption and helps keep the litter dry.
For nipples with a higher water flow rate, it is recommended to install a , which helps prevent excessive wetting of the litter. Different types of drip cups are discussed later in this article.
An interesting nipple drinker is the Duo-Steel nipple, manufactured entirely from stainless steel. Its distinguishing feature is the way it operates – the pin can move both horizontally and vertically. The water flow rate when the pin moves vertically is 70–80 cm3/min, compared with 30–40 cm3/min when the nipple pin moves horizontally. Applications: broilers, laying hens and ducks. Depending on the bird species and type of production, approximately 8–20 birds can use one nipple drinker.
The RB Mix nipple drinker offers similar parameters and is manufactured from stainless steel and plastic. Its pin also operates both vertically and horizontally. The water flow rate when the pin moves vertically is 70–80 cm3/min, compared with 30–40 cm3/min when moved horizontally. This nipple is ideal for broilers and laying hens. Depending on the species and type of production, approximately 8–20 birds can use one nipple drinker.
Another nipple drinker, the MK4 model, has a flow rate of approximately 150 ml/h. The nipple pin operates only vertically. Applications: broilers and laying hens. Depending on the species and type of production, approximately 8–20 birds can use one nipple drinker.
Another model is the . As its name suggests, this is a classic nipple drinker and one of the most popular models used in Poland for laying hens and broilers. Manufactured entirely from stainless steel, it is highly resistant to intensive use. It offers a high flow rate of approximately 180 ml/h. Depending on the species and type of production, approximately 10–12 birds can use one nipple drinker.
Another nipple drinker described here is the . Its steel pin is installed in a plastic body. The drinker has a flow rate of approximately 140 ml/h. It is one of the most popular nipples in its class in Poland. Applications: broilers, laying hens and ornamental birds.
The Input nipple drinker differs from other nipples in terms of its installation method. Input nipples do not have a thread; instead, they are push-fitted into a drilled hole in the PVC pipe. Each drinker includes a rubber seal that ensures a watertight connection by adapting to the surface of the pipe. The estimated flow rate is approximately 90–100 cm3/min. Applications: broilers, laying hens and ornamental birds.
Drip cups
It is also worth discussing drip cups installed underneath . Drip cups are designed to protect the litter from becoming wet, thereby helping to prevent mud and contamination. They also help reduce water consumption in nipple drinking systems. Most models are designed for quick installation on a .
In general, differ mainly in two aspects – cup depth and construction (single-arm or double-arm). Single-arm drip cups are designed for broilers and laying hens. The use of only one supporting arm provides access to the water from three sides. Double-arm drip cups provide greater stability, although access to the drinker is limited from two sides. They are particularly recommended for ducks and ornamental birds. Drip cups are manufactured from durable plastic. Their red colour is easily recognised by birds and helps them locate the nearest drinking point in low-contrast surroundings.
Technical requirements
A nipple drinking system can be supplied with water in two ways. The first method uses a positioned above the level of the drinkers. This solution is commonly used on small poultry farms and for shorter drinking lines.
Professional poultry farms usually use a direct connection to the mains water supply. In this case, a and are required, as excessive water pressure could damage or dislodge the nipples. The maximum pressure is 2 bar, while the optimal pressure is approximately 1.5 bar.
Another important requirement is that the drinking line should run over a level surface. If this is not possible, the system can be equipped with a slope regulator for drinking lines, which compensates for differences in ground level.
Building a nipple drinking line
Building a complete nipple drinking system is not as difficult as it may initially seem. A poultry farmer can purchase a complete 3-metre nipple drinking line and use additional sections to create a system of the required length. The diagram below illustrates how such a drinking line can be constructed. More detailed information can be found in the article entitled "How to Build a Poultry Drinking System".
