The Importance of Managing Nipple Drinking Systems for Poultry Farming

Ensuring a constant supply of clean and hygienic water is as necessary in the poultry business as it is in every other. Conventional methods of providing water resulted in spillage, wastage, and various other issues, affecting bird health and productivity.

However, nipple drinking systems have emerged as a game-changer in this regard. Many poultry farmers worldwide use them to deliver water to their poultry. While providing a reliable water source to the birds, they also help minimize contamination and reduce labour expenses for farmers. However, a nipple drinker for poultry has to be meticulously installed and managed carefully. Why? Let us delve into it in this blog.

What is a Nipple System in Poultry?

A nipple drinking system automated water delivery to poultry, providing clean and fresh drinking water to the birds. The system comprises water nipples (in the form of small valves or dispensers) that release water when the birds peck or push them. The nipples are often attached to a pipe supplying water. The birds drink the water by activating the nipples with their beaks. Nipple systems offer numerous benefits, simplifying and making water delivery more effective. Let's look at them.

Benefits of Nipple Drinker System

Here's how properly installed and managed nipple drinking systems can prove advantageous to poultry farmers

Reduced Contamination

Water is delivered to the bird through the nipple, reducing the chance of contamination. Thus, birds don't have to drink from open water sources, which can be potentially breeding grounds for pathogens, bacteria or algae

Efficient Water Use

The system dispenses the water only when the birds peck at the nipple, reducing water wastage. It refers to a more efficient use of water and less water-soaked bedding. Besides, some nipple drinking systems have water pressure adjustments, making it easier for farmers to manage water consumption.

Improved Health Outcomes

Damp conditions caused due to water spillage and wastage can breed bacteria and various other harmful creatures. However, a precision supply of water helps maintain a dry environment, minimizing the chances of common poultry diseases. It results in healthier and more productive birds with excellent growth rates

Importance of Managing Nipple Drinker Systems Appropriately

A nipple drinker for poultry benefits poultry farmers in various ways as already seen above. However, one can reap them only when the system is installed and managed appropriately. Besides, managing the poultry nipple drinker is critical for many other reasons. Let's look at each

Correct Water Pressure

Nipple drinking systems minimize water wastage. However, improper water pressure can lead to dispensation of excess water, resulting in water spills and leaks. Let alone create wet litter conditions! The excess water pressure in the bedding can increase humidity in the poultry house, fostering bacterial growth and making it difficult for the birds to breathe. Accordingly, it is necessary to set the water at a pressure suitable for chickens. Manufacturers can guide poultry farmers in this regard and help them set the right water pressure.

Automating the Nipple Drinkers

Contaminated or inadequate water can lead to poor growth rates and disease outbreaks. Hence, every poultry farm must ensure a clean and sufficient water supply to maintain bird productivity, growth and health. One of the best ways to do so is using automatic nipple drinkers. These deliver water directly to birds in a controlled and enclosed manner, reducing the risk of contamination.

Minimizing Leakages

Leaks and wastewater also damage the bedding, creating unhygienic conditions that foster bacterial growth. A few reasons for it include poor installation, using substandard material or system malfunction due to inappropriate water pressure. Besides, some birds may not be used to drinking water via nipples, resulting in spills.

To address these issues, poultry farmers must ensure careful installation of premium equipment, perform routine system maintenance and seek professional help wherever needed. Another way to minimize leakages is to install drip cups underneath the nipples. These catch excess water and prevent it from falling onto the litter, keeping the environment dry and hygienic. Furthermore, training the birds to use the system can help minimize spills and prevent unnecessary wastage.

Customization for Chickens

Water availability and quality play a significant role in chick growth and health. Dehydration can pose a serious risk, particularly for young chicks. Accordingly, poultry farmers must monitor water consumption to ensure chicks drink enough water. Here, it is necessary to customize the nipple drinking system's design for chicks. The nipples must provide a suitable water flow rate for their age and size to ensure chickens get water in the required quantities based on their growth stages.

High-Pressure Flushing

High-pressure flushing of the nipple drinker for poultry helps maintain a steady supply of clean and cool water. Conducting regular high-pressure flushes removes contaminants, prevents blockages, and keeps the flock healthy and more productive.

Using a Proportionate Liquid Injecting Medicator

Many farmers administer sugary water during the first/second week of the chicken's age. If not diluted sufficiently and flushed immediately after administration, it can choke the system, sometimes even beyond repairs. To prevent it, experts advise installing a simple proportionate liquid injecting medicator.

The Gartech Medicator proves useful in this regard. While helping maintain clean water, the solution also enables poultry farmers to administer medications, vitamins and other essential supplements to the flock.

The medicator is connected to the water line, where it automatically mixes medication or supplements in precise amounts. It is aligned to deliver the right dose of medications with every drop of water to the bird's drink. The system ensures consistent and reliable delivery of treatments across the entire flock.

However, while using Gartech Medicator, farmers must maintain the right water temperature to avoid extremes affecting the stability of medications or vitamins.

Installing a Pressure Pump

Installing a pressure pump also is equally necessary. Why? Water originating from wells or tube wells is always cool and below 25°C. Often, farmers do not insulate the incoming water pipeline due to various reasons. The water source can be kept cool by properly insulating the pipeline and overhead tank. Modern EC farms need an uninterrupted power supply. Hence, they must have underground water tanks. Accordingly, farmers must install a pressure pump to supply continuous fresh cool water directly from the UG to the nipple drinking system.

Maintaining the Nipple Drinker System

Maintenance is part of every machine or equipment, with a nipple drinker system being no exception. Maintaining the system is critical to its long-term effectiveness. However, it can also pose a challenge. How? Over a while, the various parts of the system may degrade and clog, resulting in system failures impacting water delivery.

For example, clogged nipples can prevent birds from accessing water, causing dehydration. The buildup of minerals, debris, and biofilm inside the pipes can contribute to this issue. Wear and tear on system components like seals, valves, and nipples can also result in leakages or disrupted water flow.

Need a Nipple Drinker for Chickens? Choose Gartech!

Gartech Equipments is one of India's leading and trusted manufacturers of poultry nipple drinker systems. Our nipple drinking systems are thoughtfully designed to meet the water needs of various poultry birds, including chicken. Besides, our end-to-end support covers installation assistance, operational training and maintenance services. Please email us at sales@gartech.co.in to explore more about our nipple drinkers for chickens.