Kit water system

[Lmannyr]

I have Edstrom Auto Water System (http://www.bunnyrabbit.com/price/edstrom.htm) for my 4 adult NZWs installed close to the top of the wire cages with PVC piping. What should I do for the kits water? I had my first litter of 10 on Easter so they can't quite reach those high nipples. Should I "T" in nipples down lower? If so, how many inches off the floor?

Thanks!!!

PS Love the auto water system but the bucket deal sucks, gets green quick, getting the water regulator today to rid the bucket refill and green water. I'm sure the rabbits would love the constant clean water!!

 

[MaggieJ]

Well, you can raise the bridge or lower the river, as the saying goes. Either add some nipples lower down or put a step or platform so the kits can reach the existing nipples. Be very sure to observe that they do learn how to use them, however... a slow learner could suffer from dehydration if momma stops nursing before it figures it out.

 

[A&BRabbitry]

I raise Californian and New Zealand Whites and set my valves at about 4-5" off the bottom and have never had a problem with the kits getting to the water when the time come. They ussually are quicker to learn to use the valve than a grown rabbit as it is much more similar to the does nipple they have been accustume to and ussually a rabbit can smell the water.

 

[Lmannyr]

Maggie

thanks for the tip.

A&BRabbitry

So This actually sounds like a better idea. So you have 1 nipple per cage just much lower to the bottom of cage. Thanks....<br /><br />__________ Sat May 19, 2012 6:31 am __________<br /><br />UpDate

Nipples are now 4 inches from bottom of cage. Got rid of the bucket gravity for a closed system using a pressure regulator and city water. No more green, dirty water and no more refilling.

The new nipple height has been In place for a week now but my 6 wk old nzw havnt learned to use it. I still put fill their bowel with water. The last two days I only filled it once in the morning and it's empty by mid day. The next day after refilling the bowel, all 9 nzw kits TACKLE the bowel and inhalEd it. Was hoping that by limiting the bowel refill that they would learn the nipple. So far, all they do is lick the base of the niole valve (the threads) because there is a slight leak.

All adults found the new spot and loves the clean water. They sucked on those nipples like they never had water ether.

Anyhow, any pointers for the kits?


Thanks!
Luis.

 

[AnnClaire]

Maybe dab a little jelly on the top of the spout to get them looking at the top?

 

[OneAcreFarm]

I read a study that said 8" is the optimal height to get adult rabbits to drink the most. For kits it was 2"-4"....