In the initial stages of brooding, the nipple lines should be placed at a height at which the bird is able to
drink. The back of the chick should form an angle of 35-45° with the floor while drinking is in progress. As
the bird grows, the nipples should be raised so that the back of the bird forms an angle of approximately
75-85° with the floor and so that the birds are stretching slightly for the water (Figure 20). Birds should be
reaching for, but not stretching or straining to reach the nipple, so that water will flow directly from the nipple
into the beak. If the nipple is too low, birds may turn their heads to drink, causing water to fall onto the litter.
For ease of access and optimum water availability, birds should, where possible, be grown using a 360° type
nipple. This is particularly important where large birds (>3 kg/6.6 lbs) are being grown.