I haven't watered my chickens for months...

[j3707]

I'm all for labor saving devices, so I hooked up a single "chicken licker" nipple to a 55 gallon barrel. I haven't watered the chickens for at least 6 months and the barrel is not even half empty. I bet I get a full year out of it.

Super easy to make and it held up to being nearly frozen solid for a few days this winter. I insulated the PVC pipe, but that was all. Next winter I hope to insulate the barrel as well.

I put the pipe about 6 inches up from the bottom of the barrel, so the chances of it getting clogged with sediment over time is less. One thing I need to do is install a separate drain valve at the bottom for winter draining and cleaning when needed.

Oh...and the water is still sweet and clean after 6 months.

Highly recommended!

 

[Cindiloohoo]

So I'm guessing it would have to collect rain water..how do you keep leaves and trash from falling in it? That's pretty darn cool BTW!

 

[PeepsInc]

Neat idea, You could wrap it with electric heat tape. Does the water get rancid? It would probably be a good idea to add a spoon full of iodine to it when you fill it. That kills micro organisms....

 

[mamagardener]

Does it freeze up when it gets really cold, or does the flow of water keep it from freezing up?

 

[j3707]

Cindiloohoo - I just fill it up with the garden hose....once a year won't be too much strain

It's all closed up on top, so nothing gets in.



PeepsInc - The water is still fresh, but I was thinking of adding some chlorine like we do for stored drinking water. You think iodine is better?



mamagardener - There is virtually no flow, so it freezes right up if not insulated --- especially the PVC pipe. I bought some heat tape and might go that route next winter.


Even if you just use it 3 seasons it's a great convenience. It's been a great chore-saver so I thought I'd share my experience.

 

[dlfridie]

I love this idea.
My 4 hens are in 2 seperate coops/runs, so I need a much smaller version.

What could I use that's smaller than the rain barrel?
Also, how is that pvc pipe attached to the barrel?
How is that nipple attached to the pipe?
THANKS!

 

[j3707]

dlfridie -

You can use any size container you like...I've also got a 2 or 3 gallon bucket with the chicken licker nipple screwed right into it. It just hangs up on a post.

I used a PVC adapter that was smooth on one side (to slide the PVC pipe into) and threaded on the other. I drilled a hole in the barrel with a hole saw and screwed the threaded side of the adapter into the barrel. I put teflon tape on the threads before I screwed it in and caulked the outside of the barrel/adapter union with kitchen/bath caulk.

To install the nipple, you drill a hole through one side of the pipe or bucket and thread the nipple in. I use teflon tape on the those threads too.


http://www.farmtek.com/farm/supplie...ering_systems-ft1_hoses_nipples;pgwc1030.html

That's the link for the nipple I use, use a 23/64th drill bit for the hole.


There are other threads on this topic as well.


Have fun!

 

[lacomo]

My setup is on the same order as that one except I have the barrel overhead in my coop and cups like in this pic. I have one cup for 14 large size chickens and it works great in warm weather. I drain it when real cold weather comes and carry water to them. Saves a lot of work in warm weather.

 

[MandyH]

Quote:
Where does one come across one of those red dealies there.

 

[G Wiz Ranch]

gqf.com makes the drink cups, I use them too. easy to clean.