Freeze proof automatic watering system

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3 NH reds

3 NH reds

Songster
9 Years
Dec 5, 2011
622
40
186
Western Mass




I have three coops of birds, egg layers, meat chickens and Turkey. This required watering birds every day, especially as the Turkey got big. So using a 55 gallon drum some pvc pipe and nipple waterers I plumbed a system to all three coops. I had no plans to winterize it but cold spells came in before I was ready to process the Turkey.I then added a plastic floating ware heater and a small fountain pump. I recirculate the water using pex tubing with fittings that go to the pvc pipe.We had some cold nights in the high teens and everything works. I plugged into a temperature activated outlet so the pump would not run unless the air temp is below 35*. Even if I ran it 24/7 the cost would be low enough. No running out in the morning to give out water
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What kind of heater did you use and what are the specs on the pump you used? Considering something similar myself.
 
I used a farmers innovators floating water heater it is 1250 watts and only comes on when needed. for a pump I used a little giant fountain pump, it uses like 10 watts so it is cheap to run. I saw one review of it someplace where the ran it 24/7 for three years in a fountain. The pump can be turned down for less flow. I didn't want allot of pressure or the nipple might leak. So far so good.
 
I realy like your heating system I think it would work with my gravity fed system. My system might intrest you since it requires no manual filling. Take a look and let me have you coments.
Thanks Rich
 
Rich386 said:
I realy like your heating system I think it would work with my gravity fed system. My system might intrest you since it requires no manual filling. Take a look and let me have you coments.
Thanks Rich
Click to expand...
Your tank system looks good. This system is normally gravity but during the winter it needs to be circulating due to pipe freeze
 
Mine looks similar to NH Red but I have a 30 gallon tank, 250 W stock tank heater, and 130 gph 11 Watt pump.
130 gph is more than enough but I plan on expanding my system.

For the tank connection, I recommend a unseal bulkhead fitting. Just drill the hole in the tank, insert the rubber fitting, than cram a pvc pipe into it.

Since nipples are inside the coop, I also installed a backsplash and a gutter to collect and drippings that drains thru the floor. Pigeon Guy gave me some of those ideas.


 
The principal on yours is the same as mine the only real difference. I used a toilet fill valve so there is no need for large volume water storage. About 3 1/2 gal. in the toilet tank and it automatically refills as needed.
I like the idea of the gutter to catch the drippings I will have to add that to mine.
Since I am in FL I have no need for the heater. I just saw 3 NH reds post and thought it sounded right for this type system.
Thanks for the idea Rich
 
Last edited:
The idea of a toilet valve is great. I wish I could use one but with cold temps and a far run to the coops it wouldn't work unless I made up one that I could attach a garden hose to for the warm months, might try that thanks.
 

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