Automatic watering devise

[old tom]

This isn't an invention, but a development of existing systems.

 

[HEChicken]

Very timely - I've been researching how to set up an automatic watering system for myself. Unfortunately, the pics are so small I can't read the text associated with them - would you mind giving me a step by step on how you put this together?

 

[WaldensRidge]

Can we get some larger more hi res photos? Its hard to make out the details so I can copy your idea

Thx!

 

[Bear Foot Farm]

It appears to just be some nipples, and a toilet fill valve to refill it:

http://www.plumbingstore.com/parts-for-toilets.html

 

[old tom]

Finally got internet service restored after the lightning knocked it out last Tuesday.
I found the toilet fill valves without the bulb type float at Home Depot for under $6. with the
float pictured, I had to replace the long threaded rod that came with a piece of 1/4" all thread
so it would fit into the bucket. The slider float is much better.
I bought the watering nipples from Avian Aqua Miser and added a 3/8" I.D. O-ring to ensure a
good seal. If you have a drill press, an "R" drill and a 1/8" NPT pipe tap, installation of the nipples
is fairly easy. For the toilet fill, I drilled a 15/16" hole in the bottom of the 5 gallon bucket. Then I
went to the home center and got a supply line, 3/8 to 3/4 adapter, and a 3/4 to water hose adapter.
Under $10 for the toilet supply line and two fittings to connect a water hose.
My friend who has 2 year old hens tried it out just today and they took a little while to figure it out,
but when they got thirsty enough, caught on and were pecking at it by mid afternoon.