Breeder Pens done (except paint), Runs nearly completed!

[OSUman]

Those runs look nice. Seems like your going to have some nice spoiled chickens. lmao

 

[kathyinmo]

Now if I can just talk DH into adding running water to the coops, I wouldn't have to drag the darn hose all over the place!

 

[Freckle Face Farm]

WOW!!! Your chickens are loving you

Looks like you have been busy...Looks Great

 

[averytds]

Sorry Kathy. Maybe if I pray for rain it'll be nice and sunny.

It looks like you got quite a bit done. Why not go with gravity fed nipple or cup waterers and put the rain to work for you for the time being? A nipple watering system off a nice big tank could cut down on your hose trips/watering chores considerably and could be piped in for continued use after you get water hook ups.

 

[kathyinmo]

OMG, you are just full of great ideas! Gravity fed watering system would be an awesome addition! Now, if only I knew how to do that! I would sooooo love to give that a try! I don't think I can figure it out though.

 

[averytds]

No, just lazy. LOL

Just decide if you want nipples or cups. Then decide if you want pvc or tubing. Depends on your setup/finances. They are both easy setup from what I see. Priced out I think nipples and pvc is cheapest, followed by nipples and tubing. The tubing allows for more easily changing heights and you can install with nothing more than a pair of scissors for cutting the tubing. The pvc is more fixed and you'd need a few tools like a drill and hacksaw, but it would allow better flow over longer runs and be easier I think to winterize.

Using a tank setup you can install a float if/when you get water put in and skip the pressure regulator business or to hook up to a garden hose. Also a tank heater for winter. You can also do a combination of nipples/cups and pvc/tubing.

None of it's terribly complicated. I figured it out and I'm plumbing challenged. With the pvc, you run it where you want and drill a hole where you want the nipple. There are self sealing ones for about $1-$2 each that you just push into the hole. If you go with the tubing, you cut the tubing to length and insert a T connector. Bottom of the T goes to your nipple and other arm is tubing to your next T and nipple. When everything is where and how you want it, just connect to your water tank. 5 gallon bucket or 55 gallon drum, whatever you decide to go with.

Here's a cup/tubing/tank setup http://brensbirdsofparadise.com/watering_systems.htm

Same idea but with nipples http://www.bassequipment.com/Waterers/The+Borak+Flexible+Tube+System/default.aspx

Either can be used with pvc.

Here are some BYC links to some auto water systems.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/web/viewblog.php?id=2636-chicken-nipples-anyone
https://www.backyardchickens.com/web/viewblog.php?id=4655-Auto_Waterer
https://www.backyardchickens.com/web/viewblog.php?id=5284-AUTO_WATERER

 

[kathyinmo]

I am gonna check into that possibility! BUT, after a short rest period. I am exhausted from working on coops and runs. As soon as this run is complete (tomorrow I hope), I am taking some time off (from construction ! ha), AND ..... my 6 yr old grandson is coming to stay a few days while his parents go to Reno. I have a few eggs in the bator, just for him to watch hatch out !

 

[kathyinmo]

LOOK! I found this on another thread ..... I think I will attempt this idea in my breeder pens. What do ya think? I like having the feed and water under the droppings board, and using up less floor space!


Quote:
Thank you, wildorchid, for the great idea!

 

[averytds]

Sounds like a plan.

 

[kathyinmo]

Photos at the end of the work day last night. It will be FINISHED today! WOO HOO! Yes, it WILL be done!