DIY Automatic Waterer

[FutureChickenMan]

I removed this content.

 

[eggchel]

That looks really good. You can also buy a float valve at a poultry supply place or at some feed stores.


Errr, what is the point of the light bulb and socket other than a potentially really bad accident?

Chel

 

[FutureChickenMan]

Quote:
Keep the water from freezing. Most folk put the warmer below the water bucket in a seperate container. Problem with this design is if the valve freezes, it wont fill any more. So not only does the water need to be kept from freezing so does the valve. As long as the light is plugged in to a GFCI plug (those are the ones with their own circuit braker there shouldn't be a problem). As mentioned, the light is optional and really, this waterer wouldn't be great in the winter because the garden hose could freeze. As I said, first run at the design so I'm sure I'll think of better ways to do things as I go. The primary premise was to keep it cheap, easy to build and with common every-day parts that are easy to find.

 

[eggchel]

D'uh, I get it now, thanks. Obviously I live somewhere without much freezing weather!!

Chel

 

[FutureChickenMan]

Quote:
lol no worries. I live in cold country, so I have to think about that when i design stuff, or heck even in the birds i pick. Running around putting vaseline on wattles isn't my idea of a good time. heh.

 

[gila_dog]

What a great invention. Thanks. I'm going to make one.

 

[Mareloo]

Oh WOW!!!!

Please let us know how it works for you..

This is going high up on my to do list!

You got no idea how long I have been looking for a design just like this..

Thank you!

 

[FutureChickenMan]

Quote:
Yeah me too. I've been reading the threads for about a week and saw the various auto watering setups but just wasn't pleased with them. Chickens could get poopy in it dirt, etc etc because the water was low to the ground. Then I thought well how the heck to I keep them from getting junk in the water. Move the water hole up seemed logical enough. Then I was thinking, how the heck do I keep it full of water even when I'm not around. Then my days of working in a hardware store kicked in.. yeah, that toilet filler thingy would work since it only requires water pressure, no electrical stuff to open/close the valves.

I checked in to those trough fill valves but they just didn't seem sensitive enough, I didn't play with it for long but it seemed a large volume of water would have to be removed for the valve to open. Not ideal when working with little critters. I found the toilet valve to be sensitive enough to do the job.

 

[FutureChickenMan]

I removed this content.

 

[Mareloo]

The more I look at it the more I like it.. Clear pics. Excellent description on the how to. Built in trouble shooter.. Fool prove!

You are a genius!

I will post pics of mine, operational in the coops, in the next week!

Thank you so much!