DIY feeders and waterers

[BlackCoffee]

Trying to go a little cheaper here with feeders and waterers by making my own, but I'm stumped on how to make a waterer! Any insight/links or anything would be appreciated.
We've gotten a nipple one before, and it just leaked all the time. Any tips on that? The nipples are vertical, on the underside of a 5 gallon bucket that hangs.

 

[Pork Pie]

Maybe you can get something similar where you are - I have just started using these - http://www.flytesofancy.co.uk/chickenhouses/Maxi_Cup_Poultry_Drinker.html - great thing about them is that you can fix them to a water container of your choice. I have two fitted to a 100 litre plastic water drum.

I also use vertical nipples and I've not had a problem with them. I did use some tape on the thread and glue when fixing them.

CT

 

[tmarsh83]

Old water softener salt reservoir, couple dollars worth of PVC, and three poultry cups.

Under the eaves, with a little hillybilly rigged gutter, and it's a rain catchment waterer.

 

[maggie3110]

How do you keep the water from freezing in the winter?

 

[tmarsh83]

How do you keep the water from freezing in the winter?

That is going to be trial and error. The cups aren't ideal for outside Indiana winters. A regular livestock tank heater would keep the reservoir open, but the PVC and cups may be an issue. I've considered trying heat tape, and likely will, because I have some here, but it's going to be a crap shoot.

Worst case, I remove this for winter, and just use one of the electric dog dishes like I have in the past for the worst of winter.