I began providing water for my 4 Barred Rock chicks in a saucer. I'd wash it 2-3 time a day depending upon the poop. They love standing in the water. Then I recalled the waterer I used with my parakeets and tried it. It worked perfectly. Almost no poop and it only needed filling once a dayI strongly recommend using one for 4-5 chicks.
I continued using the parakeet waterer when I moved them outside, however, I immediately began training them to use a dog faucet watering nozzle.* I didn't remove the parakeet waterer until I was sure each chick (w/numbered leg bands so I could tell them apart) knew how to use the nozzle. I'd sit for a few minutes inside the garden tractor 2x a day for about three days and trained them to use the nozzle. I changed the angle of the nozzle so that it points straight down instead of out at an angle (see below). I also found out that I didn't need the shut-off valve-cock. It doesn't drip at all.
"You peck, I'll catch. Do it right now, he's taking our picture."
Changes for next time:
I'd use a 2 1/2 gallon PVC bucket instead of a 5 gallon one. Use a non-snap-tight lid (a non-gasket lid just presses on and off easily). The reason is: I'd fill the 5 gal bucket 1/2 full and the bottom of the bucket started to grow algae way before the 4 hens used even 1 gallon. I remove and clean the bucket after about two weeks. In other words, it would be easier to lift and clean a 2/ 1/2 gal bucket (in the laundry tub). The nozzle can be moved left or right so that you can set the bucket on the ground for cleaning. The Teflon tape doesn't need replacing.
Remember to get the smallest bung that has 1/2" NPT (pipe) threads. It requires cutting about a 2 1/4" in dia hole in the bucket. This is because a larger bung might not provide a good seal because of the smaller circumference of a 2 1/2 gal bucket.
Total cost: about $43.00
Bung with inside and outside rubber washers and nut (w/1/2" female pipe thread) Requires drilling about a 2 1/4" dia hole in the side of the bucket near the bottom. $12.95
PVC elbow (1/2" NPT male to 1/2" NPT female) $5.00
3/4" NPT pipe thread to garden hose thread adapter $3.95**
Tap Adapter dog nozzle waterer $12.95
5 gallon PVC bucket with lid $5.00 + $3.00
Teflon tape .10
* The dog/chick pushes the 1 1/2" long down-facing nozzle slightly to the side and water drips out running down the nozzle. The chick immediately moves her beak to catch the water and repeats the process about a dozen times until sated.
With aloha,
Kerry
Update: It's been working perfectly for about a year. Now that they are full grown they no longer need the concrete block step.
** The same company (Miller Mfg. Co) now makes a Tap Adapter nozzle with 1/2" NPT male pipe thread so you don't need the 3/4" pipe to 3/4" garden hose thread adapter.
I continued using the parakeet waterer when I moved them outside, however, I immediately began training them to use a dog faucet watering nozzle.* I didn't remove the parakeet waterer until I was sure each chick (w/numbered leg bands so I could tell them apart) knew how to use the nozzle. I'd sit for a few minutes inside the garden tractor 2x a day for about three days and trained them to use the nozzle. I changed the angle of the nozzle so that it points straight down instead of out at an angle (see below). I also found out that I didn't need the shut-off valve-cock. It doesn't drip at all.
"You peck, I'll catch. Do it right now, he's taking our picture."
Changes for next time:
I'd use a 2 1/2 gallon PVC bucket instead of a 5 gallon one. Use a non-snap-tight lid (a non-gasket lid just presses on and off easily). The reason is: I'd fill the 5 gal bucket 1/2 full and the bottom of the bucket started to grow algae way before the 4 hens used even 1 gallon. I remove and clean the bucket after about two weeks. In other words, it would be easier to lift and clean a 2/ 1/2 gal bucket (in the laundry tub). The nozzle can be moved left or right so that you can set the bucket on the ground for cleaning. The Teflon tape doesn't need replacing.
Remember to get the smallest bung that has 1/2" NPT (pipe) threads. It requires cutting about a 2 1/4" in dia hole in the bucket. This is because a larger bung might not provide a good seal because of the smaller circumference of a 2 1/2 gal bucket.
Total cost: about $43.00
Bung with inside and outside rubber washers and nut (w/1/2" female pipe thread) Requires drilling about a 2 1/4" dia hole in the side of the bucket near the bottom. $12.95
PVC elbow (1/2" NPT male to 1/2" NPT female) $5.00
3/4" NPT pipe thread to garden hose thread adapter $3.95**
Tap Adapter dog nozzle waterer $12.95
5 gallon PVC bucket with lid $5.00 + $3.00
Teflon tape .10
* The dog/chick pushes the 1 1/2" long down-facing nozzle slightly to the side and water drips out running down the nozzle. The chick immediately moves her beak to catch the water and repeats the process about a dozen times until sated.
With aloha,
Kerry
Update: It's been working perfectly for about a year. Now that they are full grown they no longer need the concrete block step.
** The same company (Miller Mfg. Co) now makes a Tap Adapter nozzle with 1/2" NPT male pipe thread so you don't need the 3/4" pipe to 3/4" garden hose thread adapter.
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