Has anyone used a rain water gathering system to

[Momagain1]

water the chickens with? is that safe? (Is that even a dumb question lol)...

I was thinking; maybe we can put some gutters on the coop and let them run somehow into a rain bucket..wdyt?

Has anyone done this?? I'm sure it has been done by some of you..do you have pics???

 

[Momagain1]

Per our rules, Do not bump posts!

 

[farmer_lew]

I have not done it myself, but I did see pictures where someone set up a gutter on their coop to drain into a bucket. The bucket was piped with PVC and watering nipples for the chickens to drink. Seemed like an easy system to set up. Personally, I would put some kind of filtration system in it.

 

[Raven81]

i have a 200L drum under the gutter of the coop as its an old converted stable. it is on the outside of the run but i would imagine it wouldnt take much to set up an automatic system throu the wire into a bowl or something.

 

[Pagan Prince]

I've been using this method for years. No sick chickens from the water ... There is no running water at our allotements. I have to take some up in realy dry or cold weather though.

 

[WestKnollAmy]

We so want to do this! We have been looking, thinking and talking about it. We have well water so we figure rain water roof the tin roof would be fine. Not sure about the shingled roof and it is a lot smaller, too but we feel this is a good ay to keep me from doing tons of watering. Or at least hauling water all over the place.

 

[gmendoza]

You need some kind of filter,or filter material so dirt,and stuff like that dont get digested.

Im going to be setting up one with a 55gal plastic barrel with a locking lid.Ill have the gutter drain into the barrel,the filter will be on top of the barrel lid.Pretty easy setup.

 

[GeneJordan]

Quote:
Could you post pics when you are done? Please...

 

[NanaLantana]

If you use a large barrel, say 55 gallon, you don't really need a filter - just put the outlet hole NOT on the bottom. Any sediments will go to the bottom. The barrel needs to be elevated, so it's gravity feed - build a 'deck' for it. Make sure you use some quick-connect fittings so you can, couple times a year, disconnect and scrub the barrel out.

I use an elevated 5-gal bucket in this way, withquick connect, hose, and pvc pipe with poultry nipples. Works great, but I have to refill the bucket frequently. I might look for a larger barrel!

As far as chickens digesting dirt, etc - the silly fowl EAT dirt! I don't think you can harm them by giving them rain.

 

[Momagain1]

well I'm definitely a visual learner; so if anyone can link me to pics I'd be sooo happy...I can read and read and read the same thing; but once I see it; I understand it completely!

I wasnt gonna do an automatic waterer; we were just gonna use the bucket to use to dip the bowl whatever in; to end up putting in birds waterer...

anyway; more ideas please!!!