Homemade chick waterer

[congdon476]

OK- I figured out I can use the front yard bird feeder (bleach cleaned of course) for my chicks' feed while they are small. What I can't figure out is how to make a homemade watering device for the chicks. My goal is to go all recycled or homemade for free on this (DH isn't on board unless I figure out how to do this on the "cheep" so to speak). Anyone have any inventive ideas out there? What about for when they move to the coop? Thanks!

 

[AK_Button_Mama]

I like the idea of turning a glad storage container upside down (you know the toss away kind) poke a small hole and turn it upside down... I have already scavenged several for my new addiction!

 

[congdon476]

Quote:
I'm not sure I understand this one? Turn it upside down on what? How does the water not get everywhere?

 

[Chickenfortress]

Is this for chicks, or chickens? Big difference in design, since chicks are less able to topple things.

 

[congdon476]

Mostly worried about chicks-- I'm hoping by the time we need a chicken sized one he will be as addicted as I am and not mind paying for a real, sturdy hanging one.

 

[Chickenfortress]

On that one above, good for small chicks. Fill the container, snap the lid on, and flip it. Then you poke a very small hole below the top edge of the lip. The water will fill that outer lip area, and there's no chance a chick can drown in it since it's only 1/4 to 3/8 inch deep. You may have to play a bit to get the hole right.

You could also hot glue the lid from a peanutbutter jar (plastic jar, obviously) into a bit larger lid or a deep saucer. Before the glue goes on, close the lid down tight on the cleaned jar and drill a hole, 1/4" or so, through both the lid and the jar at the same time. Then, when you refill, the holes should line up once the lid/saucer is screwed down on the jar. Remember that the upper edge of the saucer must be above the top of the hole, and it will all work fine. Test it in a sink first to ensure no doused bedding.

 

[hoosier]

I made one by punching a small hole about 1/2" from the top edge of a Cool Whip type container. You fill it with water and hold a pie tin on top and invert. The pie tin will fill up to the level of the hole. You can make it shallower if you punch the hole higher up.

ETA I just used an aluminum pie plate.

 

[congdon476]

These are some great ideas. I have plenty of old containers (cottage cheese, etc) that I can experiment with. And who doesn't have a pie pan

You guys are great! I knew I could count on the BYC board roamers to help me out!

 

[chickensnatcher]

well, when they move to the coop you could try one of those 5 gallon buckets. we use them all the time here and they work great. all you do is poke a hole in the top and flip it over in a feeding/watering tin.