How do you keep water in this waterer?

[drsessum]

I made the 5 gal bucket waterer and it won't fill past the pan. Do I need to put the top on it?

 

[Chicksdigit]

If you can get it to seal otherwise the water will just run out except for what is in the pan.

 

[drsessum]

Thanks. I'm just getting started.

 

[Renee']

Maybe your holes are too low?

 

[awtandrocks]

There needs to be a lid on it (preferably with a seal) to create a vapor lock for it to work. Then it will only release more water when the level gets below the openings and lets air in.

I guess this would have been the the place to ask this question!

drsessum maybe the pictures in my thread will help.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=257247

 

[Bil]

I made the 5-gallon bucket waterer, and it works great. Here is what I did.

Took 5 gallon bucket with tight lid. About 2" down from the top I drilled a 1/2" hole in the side. I then purchased a pan that is used to catch oil from the auto parts store. It has about a 2.5" lip, and is very easy to clean. Just make sure the lip is higher than how far you drilled down on your bucket.

To fill the bucket, I take the lid off and fill up to hole on bucket. I put the lid back on tight, and then turn the bucket upside down in oil pan. It takes it about 5 minutes for the pan to fill, but keeps enough water for my 12 chickens for at least a week but I tend to clean it out every 3-4 days.

I don't have any pictures but can take some later if you would like.

Bil