We've been raising 50-60 broilers a year for 4 years now and have used the plastic gallon waterers in the brooder and this hanging water in the hoop tractor.
With 30 birds at a time, they go through water very quickly. Pressured by an upcoming vacation and birds in the brooder and tractor, I had to find a better system. I ran across this thread and others and ordered the LG waterers from Cutler Supply (about $18 each plus $10 shipping). Other than overcharging for shipping (flat rate box was only $6), they arrived fast and I'm pleased with Cutler.
I bought 6' of 1/2" PVC pipe, a few elbows, and male/female ends. I also bought the garden hose to 1/2" reducer. All found in our small local hardware store.
Now we can turn on the garden hose while away (plenty of time in advance to check for leaks, etc) and know the birds won't go thirsty.
The brooder chicks just arrived today so we are still using the gallon waterer, but I set up the auto system, easy as pie.
In the tractor, I nailed some pipe hangers (for hanging copper tubing below floor joists) horizontally to the wooden upright, to hold the waterer away from the side and give it some stability.
Here it is showing the entire tractor (hanging in the back).
This will make it much easier. I also grabbed a stretch of plastic gutter so I can pour food into the feeder from a bucket outside and I no longer have to walk through their poop!!!
Why didn't I think of this sooner.
