My all most maintainence free coop.

[snowydiamonds]

Really, really nice! Please tell your wife and Sammy I'm coming over, for reverse psychology lessons...if I ever take up w/a man again in the future, I'll know how to get one of those really, really nice coops

 

[KenCoesta]

You need to draw up your plans and sell them!

 

[j3707]

Very nice indeed!

 

[Lumenos]

Quote:
(The answer was farmtek.com.) Great ideas! I had looked at nipple watering systems and they were very pricey but I guess when you use a water tank you don't need an expensive pressure regulator. If this is true it seems those pressure regulators are completely ridiculous. Perhaps all you would need to hook up to the main line is a water tank that is big enough for a float valve (such as those used by a toilet or swamp cooler). Or does the tank need to be bigger/higher to get enough pressure?

Idon't think I need a regulator. There isn't hardly any presure. I think they work fine. This is not a presurized system. I'll screw a presure gauge in the end of the drinking pipe and post the presure. When you hit the nipple a slow dribble comes out it's not like a river.
Float valves are a good idea with water storage The way a float valve works is on water level. A water float raise up and down that operates the valve open-close. I think it would work great with a troth system.

I thought the pressure regulator was needed for a nipple watering system if it is hooked into a high-pressure house water line, basically to reduce the pressure. A float valve and tank could instead be used to reduce the water pressure, so water doesn't squirt out of the nipples.

Troughs will get dirty but since ducks prefer water to wash their beaks, I am considering a trough with a float and a flushing system (like a toilet). The input water sprays in a thin stream and the drain stays open long enough to wash junk out of the trough. A timer could be used to flush it automatically every day. This would be in the run because ducks will make a mess. Nipple waters would be great for the coop. These were recomened to me by a duck expert.

 

[MrRushed]

Quote:
I'll be adding electricity, insulating, and installing an in wall heater to keep the coop arround 50 degrees.
That should keep the water from freezing.
Thanks for the good word.

 

[MrRushed]

Quote:
I'm sure the water will warm up on hot days. I'm thinking I'll get a good week of water no problem and I'm going to chang the water every week or 2. When I have my full flock I'll know what to exspect.

Thanks.

 

[MrRushed]

Well I have 12 ready layer hens and 3 Roosters in my coop now.

I added a 6' x 10' x 6' outside pen.

The water system and the auto feeder are working perfectly.

I'll be adding insulation, electricity, heat, ventalation, and closing up the walls in the next few weeks.

I'll post some updated pics soon.

 

[chicnchic]

I just saw another watering system, along the same idea as yours, except using a 5 gallon pail...and pvc piping with 4 nipples....I think I am going to try this one first, as my hubby is running water to the coop for me, so I won't have to lug the water, only fill the container....this will allow a heater in the bucket to prevent freezing...and I plan to use heat tape to prevent the pvc pipe from freezing as well!

I am concerned about "slime" buildup in the 30 gal container and can easily clean a 5 gallon pail.

I will add you as a buddy, and would like to stay in touch to compare the efficiency of each system...I will post pictures too

 

[MrRushed]

I think the water needs contact with light in order for slime or algee to build up.
I haven't seen any yet, but again light doesn't penitrate through the pipe or barrel.

Thanks