My new nipple water system.

[ChickenSheep]

Looks good. This is my first experience with chickens and with gravity waterer. So far so good with these. But I will see over the coming days!
Looks good

 

[misskris10]

does anyone have a link or recommendations on supplies and instructions on how to do something like this? we are wanting to get rid of our old bowls.

 

[jetdog]

I got my horizontal nipples from"all bout chickens"drill a 3/8 hole and screw them in, very simple.

 

[iwiw60]

does anyone have a link or recommendations on supplies and instructions on how to do something like this? we are wanting to get rid of our old bowls.

This is what I made for my soon-to-be layers...I'm 70 years old, by myself...I drilled the 3/8" holes with my handy-dandy drill and screwed them in about 1.5" up from the bottom. Easy-peasy, nice 'n easy! NO more changing water every day...NO more wet flooring...NO more crap in the water dishes for me!



You'll notice that my "horizontal" nipples are not the cup-style with that yellow doo-hickie in them...I had trouble with those. Likewise, the "vertical" nipples have too much chance of dripping. So I found these at

http://www.solwayfeeders.com/products/side-mounted-nipple-pdr0032-c64.html

You can also purchase the whole bucket system from them, too...just look around the site. Good luck!!

 

[ChickenSheep]

does anyone have a link or recommendations on supplies and instructions on how to do something like this? we are wanting to get rid of our old bowls.

I didn't have a plan, but...
1. find a barrel (my father in law had a few he was going to throw away)... or you can buy them (search craigslist)
2. go to your local hardware store you'll need:
(1) 3/4" bulk head
(1) 3/4" threaded piece to screw into bulkhead
(?) 3/4" pipe and fittings (qty will vary depending on your distance and how many angles you need (mine was more angles because I chose to go around the roof, rather than through it...)
(?) The actual nipples (I've been happy with mine, I got them in a 20 pack on amazon)
(1) PVC Cement
3. drill an appropriate sized hole in the bucket (for the bulk head to fit through)
Remember, you'll have to be able to reach your hand and wrench in there through another hole to be able to tighten (and to add water through later on). (if you're lucky you might find a barrel that has appropriate holes!)
4. Connect pipe as needed.
5. At the bottom, make a "T" or "L" depending on if you want to go 1 or 2 ways with your nipples. (obviously you'll need a 3/4" cap for the ends)
6. Drill the appropriate size holes for the nipples you have chosen.
7. Install nipples per manufacturers instructions.
Viola!
Mine took about 20-30 minutes because my barrel had a threaded 3/4 hole that I was able to use and not have to cut the barrel and install a bulkhead.
I wish I had taken pics along the way, but didn't think about it... I can take more detailed pics of the connections now, if it would help.
*I also used a 24" rubber pipe towards the bottoms with hopes that I could bend it as the chicks grow to raise it up without having to cut the pipes and add a connection, don't know if that will actually work...

 

[ChickenSheep]

My chicks seem thrilled with it (or at least they tolerate it) but I'm thrilled with it!

 

[dboy4ever]

I just made a nipple waterer today. I've had my chickens for less than an month and am already tired of the messy water!
Here are a couple pics. A few took to it within seconds. I will see if they all are on board over the next couple of days before I remove the traditional waterer.

Nice setup. How did you join the PVC pipe to the drum?

 

[iwiw60]

Quote: In order to assure that the switch to the water nipple system works for all your flock, you must remove all other water sources....all of them. Once a few birds "take to it" as you stated in your post, they will all take to it. It's really hard to take away their known water source...it was for me, too. but it works! Wishing you well, best of luck!

 

[ChickenSheep]

Nice setup.  How did you join the PVC pipe to the drum?

In this case the drum had a 3/4" threaded hole where there was a spout I removed. But, all you'd need is an appropriate sized "bulkhead union". They're about $12 at Lowes or Home Depot. One side goes in the barrel and the other is on the outside. It is sealed with the included rubber gasket and twisted tight.
Here's and example of one....

 

[ChickenSheep]

Iwiw60 I agree. I took out the traditional waterer the next day and about a month later, everybody is doing fine.