My PVC "True Auto" Waterer

[twinzmom]

Our girls took to it with no problem, our only problem is, a couple of the nipples inside the coop are leaking. DH has even refitted them with teflon tape and they are still dripping. Has anyone had a problem with this and what did you do to remedy it. any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Sasafras496]

This is cool I have been searching for the easiest in the long run autofil waterer I can find and this is great as the Twinzmom said both inside and outside the coop. BTW Twinzmom I am not in swamp cooler area either what fitting did you find for the bulk head?

Ok so what do ya think I should do for the frigid winter months? I am going to have to run an extension cord whatever I do since I don't have electricity in the coop and the oulet is a little way away.

 

[twinzmom]

I cannot remember what my DH found to use in place of a swamp cooler, ill have to ask.
In the cold months we just disconnect it and go back to a regular waterer, which he made a heated base for
From a large round metal cookie tin with a light bulb inside to keep the water from freezing. Works great!

 

[Mehjr10]

Nice Work..

 

[RustedOak]

I'm looking for a design for a portable chicken tractor for 4-6 birds, so this isn't fitting for me... However, it is VERY cool and I'll keep it in mind if I ever build a larger stationary coop. Good job!

 

[cindy parker]

Great design...we bought the items needed to attempt making this tomorrow. I will post pictures when we are finished. I only have 8 birds right now and use the bucket/nipple system and it works well, but the bucket is hanging under the coop it's and it's a real pain to get to and it takes up space the birds could use

 

[bigjeffstone]

I'm also constructing this - and instead of using a bulkhead, I just used a 3/4" male threaded PVC into a female threaded with a rubber hose washer on the exterior. Works perfect!
Thanks so much for posting!

 

[KGreene]

I've been debating a similar system for some time now, purchased the nipples but they leaked terribly on the prototype. I'd be curious to know how well they work in freezing temps. I can see a warmer keeping the water in the reservoir thawed, but how do you keep the water in the 3/4" sections and the nipples from freezing?

Great design by the way. Thanks for posting.

 

[3ChickensNADuck]

Nice design

 

[McGraw Farms]

I set up a less complex system with the same premise and in about 2 months I had black mold growing on the pvc.....do you add anything to keep this from happening?

You can see it in the back of the coop in this picture.....it is an 18 gallon tote with pvc gravity feeding 8 nipples.

I suppose that yours is better due to fresh flow of water? Meaning, no water stays.