Pooping in the water!!!

[woodmort]

I took the cover off a cat litter pail, drilled a hole in the dead center, stung a rope through it and hang it from a hook right over the waterer so it's at just the top height of the waterer. It swings out of the way when I fill the waterer but obstructs the birds when they want to roost on the top of it. In fact, since I use a double walled water, I hang the top on the same hook holding the rope while I fill the waterer, keeps it out of my way and out of the mess on the floor.

 

[plantmgr]

I think I solved the problem. All of your ideas were great. I looked around the place for something to rig for the top of the drinker and found an old saucer sled. I nailed one side of it to the wall, and the bottom hangs over the top of the drinker. The chickens will slide off if they try to perch on it. I know they've tried because they keep knocking the cord down that I have looped around a nail.

Thanks for all the input. I don't think I would have thought of this without all the other visuals!

 

[Tofer76]

Quote:
i agree they are the way to go but try www.qcsupply.com instead shipping rates are about half of farmtek and a bucket deicer is the best way to go hassle free and worry free

 

[matimeo]

x3 on the nipple suggestion. Soooooooooooooooooooooooo much easier.

 

[plantmgr]

I would still have to worry about the nipple freezing then. I don't think it's that warm in my coop. I know someone mentioned leaving a bulb on near it to keep it from freezing.

On another subject, is it ok to leave a light on 24/7? I've been trying to extend the daylight, but I figured it would mess up their sleep if you left it on all through the night.

 

[matimeo]

A bucket deicer will solve the problem of the nipples freezing.

As for the light, I think my brother, who lives where the winters are colder, keeps a light in his coop at night, primarily to heat it. He hasn't ever told me about any problems with it affecting the chickens, but I'm no expert on that. I think his do lay right through the winter.