PVC watering system

[OneTenthAcreAndAChicken]

I used the push-in type that I got from farmtek. I used a 5 gallon bucket outside the run, then ran a short line of pvc into the run. You can see some pics on my BYC page.

I also made one for inside the coop. That one is just a 1 liter plastic jug - from lemonade, I think - with a hole drilled in the lid for the nipple. Just fill it up, screw the lid on, and hang it upsidedown from a nail in the coop. I wrapped a little wire around it to make a hangar. It's nice because then you don't have to worry about water spilling into the pine shavings.

 

[LiLRedCV]

Quote:
I think I saw that one - if not that one, then another similar to what you're talking about! It's a GREAT idea!!

If I didn't have over 40 chickens that'd be my answer too! But need a large water supply close at hand... new coops not going to be as close to the house and I'll need two hoses hooked together to run it out there or run back and forth several times a day. While I could probably use the extra exercise, I just don't have the time. Right now, I'm utilizing several LaBistro dog waterers (which hold just shy 3gal water) and are manageable, but much like the new coop, I'd like to get it down to one source with several access points to simplify things.

 

[scottkumbier]

I just bought 10 of those nipple waterers off of ebay today. I plan on making my own waterer using 4 inch pvc like the one they are selling on ebay that holds about a gallon of water.

 

[scottkumbier]

I like the idea of using a One liter bottle with a nipple in it. I'm going to try that one also.

 

[Roti2000]

What have been folks experiences with the pvc/nipples in the winter. I am planning on running pvc from a 5 gallon bucket and am worried about the nipples freezing up.

I live in Chicago so it gets pretty cold. As this will be my first winter with hens, I am going to be experimenting with heating techniques. I will be able to run an extension cord out to the coop.

 

[Opa]

Once the temperatures start getting closer to freezing it's time to drain your pvc/nipple watering systems and go to a heated water system.

 

[KansasKate]

I have a Catawba Coop, and wanted to share this external rig:

This is great for the warm months, and the cooler helps keep the water fresh. I just replaced the spigot with a screw end on one side, hose barb on the other, and used tubing cleared for use in ice machines.

The cooler itself is hanging from a cooking tripod, attached by the handles with chain and s-hooks. But you could also set it on something.

Happy to answer questions about size, etc if anyone's interested.

 

[LiLRedCV]

Quote:
Wow. That's a GREAT idea!! We even have an old insulated cooler like that! Would've never thought to utilize it in such a manner... and I bet it'd be great for the colder winter months too when the water would otherwise be prone to freezing. Thanks!

 

[ajlynco]

What is a catawba coop...any more pics? Thanks