Small waterer using cups

[clarkechick]

Ok, I'm building a coop and trying to plan a waterer for inside. I have 3 hens in a 4x4' coop and was hoping to use a Simply Orange juice bottle to make the nipple style waterer. Because the coop is not that tall, I would rather use one of the cup style waterers that could pop out of the side of the juice bottle (having the nipple out the bottom would be a little bit low to the ground). Has anyone used a cup style waterer directly on a container rather than through a PVC or tube? The one I found here http://www.twincitypoultrysupplies.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=399 says that it's gravity fed.

Thanks for any tips!! I put a little sketch of my coop design on My Page. The shortest part (exterior walls) will be 27" and then the tallest (at the peak)will be nearly 4'. I just dont want to have to hang the waterer right in the middle there.

 

[BellevueOmlet]

You probably can but why would you not want to use it on a pvc pipe? It take sup very little space and is easy. If you do use the container with the cup, make sure you secure it very well so the chickens cannot jump on it and knock it around. Also make sure that whatever container you use has a nice thick wall and attach it very well. I'm not sure if it will work but you can always try I guess.

 

[clarkechick]

One of the reasons that I prefer not to use the PVC is because I want to store the water in the coop. Vermont winters get long and cold and the water will freeze slower if it's inside the coop. There isnt enough room inside for a big bucket.

 

[BellevueOmlet]

You can do the same thing with a 2 gallon bucket or possible build a platform for it that is covered and has a hinged top that you can open to add water to the bucket. Just some thoughts.

What size orange juice bottle are you planning on using? If it is too small, it might not create enough pressure, plus will need to be refilled daily.

I'm not trying to discourage you, I would like to see if it works, I just do not know if it will work. You might want a guard liek this so that they do not jump on the cups depnding on what your setup is

 

[jmagill]

Almost any plastic container will work for the nipples. It could be a short container.
I use coffee cream containers sort of like these.

http://www.amazon.com/Coffee-Mate-C...4THQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1307456288&sr=8-1

I put an eye bolt in the top, the nipples in the bottom. You can easily hang them right against the wall or from the roof using a hook or hook and chain.
I use these in the brooder. Where space is at a premium. You can have a couple to change out if they freeze during the winter.

The cup style freeze too easy because if the water in the bowl.

 

[clarkechick]

Great, thanks! I had not seen the guards.
The orange juice container is probably a half gallon. It is very firm plastic which I really like, not nearly as flimsy as a milk carton. Also it was recommended by another member for the nipple style waterer.

If I do set it up nipple style, my plan was to have a plate sticking out of the wall with a large hole in it. The bottle would be inverted and the neck would slide down through the hole. It would keep it from falling over.

I am assuming that for 3 hens, a half gallon per day would be plenty wouldnt it? In the warmer summer months I will put water out in the run too.

 

[BellevueOmlet]

A half gallon should last all day for three hens no problem, but I would check on it at first to make sure it is working fine.