Summer heat? I might have an idea...

[Themellowyellows]

Hey guys! So a while back I posted a thread about "Extreme heat issues." I got lots of replies from that thread, but I felt like there is something I could do that might change owning chickens, and the worry of their water overheating in the summer. What if there was an easier way to cool down your chickens water, without the struggle of constantly going down there to change the water.

Before I start, if anyone has ideas or tips, let me know! Maybe we can create the perfect chicken waterer for summer heat...


So, the base of my idea is one of those massive coolers that have something that you can pour water into. Here is a pic of what I am thinking of:

So this cooler I think is around 5 gallons... Which is decent amount of water, good for day trips away from the house. (Depending on your flock size.)
Obviously, chickens cant press the button to get water to pour into their chicken cup... That would be easier, and funny. So, instead we figure out a way (I need your guys's ideas here) to get the water to pour into maybe a metal rim to hold the water for the chickens... Similar to what a normal chicken waterer has. Maybe drilling holes???

As I keep writing I am starting to think that people have thought of this before me... Anyways, with this cooler/waterer, we can put it up on some bricks to keep it off the ground but low enough for the chickens to drink from. This cooler if kept in shade can probably keep the water cool and keep ice for a good amount of time.

Maybe I am missing a lot of things, or just not thinking of them.. Im a 13 year old who just wants to do the best to keep my chickens pampered and living like the queens they are, definitely not an inventor. But if this works, just maybe I will become one...

Anyways guys, if this works we can figure out more things we can do to keep our chickens cool in the summer.


Thanks guys!

 

[thecatumbrella]

You've invented the BriteTap chicken waterer! I could never get that particular product to work for me, so if you find something better, let us know!

 

[Themellowyellows]

You've invented the BriteTap chicken waterer! I could never get that particular product to work for me, so if you find something better, let us know!

I was sure someone had invented this before I had the idea, lol.

Yes, I will keep this thread updated, I might even get one to try.

 

[RoyalChick]

I think you can purchase adapters that will convert the cooler tap to a nipple or chicken cup type thing.
Every summer I think about it but end up just putting ice in their regular waterers!

 

[Themellowyellows]

I think you can purchase adapters that will convert the cooler tap to a nipple or chicken cup type thing.
Every summer I think about it but end up just putting ice in their regular waterers!

Hmm, I look into it. Maybe I can find something. But for the people with large flocks maybe that isn't an efficient way to provide water.

Haha, maybe we can make this a easy project for chicken tenders to do!

 

[thecatumbrella]

Every summer I think about it but end up just putting ice in their regular waterers!

Same!

My current "hack" to keep the water cool:
I drink a bottle of water after dinner. Afterwards, I rip off the label, refill, and freeze. When the weather starts to heat up, I'll take out the frozen water bottle and plop it in their waterer (after giving it a good swish). A couple hours later, the ice is melted and I can dump the bottle into the waterer for a nice refill. Bottle gets recycled.

Now if Yeti would design a chicken waterer, I'd be all set!

 

[RoyalChick]

Same!

My current "hack" to keep the water cool:
I drink a bottle of water after dinner. Afterwards, I rip off the label, refill, and freeze. When the weather starts to heat up, I'll take out the frozen water bottle and plop it in their waterer (after giving it a good swish). A couple hours later, the ice is melted and I can dump the bottle into the waterer for a nice refill. Bottle gets recycled.

Now if Yeti would design a chicken waterer, I'd be all set!

I use old plastic containers to create ice bricks that I put in the waterer. The ice melts and they drink cold water while I refill and freeze the container.

 

[Happy Novogens]

I use 5 gallon buckets for water. You can see the cup that gets attached to a drilled hole (left bucket).
When it's real hot, I put frozen 2 liter bottles of water inside the bucket to help cool the water.

Having the bucket insulated like your cooler idea would be even better.

 

[thecatumbrella]

I use old plastic containers to create ice bricks that I put in the waterer. The ice melts and they drink cold water while I refill and freeze the container.

Same idea, but BETTER! I really need more freezer space.

 

[Themellowyellows]

I use 5 gallon buckets for water. You can see the cup that gets attached to a drilled hole (left bucket).
When it's real hot, I put frozen 2 liter bottles of water inside the bucket to help cool the water.

Having the bucket insulated like your cooler idea would be even better.

View attachment 4167868

Yes! That is my idea, because when I put ice in my waterer it melts so fast, I constantly have to go change it.