Water Storage

[pomaranj]

I’m “MacGyver-ing” a watering system for my chickens. My plan is to have a 32 or 55 gallon container that gravity feeds a horizontal run of water nipples, then a small pump will discharge it back into the container. Water movement and aquarium heater to help with freezing.
My question is what container should I get? Does it matter? I have a 32 gallon black trash can at the moment, drilled and plumbed using a rain barrel kit. Will the water be safe for the chickens to drink if it’s kept in that normal $20 can? Will plastic chemicals be leached in the water and then to my chix and then to the eggs?? Or should I buy one of those brute containers? Or look on Craigslist for food grade drums?

 

[cavemanrich]

You would have to research the plastic contents of the cans you are thinking of using. I don't have that info. I also think that most of the leaching from lower grade plastics occurs when liquids are hot, but not sure of that 100%. That being said, just look for a food grade barrel. I have seen them on Craig's as Pickle shipping barrels. Not high in price, and suggested use was rain barrels. Get large if possible.
My second opinion on making your watering system, is to simplify things. Just drill openings on side of barrel, and install horizontal nipples. About 4 or 5 ??? You may place them at different heights to accommodate different size chicken. Have barrel on blocks if you want the nipples to be low and utilize all of the water in barrel. I don't know how many chickens you need to water, so you may adjust the number of nipples accordingly. Remember that the chickens do take turns drinking , so no need to have a nipple for every chicken.
In cold season, you just keep a stock tank heater inside barrel, and water will stay liquid. No pumps needed to circulate anything. Horizontal nipples do not freeze as readily as vertical ones do. The warm, above freezing temperature water inside, keeps those horizontal nipples working during winter.
Many peeps make different types of watering systems using Barrels, and PVC pipes. Most of those that I have read, were in warmer climate coop locations. The barrel with nipples on the exterior are common in the colder sections.
WISHING YOU BEST,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,