Watering system for run

[nmr]

We are in the process of building our coop (4x8) and run (8x12) and I'm hoping to put together some sort of rain water collection system for the run (and the coop if that's possible?). My thought was to get one of those giant barrels for the water collection, but beyond that I have no idea what to do. How do you keep the barrel, pvc pipe, etc. cleaned? How much maintenance is involved?

Thanks!

 

[pintail_drake2004]

my plan was to use a 55gal water barrel, attach pipe and run inside the coop with horizontal nipples. I wanted to use a screened filtration system from the roof to the barrel (planned on 2 screens) and add a mosquito disc (safe for livestock) to the barrel. The barrel would be elevated to provide the water pressure necessary to operate the nipples. I have the barrel and pipe, I just have not put it together yet.

 

[blackdog043]

Don't forget you have to keep the whole system heated, so it doesn't freeze in the winter.

I use two 14 gallon drums with horizontal nipples. A stock tank deicer goes inside during the cold months. I top off the water once a week.

 

[roxanne]

my plan was to use a 55gal water barrel, attach pipe and run inside the coop with horizontal nipples. I wanted to use a screened filtration system from the roof to the barrel (planned on 2 screens) and add a mosquito disc (safe for livestock) to the barrel. The barrel would be elevated to provide the water pressure necessary to operate the nipples. I have the barrel and pipe, I just have not put it together yet.

Please share pictures when your project is completed!

 

[nmr]

What keeps algae/filmy stuff from growing and contaminating the water? Do the barrels need to be cleaned regularly?

 

[Jvanspro]

This is my current setup. You could easily modify this for rain collection if you’d like.

 

[nmr]

This is my current setup. You could easily modify this for rain collection if you’d like.View attachment 2187760View attachment 2187762

Does the PVC require a lot of cleaning/maintenance?

 

[Jvanspro]

Does the PVC require a lot of cleaning/maintenance?

Hardly any maintenance at all. I did put a plug on the end that I can remove to flush the system but I might do that twice a year. In the summer I put a frozen 2 liter of water in the cooler every other day to keep the water cool. Cool water and no sunlight prevent algae growth.

I decided to use a cooler to keep the sunlight out and water cool.

The best part is the chickens always have clean water and I refill it maybe every 10 days.

 

[wamtazlady]

If you live in an area that freezes in winter those water cups will not work. They will freeze up in no time.

The problem I see with PVC pipes is also freezing in winter. Either you have to wrap the PVC with heat tape or you have to heat your barrel and pump the warmer water through the PVC. Either way, those cups will freeze.

Algae needs sunlight to grow. Using a container that does not allow sunlight will keep your water nice.

It freezes here. During a normal winter it gets down into the -20s F. I use a system like blackdog043 uses. I have an 11 gallon container, stock tank deicer, and horizontal nipples.

 

[Jvanspro]

We all know there isn’t a perfect system. Keeping water from freezing is something to think about with any system if you live in the north. I’d imagine you could easily wrap it with heat tape and put a heat lamp or any light bulb above and it would prevent it from freezing.

Every system has limitations you just have to decide what works best for you.

some Chickens reject nipples and most wont drink enough water from them. I went with these cups cause it always has water in it and the chickens don’t need to hit a valve. I also live in a very warm climate (FL) and don’t have to worry about freezing water. I do have to worry about over heating chickens and algae. That’s why this system works best for me.