What type of waterererererer...waterers?

[bairo]

Its funny I always see only one method out of many of setting the old fashioned waterers. My new one for the winter will be on cinder blocks with a pie pan heater but also suspended from the rafter (taking about half the weight) heater is plugged into thermocube.
Up off the ground so it does not get as dirty, suspended so they can not knock it over when it gets down to a 1/4 full, plugged into thermocube so the bulb is not on all the time when the temp changes or I dont have to remember to turn it on and off manually.
A combination of techniques works better for me

I visit the chickens a minimum of twice a day, but automation is a great thing. Thermocubes for water heat, front and back motion lights to help scare predators, timer on inside light to cycle 1 hour before sunrise and 1 hour after sunset. I am getting 7-10 eggs a day from 11 hens that are of laying age.

 

[ajlynco]

I like your watering solution, just a few questions. What wattage is your aquarium htr.? Do you run it 24/7 or periodically? Can you estimate what it costs monthly to run?
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[SteveBaz]

I think also that I did not mention is In addition to my in the coop traditional SILO water dispenser I have also a dog dishes that are stainless steel in the middle of the run that is 4" high and 10" around. Its big bc the little one kept tipping over the other small dog dish that was not a pyramid style with larger base than top. We used to have many large dogs and water dishes everywhere. This was just an extra and it works great. I am expecting as our kids grow to full size and I mean a 5 lbs hen is on it I do not have to worry it will tip over and spill. Even when it freezes over during the night bc of sub freezing weather the S/S dog dish can be kicked hard with my yard boots and the ice breaks up and the girls go to town. I find it funny but never really thought of it but simple is as simple does bc I see the girls always drinking out of the dog dish and never questioned how much. Do you folks really think they do not drink as much bc of the water source? I think not most animals will keep themselves hydrated or maybe not? After being on the BYC for a while now and have seen this thread now a few times it amazes me how SMART GRANDMA WAS

 

[MedChicken]

I'm considering switching to the nipples. For those who use them, can I mount them sideways, or does the nipple have to be vertical?

Same with the cups - can they be mounted on the side of the bucket instead of the bottom, just relatively far down? I'm not sure how I would go about raising the bucket off the floor, anyhow...

I have 11 adult hens and 6 babies will be joining them in the big coop in a few months, so I'm using a 5-gal system.

Thanks!

 

[jmagill]

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I use a 25 watt most of the winter( down to 15 degrees) and add in a 75 watt when we are going below that. The 100 watt total has worked down to -25. I have not had colder since I have been using them. Running a 100 watt for 24 hours a day for 6 months is about 8.00 to 10.00( depending on your electricity cost.)

 

[RollinWithTheStones]

I use what Grandma used

except mine is plastic and only holds about a gallon. Outside I just put a bowl in their run and I fill it as needed. I'd like to upgrade to 5 gallon ones soon, I like plastic so I'll probably stick with that. When it's freezing out I just boil some water, put it in the watering can and pour on top of the ice, melts fast and cools it down to drinking temp.

 

[oscardougal]

I use one of these...
http://www.amazon.com/Lixit-Plastic...ZISI/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1324949405&sr=8-2
I only have 5 chickens so I don't need a huge amount of water. This lasts 2-3 days, unless its really hot.
I don't have a remedy for freezing temps, but I am able to check them daily so I don't worry too much, also here in Seattle it's not too much of a problem.
The only problem I have had, is that once in a while my ladies manage to push the ball up into the nozzle so no water comes out.

 

[70monte]

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I'm looking into building this type of system with the cups. I do have a couple of questions. Do you put a lid on your bucket and I assume that if you use a lid, it will need a hole in it somewhere because you don't need the vacuum system with the cups. Of course I guess it would need a hole in it for a bucket heater.

My other question is mounting the bucket. Are yours hanging or do you have it sitting on something? What do you recommend? I want something that holds more water and keeps it cleaner than my heated 3 gallon waterer from TSC. Thanks.

Wayne

 

[maybejoey]

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x2

 

[Rich386]

If you are truly lazy as I am this watering system is for you! I used a toilet tank filling it through the original inlet and float valve. Reduced the outlet to the comode to 3/4 PVC and then to a couple of 3/4 to 1/2 T's. Reduced the 1/2 to 1/8 and put in a couple nipples. I have had this for 2 years never have to fill it and it is never dirty! I don't have a freezing problem. but if I did I would go to the dollar store and get some pool noodles. Split them and use to insolate the pipe. Then hunt up a heat strip and bundle it arround the tank and pipe. I have pictures if you need them,
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