Water Dispenser for Chickens
I decided to make my own waterer for my chickens after having to replace many UV damaged store bought ones.
I was also very annoyed having to fill the waterer up everyday, thanks to the chickens running around and knocking into it.
The one I made works by the same principle as the store bought ones, by maintaining a vacuum.
I was also very annoyed having to fill the waterer up everyday, thanks to the chickens running around and knocking into it.
The one I made works by the same principle as the store bought ones, by maintaining a vacuum.
Parts!
For this version I used:
4 2" elbows
2 2" T's (one 2"x2"x 1/2", one all 2")
2 Ball valves
2" PVC pipe
1/2" PVC pipe
1 1/2" cap
1 4" cap
1 Uniseal (http://www.aussieglobe.com/index.htm)
PVC glue
4 2" elbows
2 2" T's (one 2"x2"x 1/2", one all 2")
2 Ball valves
2" PVC pipe
1/2" PVC pipe
1 1/2" cap
1 4" cap
1 Uniseal (http://www.aussieglobe.com/index.htm)
PVC glue
Cut Pipe and Dry Fit Everything!
This is the step where you cut all your pipe and make sure it all fits together.
Take care to ensure that all the pipes cut are clean and all (slag, pvc shavings, burrs, dingle berries) are removed.
I used 2 ft length pipes and found out that it had a 1.5 gallon capacity.
If you want to increase the capacity you could make the pipe longer or add cross members.
Take care to ensure that all the pipes cut are clean and all (slag, pvc shavings, burrs, dingle berries) are removed.
I used 2 ft length pipes and found out that it had a 1.5 gallon capacity.
If you want to increase the capacity you could make the pipe longer or add cross members.
The Water Bowl.
I highly recommend using a uniseal, (http://www.aussieglobe.com/uniseal1.htm). it fits in a hole and flares out when you stuff a pipe in it, creating a water tight seal.
Also, on the down pipe you need to drill a set of holes, these holes need to be below the lip of the cap.
As the water fills the bowl, the holes allow air into the system thus allowing more water out. When the water covers the hole, air can't enter the system and the water stops flowing.
Also, on the down pipe you need to drill a set of holes, these holes need to be below the lip of the cap.
As the water fills the bowl, the holes allow air into the system thus allowing more water out. When the water covers the hole, air can't enter the system and the water stops flowing.
Glue Everything Together.
The system relies on maintaining a vacuum, so a good seal on all joints is a must.
I put two valves on the system, one open and one closed.
When filling it up I close the bottom one and open the top, and when in use it's reversed.
Make sure to let the glue set before using the system.
I put two valves on the system, one open and one closed.
When filling it up I close the bottom one and open the top, and when in use it's reversed.
Make sure to let the glue set before using the system.
Put It to Use.
With the old hanging waterer, I would have to fill it every day.
This new system only has .5 gal more capacity, but lasts 3-4 days between filling.
Since the chickens can"t budge the water bowl, they can't spill the water.
This new system only has .5 gal more capacity, but lasts 3-4 days between filling.
Since the chickens can"t budge the water bowl, they can't spill the water.
Final Thoughts.
I like to do the least necessary amount of work to grow future BBQ chicken.
I'd like to make another one with higher capacity, and maybe add a way to check the water level.
I'd like to make another one with higher capacity, and maybe add a way to check the water level.