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A chicken waterer, like so many products, can seem difficult to make on your own. However, as is often the case with store-bought items, anyone can put a solid one together if they take the time to learn the process.
In fact, this is one of the easiest at-home projects you’ll ever undertake once you know what you’re doing.
That is an important aspect because it means anyone, regardless of personal craftsman experience, who has a flock can save money with their own chicken waterer.
Three Types Of Chicken Waterer Designs
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Chicken waterers, as the name suggests, are vessels specifically made to keep your flock healthy and hydrated all year round. However, they do not come in one single shape or form.
All waterers work towards the same end, but they are inherently different in look and style. That gives you options and enables you to pick the type you want to go with.
Of course, you can always buy a chicken waterer online, but there’s no reason to go that route when you can craft one from different items around your house.
Water Bucket Design In 5 Steps
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As mentioned, there are a few routes you can go when building your own project. However, out of all the choices, the most common at-home chicken waterer design is the 5-gallon bucket method.
This style is the simplest form of chicken waterer, but it is also one of the most effective.
You don’t need a lot to create an effective chicken waterer. In fact, what makes the bucket method great is you can easily put it together using simple, every day. Even if you do need to go get parts, that shouldn’t be much of a problem because of how easily accessible they are.
1. Gather Supplies
The first step towards building your own 5-gallon bucket chicken waterer is getting all of your materials in order.
Before starting any DIY project, you want to ensure that you have everything ready to go at the start. That not only makes it so you’ll be ready each step of the way, but it prevents long-term problems and makes it so you don’t get caught off guard later on.
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For this style of waterer, you need a 5-gallon bucket, a drill (with a 1/2-inch to 1-inch drill bit), and a large roasting pan. That’s it.
That short list may not seem like a lot (because it’s not), but you’ll be on your way toward a new waterer in no time.
2. Drill The Holes
Once you have everything together, you next want to drill holes in your bucket. To do this, tip the bucket up on its side and then secure it in place with either a tool or your legs.
Next, take your drill and drill small 1/2 or 1-inch holes along the bottom edge of the bucket. Make sure the holes sit opposite from each other to give you the maximum amount of spread.
Though a few holes are good, you do not need to drill in too many. A few on the sides of the bucket should be more than enough.
3. Choose Your Waterer Location
For the next step, gather your foil roasting pan and set it in the area where you want your waterer to be (preferably by the chickens). Then, take the now hole-filled bucket and place it inside the pan with the holes at the bottom.
Fill it up with chicken water, and you’re almost good to go.
4. Seal The Lid On Tight
The last step towards making a great bucket-based chicken waterer is putting the lid on in a way that is extremely airtight.
This may seem like a small step to have its own section, but it’s vital. For this waterer to work, you absolutely need to make sure the seal is completely sealed.
The water will run out of the holes as soon as you pour it in, but it will stop as soon as the lid seals on shut. That process may sound odd, but it works.
5. Add A Board
To finish your waterer, take a wide board and place it on top of the bucket. Though this board can be any size (within reason of course), you want to make sure it covers the roasting pan from above.
This is important for two different reasons. One, it gives the chickens a good place to sit and jump around. Two, it makes it so the chickens above the roasting pan don’t poop down into it accidentally.
PVC Pipe Waterer In 5 Easy Steps
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The gallon bucket method is tried and true, but it is not the only way to make a great at-home chicken waterer. If you don’t have the above items, or you simply want to go another route, you can utilize PVC pipe instead.
This method is not quite as simple the above method, but it is still simple and makes it so your flock stays healthy and happy.
1. Gather Supplies
As with the above waterer, you need to get your supplies in order.
For this one, you need a PVC Sewer Pipe (you don’t need more than 4-feet), 1 4-inch cap end, 1 4-inch female adapted, 1 4-inch threaded cap, 1 beakup from Beaktime, silicone sealant, and PVC Solvent.
2. Cut the PVC Pipe
To begin the building process, you need to cut the PVC pipe to the desired length.
You won’t typically need to stretch out more than four feet (which is roughly 2 to 3 gallons). However, this will differ based on the size of your flock and your personal preferences.
3. Drill and Seal the Cap
For this next step, you need your PVC solvent and drill.
First, use the solvent to seal the cap onto the bottom of the pipe. When that’s done, drill a small 3/8 inch hole through the cap and pipe.
4. Attach The Beakup And Female Adapted
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Take your silicone sealant and put it on the threads of the Beakup. Put the Beakup into the 3/8 inch hole and let it set based on how long the sealant takes to dry. Place the female adapted on top of the PVC pipe.
5. Put In Water
For the final step of this model, add in the water and thread on the top cap. It is important that you mount it in a way where the cap sits as high as the back of the smallest chicken you have.
Upside Down Bottle Method
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The final chicken waterer we’ll cover is a simple model that only utilizes a PVC pipe and an upside-down soda bottle.
This, as with the bucket method, is perfect for those on a budget because you may not even need to purchase items. Everyone, even those who aren’t handy, should have these items at home.
Even if you do need to purchase something, the materials are incredibly cheap.
1. Prepare Materials
As always, you need your supplies to start. Luckily, there are only a few here.
This waterer uses an empty soda bottle, PCV Y pipe, a hammer, and some nails. Four items and you’re good to go.
2. Screw On The Cap
The first thing you need to do to make this incredibly simple chicken waterer is to screw the PVC cap onto one end of the Y fitting.
3. Make Holes
Next, you need to use the hammer and nails to poke holes into the cap. This will let the water drain through and give your chickens a way to quench their thirst.
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Two holes are likely plenty for this step. If you want to branch out, you can poke in a few more. Just don’t go overboard or the water will drip out too fast.
You want a slow feed system if you can help it.
4. Fill Up The Soda Bottle
For the fourth step, grab your soda bottle and fill it to the top with water.
Be sure to wash the bottle thoroughly before using it for this project. Soda can have harmful effects on the chicks or chickens.
5. Set In The Bottle
All you need to do to finish this one is screw the cap back onto the soda bottle, turn it upside down, and set it into the vertical part of the Y fitting.
That will set this up in a way where the chickens can poke their heads into the other fitting when they want a drink.
The Best Way To Water Your Flock
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There are many, many different DIY chicken waterers out there. The one you build will come down the type you think is best for your chickens, as well what items you have and what you want to buy.
Also remember, as the above options are so simple, you do not have to stick with one. If you choose a design that your flock does not take to, it should not be hard to quickly build something else.
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