Rural and suburban homesteaders know that raising animals is a rewarding endeavor, but there are some challenges you’ll face. If you’re a backyard chicken owner, ensuring your feathered friends have access to clean and fresh water is a top priority, but it can sometimes be a difficult task. A DIY chicken waterer can be an excellent solution to provide your flock with the hydration they need.
Let’s explore various methods for creating a DIY chicken waterer and get you well-equipped to keep your chickens happily hydrated!
Common Chicken Watering Problems
Before we dive into the DIY solutions, let’s address some common watering problems that you may encounter when raising backyard chickens.
Messy Water
Traditional open water sources can quickly become dirty and contaminated with debris, droppings, and bedding material. This not only poses health risks to your chickens but also creates more work for you.
Freezing Temperatures
During the winter months, water can freeze, leaving your chickens without a source of hydration. Dealing with frozen water containers can be frustrating and time-consuming.
Related Article: How to Winterize a Chicken Coop: 5 Tips to Keep Your Flock Warm
Wasted Water
Chickens have a knack for spilling water, especially if they are inquisitive or prone to pecking at their water source. This leads to water wastage and increased maintenance.
Now, let’s explore three DIY methods that can help tackle these challenges!
1. The 5-Gallon Bucket Method
The 5-gallon bucket method provides a large water capacity suitable for homesteaders with a considerable number of chickens. It keeps water clean and reduces the frequency of refilling.
Tools and Materials Needed
- Drill
- 5-gallon bucket with lid
- Large-sized feed pan
| Living Whole Foods 5 Gallon White Bucket & Lid | Little Giant 3 Gallon Feed and Water Utility Pans | DEKO PRO Cordless Drill 20V Electric Power Drill Set |
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Step-by-Step Guide
- Make sure the bottom of the bucket can fit comfortably within the feed pan, leaving at least a 2-inch gap around the edge.
- With the bucket still inside the feed pan, mark a line on the bucket’s exterior, positioned approximately 1/2 inch below the top edge of the feed pan.
- Once marked, remove the bucket from the feed pan and use a drill to create three evenly spaced holes — each measuring 1/4 inch in diameter — in the bucket at the level where you previously made the marking. These holes will serve as outlets for the water to flow into the feed pan.
- Put the bucket back into its position in the feed pan and fill the bucket with water. You may need to plug the holes up in order for the bucket to fill initially.
- Place the lid on the bucket to protect the water inside from dirt, debris, pests, and other contaminents.
The secret to this method is that the bucket houses a large water supply while the holes release only enough water to fill the space in the feed pan. As long as the holes in the bucket are below the rim of the feed pan — the water line — the water in the bucket won’t release until the water in the feed pan goes down.
2. DIY Chicken Waterer: PVC
The PVC chicken waterer is a mess-free solution, ideal for busy homesteaders. It provides a constant water supply without the need for frequent refilling.
Related Article: How to Collect Rainwater (and Why You Need To)
Tools and Materials Needed
- PVC pipe (1-2 inches in diameter)
- PVC elbows, tees, and end caps
- PVC cement
- Chicken waterer nipples
- Saw or PVC cutter
- Sandpaper
| Manufacturer Direct PVC Pipe Sch40 1 Inch | Lswteiz Tee 3 Way PVC Pipe Fittings | ZOFORTY PVC End Cap Fittings |
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| Oatey PVC Cement | Lil’Clucker Horizontal Chicken Waterer Nipples | WORKPRO Ratchet PVC Pipe Cutter Tool |
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Step-by-Step Guide
- Cut the PVC pipe into appropriate lengths, considering the number of chickens you have. Attach elbows and tees as needed to create a waterer shape that suits your coop.
- Drill holes in the PVC pipe where you want to install the chicken waterer nipples.
- Insert the chicken waterer nipples into the holes, sealing them with PVC cement for a secure fit.
- Connect the waterer to your coop’s water source using additional PVC fittings if necessary.
Related Article: 7 Awesome Gifts for Chicken Owners
3. The Plastic Bottle Method
The plastic bottle method is cost-effective and perfect for homesteaders on a budget or those with only a few birds to care for.
Tools and Materials Needed
- Plastic bottles (various sizes)
- Chicken waterer nipples
- Drill with a hole saw bit
- Teflon tape
- Silicone sealant
| Lil’Clucker Horizontal Chicken Waterer Nipples | VOTMELL 8 Rolls Teflon Tape | Loctite 2.7 oz Silicone Sealant |
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Related Article: Feed Your Flock the Right Way: How to Make Homemade Chicken Feed
Step-by-Step Guide
- Select a plastic bottle size suitable for your chicken flock. Smaller bottles work well for smaller groups of chickens.
- Drill holes into the bottle cap using the hole saw bit. Make sure the holes are sized to fit the chicken waterer nipples snugly.
- Insert the chicken waterer nipples into the holes, ensuring they are tightly sealed with Teflon tape and silicone sealant.
- Fill the plastic bottle with water, securely attach the cap, and invert it over a water container or directly into your coop.
Preventing Freeze With a DIY Chicken Waterer
To prevent freezing during cold weather, consider adding a heated element to your DIY chicken waterer. You can purchase heated bases or heated waterer nipples designed specifically for this purpose. These additions will ensure that your chickens always have access to liquid water, even in freezing temperatures.
Related Article: How to Keep Chickens Warm in Winter: 9 Tips for Keeping Chickens in a Cold Climate
Ready to Make Your Own Chicken Waterer?
Creating a DIY chicken waterer can save you time, money, and effort while providing your chickens with a clean and consistent water source. Whichever method you choose, you’ll be taking a step towards happier and healthier feathered friends. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you’ll be well on your way to a hassle-free and efficient chicken watering system.
FAQs
Can I use the 5-gallon bucket method for a small number of chickens?
While the 5-gallon bucket method is designed for larger flocks, you can scale it down for a smaller number of chickens if desired.
Can I combine different DIY chicken waterer methods in my coop?
Absolutely! You can use a combination of methods to provide water in different areas of your coop, catering to the specific needs of your chickens.
How often should I clean my DIY chicken waterer?
Regular cleaning is essential to keep your waterer hygienic. Check and clean it at least once a week, or more frequently if it becomes dirty or contaminated.