D.I.Y 5 Gallon Bucket Gravity Feed Duck Fount.

[HelplessHomeSteader]

So we got a few new ducklings for the homestead and after reading the forums a bit I know they need a better water source than the nipples we use for our chickens. We purchased a 5 quart hanging Fount and after changing and refilling it a few times I knew I could do better.

I figured I needed a Fount that could be used in the run so I could ditch the pans and large tubs I have been using and cleaning constantly for my older ducks. I had already made Aarts no wasted feeder https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/aarts-almost-waste-free-funnel-bucket-feeder.67218/
(@aart thanks so much saved me $$$$$)
And as I was filling it up mused why couldn't I modified this for my ducks.....

After pondering the idea for 30 mins I scraped together supplies from around the stead. This is just my proof of concept. Will be getting a few rubber bulkheads to seal it up tight, and add a refill pipe with screw on lid so I don't have to pop it apart to fill.

Hopefully this will reduce the mess my ducks make and if nothing else make a nice mini pond .

 

[HelplessHomeSteader]

More pics save for edit.

Down pipe, also red lid is screwed on to bottom of top buckett with metal roof screws with rubber washers from inside top Bucket to prevent leaking.

 

[aart]

What does the inside of the upper bucket look like?

I don't know much about duck water,
other than they can sure make a big mess with it,
and they need something deep enough to clean their nares(nostrils).

I have read about ducks using horizontal nipples to drink....
...but they still need that dunk to clean nares,
and I think(?) they like to wet their food too.

Will be interested to see if this works out for your ducks and what other duck owners think.

 

[HelplessHomeSteader]

Inside of top bucket right now is just 4 screws and the pipe comes up just a bit over the bottom so it's not flush but about 1/4 to 1/2 inch above. The goal will be to make the bottom bucket deep enough for my ducks to dunk there heads.

 

[HelplessHomeSteader]

Also I checked before leaving for work and it held the water level all night so now I'll grab supplies to make a better version. I really wanted to just make sure the idea would work

 

[happy duck]

This is a great thread...turn it into an article and enter it in the Article contest!!! If the ducklings are small make sure they can't get in!

 

[Knighstar679]

I love this idea and definitely need directions!

 

[HelplessHomeSteader]

Going for parts today I am a chef and work way to many hours so I'm constantly looking for ways to make things easier for me. May take a few days but hope to have a better version asap.

 

[HelplessHomeSteader]

Got all the parts for $10.00 at Lowe's. I went with 1" pvc pipe, (1) 1" elbow, (1) 1" male adapter with one side threaded, (1) 1" screw on cap, (2) Hillman 1-11/6 outside diameter rubber grommets. Will hopefully get this put together early in the morning.

 

[HelplessHomeSteader]

Aight got the prototype completed and I'm letting silcone dry before testing. Took about 2 hours to put together. Wasted one lid and bucket but I get them from work for free so no big deal. I need to clean it up the ones I washed first I didn't like the fitament so i started over. I will be editing original post with instructions and hope to write article when I have time.