Nipple vs. cup waterers and auto fill

[Barnprincess]

I have a major headache after spending hours researching watering systems for my new family of 10 Faverolle hens. They are now 5 weeks old and I have to solve the watering problem - they make a mess of the waterer I have. I want to use a 5 gallon bucket which I will put on a platform in the corner of the coop (pretty high up) - I would then use pvc pipe to attach either nipples or cups - I cannot figure out which would work best! Also - is there a way I can attach the bucket to the water outlet so I can automatically fill the bucket by just turning on the water valve? I don't want to have to continually hand fill the bucket. Any ideas greatly appreciated.

Also - I'm wondering if this might not be a good system for my 2 mini pigs???? Talk about a mess with a waterer!

Thanks in advance,

Sharon Kinsey
www.followyourdreamfarm.net

 

[coop_da_ville]

i use the water nipples and have not had any problems, with the nipples hanging they are free from any kind of trash or anything. with the cups just be sure if you are going to use them your chickens can not sit or perch above them so they can stay clean. i have my bucket set up outside of my run with the hose running to pvc pipe. you could put a brass water in the bucket at the top 11/16 hole, use O ring over this piece, put thru the hole get a locking nut and another O ring and tighten this, hook up water hose and you be ready to fill. not that you will but if you have a any sort of leak use little silicone let dry and you will have it.

 

[CupOJoe42]

I plan to use the nipple waterers too, but I will be cleaning the bucket to prevent algae and bacteria buildup, so auto-filling won't work for me.

 

[BoltonChicken]

I will be cleaning the bucket to prevent algae and bacteria buildup

Instead, use ACV. 1 Tablespoon per gallon of Bragg organic ACV (Kroger natural food section) should not only keep out algae and bacteria but keep your chicks healthier.
With only 10 chickens a five gallon bucket would not require refilling very often so I would forget the auto filler. Just another level of complication and something else to go wrong.

 

[BellevueOmlet]

I like the cups. I used nipples in the past and my chickens just did not drink enough water. They seem to like drinking from a pool of water better and now I know they are hydratrated.

On www.beaktime.com, there is a watering kit with bucket that has a valve to attach a hose to so whenever the bucket gets low, you can fill it up by turning on the spigot.

 

[ninabeast]

I've been using the pennies in the water trick to prevent algae and I only have to change the water twice a week (you have to use real copper pennies, apparently, 1962-1982).

I will be setting up clamp nipples on a hose (lord that sounds nasty) fed by gravity from an elevated 5-gallon bucket, but, in the meantime, I created this very easy and inexpensive system. I'll use it in the run once I have the nipples set up. $6, and you can drink the spring water yourself, if you want. I gave mine to the chicks.

I drilled a couple small holes about an inch above the opening to raise the water level a bit. I bought two large foil lasagna pans so swapping out is easier. Chicks took to it like...well, water.

 

[thompsonfarm]

i use cup waterers because i had some nipples clog on me but that only happened once the other reason i use cups is i have ducks that share the run and they have to be able to wash there beaks off. but i also agree with boltonchicken about apple cider vinegar it works great its organic as long as you buy the good stuff and its a natural wormer. and i used pvc panel to prevent roosting her are some pics.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/uploads/95724_img_0405.jpg
https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/uploads/95724_img_0467.jpg

 

[BellevueOmlet]

I like your setup. The checkered floor is a nice touch.

 

[kolbmw]

BellvueOmlet
I have a similar setup with the watering cups but after two days now, the poults (6 wks) will drink the cups dry and not engage the "finger" in the cup for more water. I'm concerned that they may get dehydrated before they "learn". Any tips on teaching them how they work?
Regards,
Matt

 

[Chesca]

I wondered how well the cups worked. Seems like they would be a nice compromise between nipple vs jug waterer type. Do they ever get junk in them? How high do you guys set up the nipples/cups from the ground?