Plasson Bell Waterer and LG Poultry Fountain

[Intheswamp]

Anybody got any pros/cons, recommendations, cautions, tips, suggestions, or any other information that they want to share on the Plasson Bell Waterer or the Little Giant Poultry Fountain?

When I get my coop built I'm planning on using a gravity feed system to supply water from 5-gallon buckets to the waterers and these two seem to be the top-contenders for me.

Here's a picture of Little Giant Poultry Fountain:

...and a picture of the Plasson Bell:

Thanks for your feedback!!!!
Ed

 

[kathyinmo]

I have the same question. I will subscribe to this thread, and am anxious to hear the results of the survey!

 

[NancyDz]

I've seen people post that use the bell, seemed to like it. I would think the bell style would stay cleaner.

 

[Brown Eggs]

I use the bells I have 3 tapped into a 55 gal drum and they work great very lil debris in water with this style

 

[Rafter 7 Paint Horses]

I recently bought 2 used bell waterers at an auction. I haven't hooked them up yet, I sure hope they work.
A friend said she fills the center with sand to keep it from swaying too much when hanging, instead of using water as directed.

Anyway, I've heard a lot of good and some bad about the poultry fountains. The bad was that they leaked a lot. DH said he wouldn't want them again, but it has been many many years since he used them, so maybe the design has improved. A friend has them and she loves them. She said you have to use pvc pipe ( and anchor it well) instead of a hose to keep the chickens from bumping them and spilling water everywhere, though.

Jean

 

[Dr.Doorlock]

I just dropped the price of my creation to $39.99 plus shipping.

See the thread:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=188700

 

[Brown Eggs]

I use flex hoses so i can move them around you dont need pvc if ya fill them with sand then the chickis cant knock em over. Only thing I dont like is they are usless in the winter if left exposed outside they will freez in the valves and there is no way to keep em heated

 

[Intheswamp]

Thanks everybody for the feedback that's posted so far...naturally I'm looking for more!

So far the info is leaning to the Plasson because of less debris getting in them and a report of the LG leaking and being easier for the chickens to bump and spill water.

Having said that, there was a mention of a problem of being able to heat the Plasson bell to keep it from freezing. I wonder if some heat-tape could be strategically placed around the waterer?

In looking at the Randal Burkey website they have a bell waterer, but it doesn't look like a Plasson...I've read where some folks have used these waterers but I haven't seen any reports of how well it functions. Any owners want to report???

The wife and I went to eat at a local, out-in-the-country "barn" the other night. Riding out there we passed an old layer house that was lit up. From just passing on the highway I saw what must of been 100 bell waterers hanging from the ceiling. I may ride back out there and introduce myself...of course working in our small town all my life I probably know the folks already!

Ed

 

[kathyinmo]

I am interested in the consensus.... what is the best watering system?

 

[Renegade]

I have two LG founts and love them. Best thing I ever did. I have mine hooked up with pvc pipe directly to the water line that goes to my barn. I just ordered two more so I can get them hooked up before I leave on vacation next month.

Donna