Creating A Chicken Waterer With Pvc: An Easy Diy Guide

Building a chicken waterer out of PVC is a cost-effective, customizable, and sustainable way to ensure your chickens have access to fresh water. The process is simple and can be tailored to your specific needs, making it a fun and practical project for anyone with a chicken coop. With PVC pipes, cups, and a few other supplies, you can create an efficient watering system that reduces spillage and keeps your chickens healthy and hydrated. This guide will teach you how to build a chicken waterer, covering essential materials and step-by-step instructions for an affordable, sustainable, and convenient solution to your chicken watering needs.

Benefits of a PVC chicken waterer

Building a chicken waterer out of PVC pipes offers several benefits. Firstly, it is cost-effective, as you can use materials that you may already have, such as old buckets or pipes, saving you money. Secondly, it is customizable to your specific needs. You can adjust the number of cups, the direction of the pipes, and the overall position of the waterer to fit your coop and flock size. This ensures your chickens always have access to clean water, which leads to healthier and happier chickens.

PVC chicken waterers are also ideal if you have a movable coop or chicken tractor. You can mount the waterer on the back wall of your coop, securing it with bungee cords, and it will move along with your coop, eliminating the hassle of moving a regular waterer in and out. Additionally, PVC pipes are excellent for creating a gravity-fed system, reducing water waste and ensuring your chickens always have access to fresh water.

Furthermore, building your own waterer is a sustainable and environmentally friendly choice, as you can repurpose materials. It is also a practical and enjoyable project, providing a satisfying activity for the weekend while ensuring your chickens stay hydrated and healthy.

Required tools and supplies

Building a chicken waterer out of PVC is an affordable, customizable, and sustainable way to ensure your chickens have constant access to fresh water. Here is a list of the tools and supplies you will need to get started:

• PVC pipes: You can use repurposed PVC pipes to create a sustainable and cost-effective solution. The length and diameter of the pipes may vary depending on your specific needs and the size of your flock. Consider the desired height of the waterer and the number of chickens it needs to accommodate.
• Watering cups or nipples: You can choose between using watering cups or installing chicken nipples. BeakTime Watering Cups can be purchased online, or you can opt for chicken nipples, which are pressure-fitted into holes drilled in a bucket or PVC pipe.
• Connectors and adapters: You will need various connectors and adapters to assemble the PVC pipes. This includes pieces such as tee adapters, Y-adaptors, ID increasers, OD increasers, screw caps, knock-out plugs, and bushings.
• Tools for cutting and drilling: A compound miter saw or a similar tool is useful for cutting the PVC pipes to the desired length. Additionally, you may need a drill or a step drill to create holes for the chicken nipples or to attach the PVC pipes to a structure.
• Glue and primer: PVC glue or cement is essential for holding the pipes together and creating a watertight seal. Primer can also be applied before gluing to ensure better adhesion.
• Mounting hardware: Depending on your setup, you may need hardware to mount the PVC pipe waterer to a wall or structure. This could include galvanized hanger straps, brackets, screws, nailer boards, pipe straps, or bungee cords.
• Bucket (optional): If you choose to use a bucket as a water reservoir, you will need a plastic bucket with a lid. You can adjust the bucket size based on your flock; a 5-gallon bucket is a common choice.
• Cleanout adapter (optional): If using a bucket, you may need a cleanout adapter to connect the bucket to the PVC pipe.

Once you have gathered these tools and supplies, you can refer to various online guides and tutorials for step-by-step instructions on assembling your PVC chicken waterer. Remember to wear protective gear, such as goggles, when using power tools.

Step-by-step assembly instructions

Firstly, decide on the number of cups you want to use, depending on the size of your flock. You can purchase BeakTime Watering Cups online. You can also choose between a cup-style or nipple-style waterer. The latter is a simple plastic bucket and nipple system, where you drill holes into the bucket and hang it up.

Next, gather your materials. You will need a combination of the following, depending on your design: PVC pipes, a bucket, bungee straps, pipe straps, a saw, a drill, a cleanout adapter, a trap adapter, a tee, bushings, a cleanout plug, joint compound, PVC cement, primer, solvent, and a Y-pipe.

Now, cut your PVC pipes to the required length. You can ask your local hardware store to do this for you. You can also use a compound miter saw to cut the pipes, but remember to wear goggles.

After that, assemble the tee that will be at the base. Use PVC cement to put the bushings in the left and right sides of the tee. Cement one of the cleanout adapters to the bottom opening. Use joint compound on the cleanout plug and screw it into the cleanout adapter.

Then, drill a 3-inch hole so that the cleanout adapter sits easily inside the opening. Screw the top piece to the vertical piece that will attach to the stud or other area where you plan to install the waterer.

Finally, mount your PVC pipe and bucket in your desired location. You can use galvanized hanger straps to install the chicken waterer in the location of your choice. You can also use old brackets and vertical 2x2s screwed to the back frame of the chicken tractor to support the bucket, with bungee straps to hold it in place.

Tips for customisation and adjustments

When building a chicken waterer with PVC, you can customise it to fit your coop and flock's unique needs. Here are some tips for customisation and adjustments:

• Choose the number of cups based on your flock size. If you have a large flock, you may want to consider adding more cups or using a larger bucket or rain barrel to accommodate their water needs.
• Mount the PVC pipe and cups in a position that suits your setup. For example, if you have a movable coop, you can mount the PVC pipe and cups to the sides of the coop, ensuring they are secured safely and won't knock over.
• To prevent leaks, use pipe glue or caulk to seal the seams and holes of the PVC pipe. This will also help to waterproof your chicken waterer.
• If you live in a cold climate, consider adding threaded caps on both ends of the pipe for easy draining during winter to prevent freezing and breakage.
• To prevent the waterer from twisting, you can add a bracket with attachment points to keep it stable.
• If you want to hang your chicken waterer, use galvanised hanger straps to install it securely in your desired location.
• For a nipple watering system, use a step drill to install the nipples, measuring the diameter of the nipples and drilling holes accordingly.
• To make your chicken waterer environmentally friendly, repurpose materials like PVC pipes or old buckets, reducing waste and making a sustainable choice.

Remember, building your own chicken waterer allows you to tailor it to your specific needs, so feel free to adjust the design and materials to suit your flock and space constraints.

Maintenance and cleaning

Maintaining and cleaning your PVC chicken waterer is crucial to keep it free from bacterial growth and ensure your chickens remain healthy. To start, set aside some time each week for a thorough cleaning session. Begin by disassembling the waterer and removing any debris or leftover food particles. Use a mild detergent or poultry cleaner, warm water, and a scrub brush to scrub away any stubborn stains or residue. Next, rinse the components thoroughly with clean water to remove any soap residue. Then, soak all parts in a solution of one part white vinegar to nine parts water for at least 30 minutes to disinfect. After soaking, scrub each component again with a soft-bristled brush and rinse under running water.

In addition to weekly cleanings, it is important to perform daily maintenance checks. Check the water level daily to ensure your chickens always have access to fresh water and change the water completely every week. Inspect the water for signs of contamination, such as cloudy or discolored water, unusual odors, or a visible layer of debris at the surface. If you notice any of these issues, change the water immediately and clean the waterer thoroughly.

To maintain as much cleanliness as possible between cleanings, place your waterer in a cool and shady spot, away from heavily trafficked areas in the coop. Direct sunlight encourages the growth of unwanted green algae, so shady areas are best for waterer placement. Additionally, consider using a water filter specifically designed for animal use to optimize water quality. These filters can remove impurities, sediment, and bacteria, ensuring the water remains safe for consumption.

Having a second water tank while your chicken waterer dries and between cleanings is helpful. This will ensure your chickens always have access to water. It is also important to refill the waterer with clean water every day to prevent the formation of biofilm, which can affect the taste and reduce water consumption.

By following these maintenance and cleaning steps, you can keep your PVC chicken waterer in good condition and ensure your chickens have access to safe and clean water.

Frequently asked questions