How to Build an Automatic Chicken Waterer: A Step-by-Step Guide

Introduction

Hi everyone, I'm James from Techstead Life. If you're like me, you've probably grown tired of the constant refilling and lugging around of traditional chicken waterers. That's why I decided to switch things up and build an automatic chicken waterer right here on my homestead. In this post, I'll share how I managed to create a low-maintenance, efficient watering system using simple tools and materials. Let’s dive in!

Why You Should Consider an Automatic Chicken Waterer

If you’re tired of hauling around heavy waterers or constantly checking if your chickens have enough water, an automatic waterer is a great solution. It ensures a fresh supply of water, reduces waste, and minimizes your daily chores.

What You'll Need

• A bucket with a lid
• A chicken waterer kit from Amazon. We used THIS ONE.
• Chicken water cups
• Half-inch PVC pipe
• PVC pipe primer and cement
• Drill and included drill bit

The Building Process

Assembling the Pipes

The first step involved preparing the PVC pipes. If you've never used PVC primer and cement before, it's quite simple. Apply the purple primer generously—enough to cover where the pipe will join—let it dry, then apply the cement. When connecting, a quarter turn ensures everything is perfectly aligned with no gaps.

Connecting to Water Supply

Since the closest water source was near our coop, I added a splitter to our main spigot. This way, I could run a new hose to the coop while still keeping our garden hose connected and functional. Opting out of digging under the fence to lay down the pipe, I decided I would later bury the hose slightly to protect it from the elements.

Installing the Float Valve and Water Cups

Using the provided drill bit, I made a hole for the float valve. It attaches easily with a rubber gasket on each side and a screw-on cap to secure it. I did the same for the water cups, ensuring a tight fit with the rubber gaskets and caps. It was crucial to place water cups both inside and outside the coop to ensure my chickens always have access, no matter where they choose to roam.

Final Adjustments

Considering the weight of a water-filled PVC pipe, I used clamps to secure it firmly against the coop's structure. I also wrapped the threads of the water cups with Teflon tape before screwing them on to prevent any leaks.

Final Thoughts

Setting up this automatic chicken waterer turned out to be a fantastic decision. Not only has it reduced the workload, but it also keeps the water clean and readily available for the chickens. They figured out how to use it within minutes and haven't had any issues since.

This project not only saved me time but also improved the daily lives of our chickens by providing them with a consistent and clean water source. If you’re considering an upgrade to your chicken care routine, I highly recommend giving this DIY a try. Check out my video on YouTube at Techstead Life where I walk you through every step of the process. If you decide to build one for your coop, I’d love to hear how it goes— follow our social channels for more tech and homesteading updates!