Water supply for Chicken coop

Boondox · Apr 12, 2004

We thought about running a waterline to the coop, but in the end decided it would be too much bother running it deep enough in a place that hits minus 30 and is subject to power interruptions all the time. Besides, refilling the font allows us to check the birds, make sure there's little or no ammonia buildup, and most of all to keep the water clean. Chickens are amazingly dirty birds!

Pete

PineRidge · Apr 12, 2004

I'am not sure why you need electrical hook-up or water in a trench? 

My guess is these are educated chickens. They watch TV and need the water to shower. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

RichNJKubota · Apr 13, 2004

It's scientifically proven that when the chickens watch Jerry Springer on a wide screen TV facing the nests - they lay more eggs. The hens also like to watch - "As The Egg Turns" and "All my Chicks".
But seriously folks, instead of carrying a gallon of water everyday to the coop I would like to have the option of turning a valve and filling the watering cans. It would also be a big help when cleaning things, instead of dragging them to the house.
The electrical line is for a light (for my use), a small heater tray under the water cans, and the automatic chicken door that opens at dawn and closes at night.
The water line will be plastic and in it's own conduit, so no possible connection with the electrical conduit.
Thanks for your replies,
Rich

Soundguy · Apr 13, 2004

( us to check the birds )

Yep.. gotta get eggs in every day..

( Chickens are amazingly dirty birds! )

Amen.. so are turkey and ducks I've found out..

Soundguy

Wannafish · Apr 13, 2004

"...and the automatic chicken door that opens at dawn and closes at night."

What happens to the chicken(s) that have not gotten in the coop yet when the door closes? I'd like to get one of these, but my chickens don't know enough to come in out of the rain, let alone tell the time... /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Egon · Apr 13, 2004

Guess what Fellows, cleanest animal on the farm is a pig.

Egon

Bird · Apr 13, 2004

( Guess what Fellows, cleanest animal on the farm is a pig. )

That's true, but most folks probably don't believe it. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif Everyone thinks of hogs wallowing in mud, and I guess you know why they do that, too.

Egon · Apr 13, 2004

Sure do Bird.

Egon

RichNJKubota · Apr 13, 2004

"What happens to the chicken(s) that have not gotten in the coop yet when the door closes? "

I believe in survival of the fittest. And in this case the fittest chickens come in at sundown. If they don't make it then they are PurinaFoxChow.
The automatic door I made and it works using a light sensor and an old windshield wiper motor to move the chicken door with a 12volt battery if the power goes out.

Rich

gws · Apr 14, 2004

Why is there a big differance between 2ft vs 4ft in treenching. Unless you havea lot of rock the cost and time is about the same for a short run. If your going to carry water in the winter why not carry it all th he time. Drop a 4ft trench and put in a water line. cover it 1/2 up and drop in a 120v line and be done.