This watering system is made primarily of 1 inch PVC pipe attached to a 50 gallon plastic drum.  The pipe runs out of the bottom of the drum to a lowered drain spigot, which allows you access to drain the water or clear any solid material that may get into the pipe.  The water drum should be positioned in the shade and higher than the other end of the pipe, so that the water is gravity fed along the pipe.

The pipe then runs the length of the structure on the inside of the pen.

 

 

The pipe is secured to the structure with pipe clamps.

 

 

 

An additional drain spigot is placed at the far end.  Remember to make it downhill from the tank.

 

 

A 4-5 foot pipe should be placed perpendicular to the main pipe and left open at the top.  The top of the pipe should be higher than the tank.  This will equalize the pressure in the pipe and prevent a vacuum when the pipe is drained.

 

Drill holes and insert pop-it waterer nipples into the holes along the pipe. Make sure that you put waterers in both inside and outside pens. For small chicks, provide a “step up” with a two by four or piece of fencing post.   Fill the tank with water and add a small amount of apple cider vinegar to prevent mold inside the tank.

 

We have used this system successfully with our chickens, ducks, and geese.    The same system will work for hogs, sheep, and even dogs using the larger nipples pop-its.  Make sure to raise the tank high enough so that there is enough water pressure to the heavier nipples.    Note that hogs like to drink in between mouthfuls and may prefer a greater amount of water in a shorter amount of time than they can get  from one of the nipples, especially if there is competition at the trough!

Happy Homesteading,

T.