My Outlaws ( wifes parents ) came to visit awhile back and were talking to get chickens so they looked at my self sufficent setup. Well, they are older and just cant figure out what to do. So, as my christmas present to them I built them a self contained watering system, not al elaborate as mine since I have it plumbed inside and out with valves and such... this one is just a simple setup that connects to the gutters downspout to fill so they never have to mess with it. 25 gallons lasts 3 months....full it could last 6 depending based on 12 birds, they are tired of carrying water out daily. .
So, I got the barrel loaded in the back of the HHR and had to strap the stand to the roof in order to haul it down for Christmas and surprise them.... Taking the glue so I can fit the water cup line on once set up. Its freakin cold outside today with -3 and -27 windchill with 50 mph windgusts... even with a full beard that cold wind is harsh. Packed up all the winter safety gear ( snacks / water, multiple packs of hand, toe, body warmers ) couple heavy blankets, portable survival heaters...ect... 2 hour trip each way and may stay the night as its our first visit to their new house on 40 acres.

 

You drive real careful!

 

What keeps the cups from over flowing? Is there a beak activated valve in them?

 

Is the glue usable in such cold temperatures?

 

Interesting Bonez

 

I did, a 2 hour drive ended up being 3... them back roads that stay shadded by cedars stay icey... seen a few smashed cars off the side of the roads going down. Coming back they were gone so I guess they waited for the ice to clear to get the wreckers out.

 

They are valve operated, the weight of the water in the cups shut them off when full.

 

Yep, I glued it up in the garage where it was warmer.

 

They loved it, instead of hauling water out daily they can just fill the barrel and forget it for 3 months.