Suggestion: put your hole near the lid, fill, put cover on, flip whole bucket over, watch it fill. That way you can still use the bucket as intended if the water source is far away.
Just made one with the expensive chicken gravity cups. Started it today and I had to constantly go push the yellow spout in each cup and came on here to see why they were not working...$9 for 2 cups and I got 6 which is recommended for a 5 gallon bucket. Why didn't I see this before today...so easy and actually common sense! Fantastic job! My flock will definitely use this technique in their run where they spend their entire day and evening. I personally would be afraid for baby chick to use but this is PERFECT for our outside usuage of 40+ chickens! Thanks so much for sharing 😊
Love it! I've been using those spring operated self filling cups and those are good for a time until the spring doesn't want to spring anymore and you're stuck with dry cups. I always say the fewer moving parts the better.
Simple, easy. I'm gonna do this, but use a gamma lid, I hate fighting those bucket lids off. I'm gonna tie a wooden plug to a short string to plug the water hole while filling like you suggested. Thanks.
@@NicholsCounty I thought about that, but since it will be hanging on a string off the handle when not in use, I thought the chickens may be more prone to peck at it rather than at a wooden plug.
you don't have to fight it. you don't even have to have a tight fitting lid or gasket. just put your hole near the top of bucket, put the lid into position, invert the bucket and place it into the pan which should have been pre-filled. truth is, it wouldn't even need a lid but it is hard to contain the water in the bucket when you invert it without a lid. I know this is too late for you but may be helpful to someone else.
I'm a new subscriber; I watched in awe. How could this be SO Simple, seemingly so effective (based on how much they love it) - and even economical. And 'cheap - cheap' is always good (to hear) around the coop! Great idea - I'm getting set to start a few birds, maybe for next season... researching coops for HOT summers but COLD winters... This makes so much sense - I'm going to try it for my dogs to test it. Already have spare buckets with lids; (honey pails are square but same idea) and going to build one upside down to this. :-)
I have used one for years all most like yours but I installed a float valve in the bucket the installed a bucket on top where you fill the bucket and have more water and will last 4 to 5 days or more.
I recently found out that Home Depot sells a type of lid that is easier to put on and off. It's called Leaktite, and I like it very much. It's is more flexible. The original lead of a 5 gallon bucket is a hassle.
Does the lid need to be waterproof in order for it to work? I bought a bucket and lid at Lowe’s, and my water just keeps flowing out of the hole I drilled even though it is well below the food pan edge.
I only found smaller ones online! Drive 15 miles to Tractor Supply yesterday and got one for $12. Got a Gamna Lid and put it all together this morning. It’s not holding water so I have a leak somewhere…I’ll get back to it a lille later, but yours is the best waterer idea I’ve seen. Thank you!
I’m doing this. I hate the ones where you have to flip them over, fill them, and screw them in to another piece while getting sopping wet, then haul 50lbs of water across the yard 😂 I’ve been looking for an easy design I can just shoot the hose into, this is it! I just need to find that bottom piece you used…
Get a large cork for the top...wider than the and drill a hole to fit ... and a smaller cork for tje2hole on the side ... Stick small cork in th e side ..... fill through the top hole and put cork in .... then pull lower cork.. And never acrew with the lid again ... except zfor occasionally cleanout..
I tried that this summer and it had too much head pressure or an incomplete seal on the bucket lid and it did not work. It kept overflowing beyond the hole. I even tried a second time with just a small 1/4 inch hole and it still didn’t work. I tried and tested it several times all with bad results.
What kind of lid did you have? Maybe you need the good lid with the seal. This was my first time ever making one like this. It's kind of too small for what I need but I just wanted to test it out and it works great.
Please forgive me for the long comment. I just have 2 questions and not really sure how to explain them, so please, bare with me, lol. Okay, sooo.. I accidentally just went ahead and put 3 holes roughly 1-1.5" of the bottom of the bucket.. I wasn't paying attention and now the 4-5" tall container the water drains into only fills up about 1-1.5" lol. If I were to go ahead and put a smaller hole or two higher on the bucket closer to the top of the container, would that still work to fill it higher? Or am I screwed and have to get another bucket? Also, how do you keep the container they drink out of clean? My 4 chickens just kick mud, hay and crap all inside of it. The regular 1 gallon waterer I have, I had to tie a rope to the handle and to the top of the coop so that it's elevated a good 6" off the ground. That worked really well, but I don't see how that would be possible with this system here.. I thought about a couple cylinder blocks, but for some reason I feel that they would just knock it over somehow because they're kinda reckless and just jump on everything. So, I'm not sure how I'm gunna be able to keep the water bowl clean..
Duct tape the bottom hole and drill a new hole. If it works for your water level then now you know where to drill your hole for the next bucket. Raise the waterer up to keep debris put. Use papers or bricks.
Mine is not stopping from overflowing either, and I remembered when we had one of the we bought made of all metal like a mini trashcan if it wasn't leveled it would slowly leak out, however I just tried leveling and made an even smaller hole lower to the very bottom and it's still slowly leaking the lid has no seal but heard on another video that didn't matter, guess I'll retry
I'm not sure how well this would work for me, as my chickens like to stand on top of the bucket and take a crap. This would land in the black rubber bin, where it's not easy to see the crap.
Amazing! You just saved us so much $$$ & frustration with those nipple water buckets. So how often do you need to change out the water before it’s nasty? I’m gonna make one tomorrow.
I just clean em out with a hose and brush when they start to get green on the inside. Every few weeks. Depends of its in direct sun or not. Darker buckets help.
I would check it every week. Raise it up with a paver or cinder block of they're pooping in it. Chickens will drink anything. But I'd clean it out as often as you can.
We tried to make it as shown in the video Problem : when we fill it the water keeps coming out of the hole and Finally the water runs over... What can be the reason Is the hole too big Can it be that the top is not closed 100 % Other?
add blocks of 2x4 wood or bricks as a stepping stone for the babies. They can easily jump up on the blocks. As they get older/taller , you can remove the blocks.
@@NicholsCounty your lid w/the rubber gasket completes the seal of the bucket, which is important for stopping the flow of water into the feeding container - i built another one by drilling a hole under the rim of the top of the bucket, turning the bucket upside down, and that worked ...
I hate chickens. They make me itch. I was a 4H mom for years and still do judging. My daughter loves chickens and camping. She struggles to secure a reliable person to care for her coop while camping. I’m going to try this for her. Thank you for sharing!
Well, start carving your own wooden bowl then. I mean really? How long have these things been used for feeding and watering livestock with no ill effects, besides it's not like the food or water is in there for very long.
Suggestion: put your hole near the lid, fill, put cover on, flip whole bucket over, watch it fill. That way you can still use the bucket as intended if the water source is far away.
That's definitely a good idea.
Sorry, I don't get it😮
Flipping almost 40 pounds of water does not appeal to me
Just made one with the expensive chicken gravity cups. Started it today and I had to constantly go push the yellow spout in each cup and came on here to see why they were not working...$9 for 2 cups and I got 6 which is recommended for a 5 gallon bucket. Why didn't I see this before today...so easy and actually common sense! Fantastic job! My flock will definitely use this technique in their run where they spend their entire day and evening. I personally would be afraid for baby chick to use but this is PERFECT for our outside usuage of 40+ chickens! Thanks so much for sharing 😊
You bet. If you have that many you might need a couple of these.
Great idea and I like that you used the bucket right side up, it’s easier to fill that way.
Glad you like it!
Love it! I've been using those spring operated self filling cups and those are good for a time until the spring doesn't want to spring anymore and you're stuck with dry cups. I always say the fewer moving parts the better.
I haven't had issues with the springs. Just them ripping the cups off and flooding them out.
Simple, easy. I'm gonna do this, but use a gamma lid, I hate fighting those bucket lids off. I'm gonna tie a wooden plug to a short string to plug the water hole while filling like you suggested. Thanks.
A wine cork would probably work.
@@NicholsCounty I thought about that, but since it will be hanging on a string off the handle when not in use, I thought the chickens may be more prone to peck at it rather than at a wooden plug.
you don't have to fight it. you don't even have to have a tight fitting lid or gasket. just put your hole near the top of bucket, put the lid into position, invert the bucket and place it into the pan which should have been pre-filled. truth is, it wouldn't even need a lid but it is hard to contain the water in the bucket when you invert it without a lid. I know this is too late for you but may be helpful to someone else.
Simple but very interesting idea..keep it up sir,, im frm Davao City, Phillipines..
Thanks and welcome
I’ve never thought about this but I’m definitely fixing to try it !! Thanks for the video!!
No problem!!
Tampons work good to plug holes- we did that with a cooler and it seriously kept the water and ice in it
Great tip.
Loll I love that you thought to even try that 😂
Good job.
Thanks!
Throw copper pipes in there to increase the longevity of the water. The copper helps keep algae out.
I'll definitely try that.
a couple of pennies?
Going to tractor supply now to get one the black tubs, hope it works and good to see you communicate on a year old video still!
Yeah. Worked for me on the first try. Others have mentioned it didnt work for them.
Great thought ,I'll try it.😊
Thanks
Thanks for the information from Dominican Republic
You're welcome.
I'm a new subscriber; I watched in awe. How could this be SO Simple, seemingly so effective (based on how much they love it) - and even economical. And 'cheap - cheap' is always good (to hear) around the coop!
Great idea - I'm getting set to start a few birds, maybe for next season... researching coops for HOT summers but COLD winters...
This makes so much sense - I'm going to try it for my dogs to test it. Already have spare buckets with lids; (honey pails are square but same idea) and going to build one upside down to this. :-)
Awesome.
Great! Helpful
💡suggestion - its helpful to fill the saucer too as you're felling the bucket initially. 🙏💛🌟✨
Yes, or just fill that first.
Ty 4 this wonderful idea!!
You're welcome
Watching from Nigeria, thanks for sharing this
Thanks for watching
Years ago I did a few hole near the top & would flip it over in bowl. That was easier for me because my hose water line was far from the coop.
Great tip, thanks!
I have used one for years all most like yours but I installed a float valve in the bucket the installed a bucket on top where you fill the bucket and have more water and will last 4 to 5 days or more.
Thanks for the tip.
I love this it's so simple and powerful
Yeah works great.
I like the bucket right side up. Its alot easier.❤
Yes it is!
What a great idea. Thank you for sharing.
Thanks for watching!
It’s simply awesome, this is what I’m doing. Thanks for the video
You bet.
I wonder if this same idea would work on a 55 gallon drum?
Yeah I'm sure it would. You'd probably have a harder time finding a decent pan to go under it.
Awesome, on my way to make this right now!
Hope you enjoy
I recently found out that Home Depot sells a type of lid that is easier to put on and off. It's called Leaktite, and I like it very much. It's is more flexible. The original lead of a 5 gallon bucket is a hassle.
Great tip. Thanks.
Great Idea! ❤
Thank you! 😊
you could also use a cork, and cork before filling.
Nice tip. Thanks.
Does the lid need to be waterproof in order for it to work?
I bought a bucket and lid at Lowe’s, and my water just keeps flowing out of the hole I drilled even though it is well below the food pan edge.
What's the size of that rubber bowl? I'm looking on Amazon and they don't give diameter, just capacity.
Hi. There is a link in the description to the exact rubber bowl I used.
I only found smaller ones online! Drive 15 miles to Tractor Supply yesterday and got one for $12. Got a Gamna Lid and put it all together this morning. It’s not holding water so I have a leak somewhere…I’ll get back to it a lille later, but yours is the best waterer idea I’ve seen. Thank you!
Darn autocorrect keeps “fixing” my spelling. Grrr.
I’m doing this. I hate the ones where you have to flip them over, fill them, and screw them in to another piece while getting sopping wet, then haul 50lbs of water across the yard 😂 I’ve been looking for an easy design I can just shoot the hose into, this is it! I just need to find that bottom piece you used…
Great, glad I could help.
Get a large cork for the top...wider than the and drill a hole to fit ... and a smaller cork for tje2hole on the side ...
Stick small cork in th e side ..... fill through the top hole and put cork in .... then pull lower cork..
And never acrew with the lid again ... except zfor occasionally cleanout..
Sounds good.
How do you keep the birds from roosting on it? Thanks 😊
You put your roosts higher than the bucket.
I'm going to try this. I already have everything I need.
Yeah it's easy to build.
I tried that this summer and it had too much head pressure or an incomplete seal on the bucket lid and it did not work. It kept overflowing beyond the hole. I even tried a second time with just a small 1/4 inch hole and it still didn’t work. I tried and tested it several times all with bad results.
What kind of lid did you have? Maybe you need the good lid with the seal. This was my first time ever making one like this. It's kind of too small for what I need but I just wanted to test it out and it works great.
@@NicholsCounty it didn’t have a rubber seal, good point. Maybe I’ll try to find one like that.
I also couldn't get this to work. I tried 3 different lids with gaskets
@@johnfountain4936 yeah I tried even with a hams lid and it still leaked so idk… glad it worked for them though.
l like it😅😅
Thanks
Please forgive me for the long comment. I just have 2 questions and not really sure how to explain them, so please, bare with me, lol.
Okay, sooo.. I accidentally just went ahead and put 3 holes roughly 1-1.5" of the bottom of the bucket.. I wasn't paying attention and now the 4-5" tall container the water drains into only fills up about 1-1.5" lol.
If I were to go ahead and put a smaller hole or two higher on the bucket closer to the top of the container, would that still work to fill it higher? Or am I screwed and have to get another bucket?
Also, how do you keep the container they drink out of clean?
My 4 chickens just kick mud, hay and crap all inside of it.
The regular 1 gallon waterer I have, I had to tie a rope to the handle and to the top of the coop so that it's elevated a good 6" off the ground. That worked really well, but I don't see how that would be possible with this system here.. I thought about a couple cylinder blocks, but for some reason I feel that they would just knock it over somehow because they're kinda reckless and just jump on everything. So, I'm not sure how I'm gunna be able to keep the water bowl clean..
Duct tape the bottom hole and drill a new hole. If it works for your water level then now you know where to drill your hole for the next bucket.
Raise the waterer up to keep debris put. Use papers or bricks.
Mines still leaks water after I put the lid on it any tips?😅:’)
Not sure. Guess the quality of lids matter.
Mine is not stopping from overflowing either, and I remembered when we had one of the we bought made of all metal like a mini trashcan if it wasn't leveled it would slowly leak out, however I just tried leveling and made an even smaller hole lower to the very bottom and it's still slowly leaking the lid has no seal but heard on another video that didn't matter, guess I'll retry
@@jeffscricket23 lol ultimately I gave up and set a large deep dish with a hose attached to it so I just drain it a few times a day
Thank you
Thanks for watching.
Very informative video thanks for sharing 👍
My pleasure
Does that wrk in the winter
Yeah as long as your winters are above freezing temperatures.
I'm not sure how well this would work for me, as my chickens like to stand on top of the bucket and take a crap. This would land in the black rubber bin, where it's not easy to see the crap.
Like most waterers, you just have to clean them.
Will they get the water messy?
Yes if it's on the ground like this. Put on a cinder block or bricks.
Thank you so much this is helpful
Glad it was helpful!
Amazing! You just saved us so much $$$ & frustration with those nipple water buckets. So how often do you need to change out the water before it’s nasty? I’m gonna make one tomorrow.
I just clean em out with a hose and brush when they start to get green on the inside. Every few weeks. Depends of its in direct sun or not. Darker buckets help.
How long will that feed 5 hens? Does it matter if they poop in it? New to chickens. Thanks, great idea!
I would check it every week. Raise it up with a paver or cinder block of they're pooping in it. Chickens will drink anything. But I'd clean it out as often as you can.
@@NicholsCounty thanks, that's what I did. No more poop in the food or water! Thanks!
I made one of these but the water won't come out when below the hole level unless I lift the lid to allow air in...?
I've heard other people having the same issue. I'm not sure. This worked for me the first time.
Why does the water coming out sound like a techno beat
Does it?
We tried to make it as shown in the video
Problem : when we fill it the water keeps coming out of the hole and Finally the water runs over...
What can be the reason
Is the hole too big
Can it be that the top is not closed 100 %
Other?
Lid needs a seal. Needs to be complete closed.
anyon find any rubber pans or other kind short enough for chicks?
If your chicks have bedding such as pine shavings, you can use these taller pans and build up the bedding around it.
good point! the chicks do have pine shavings bedding...maybe someday a brooder that's taller...
add blocks of 2x4 wood or bricks as a stepping stone for the babies. They can easily jump up on the blocks. As they get older/taller , you can remove the blocks.
@@pershop4950 If you're going to add steps for chicks make sure you fill the pan up with gravel so the chicks don't fall in.
I literally just tried this. With a snap on lid as well as a gamma lid(with a gasket) and neither worked.
I'm not sure. Worked for me the first time, I didn't do anything else to make it work
same here - did not work - if the lid doesnt seal it will constantly flow water & over-spill
@@bamagtrdude I'm not sure if it's an elevation thing or what. I haven't had any issues at all with this.
@@NicholsCounty your lid w/the rubber gasket completes the seal of the bucket, which is important for stopping the flow of water into the feeding container - i built another one by drilling a hole under the rim of the top of the bucket, turning the bucket upside down, and that worked ...
wouldnt that get super dirty super fast? great on a budget idea tho
You can put on blocks to lift off the ground. It's a budget build.
I hate chickens. They make me itch. I was a 4H mom for years and still do judging. My daughter loves chickens and camping. She struggles to secure a reliable person to care for her coop while camping. I’m going to try this for her. Thank you for sharing!
Great
🇯🇲🇯🇲love this
Great.
So that’s my problem. I’ve been trying all kinds of ideas and none of them work. Because I don’t have a lid
You definitely need a lid for these types.
Rural King carries 5 gallon buckets for sale with lids for $3 something
Lol physics
Yeah!
the chemicals in that black rubber container have to be through the roof. Great job though.
They sell these at the feed store. I'm sure they're fine.
@@NicholsCounty I hear you. Our politicians say they are honest.
Well, start carving your own wooden bowl then. I mean really? How long have these things been used for feeding and watering livestock with no ill effects, besides it's not like the food or water is in there for very long.