Temps have reached below zero many times and I've not had any issues with freezing. A few dollars in electricity is a worthwhile trade for dealing with water bottles of crocks.
Thank you again for this great video. Our system took us thru last winter thru some truly frigid days. When it dropped to minus twenty Fahrenheit I added our spare heater to the 30 gallon barrel and topped up the water. This saved me so much work and kept our rabbits well hydrated. Really appreciate the time you took sharing your setup and responding to comments.
Thank you for the comment! Much appreciated! I haven't had the space to raise rabbits for a few years, but I think one of my favorite things about homesteading practices, in general, is problem solving and finding new, fun, and hopefully efficient ways to do tasks and take care of our critters.
Sorry for the delay! Here's the amazon link for it: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B017R709UE/ref=ox_sc_sfl_title_12?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A2FSIHHQGP7DBY. It's a 770 GPH, but if you get a ball valve in-line, you should be able to restrict flow as needed.
I don't recall the exact brand or model, but it was similar to the one in this link: K&H Pet Products 100213392 Ultimate Stock Tank Deicer-Floating or Submersible-Multiple Wattages, 750 Watts, Red www.amazon.com/dp/B002QXN1HS/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_i_FW0Z3R4V865G6K6JDSAS
What rabbitnipples model did you use? I bought some from rabbitnipples (the se5 model). I setup a system like this, but when pressing down on the pin, barely get a drip-drip-drip out of it. If I lift up... I do get more water. Concerned that the rabbits will not get enough water with these. Their old watering system (gravity fed, using 3/16 with barb fitting provided much more water).
I had the same problem with the SE2s. I added a valve at outlet of my water run and slightly restricted the outflow of water for the overall system. This changed the system just enough that the drinking nipples began working as expected. I use 1/2” pvc, have an initial 5’ rise with an overall drop of perhaps 18” over 32’. I use the 250 watt heater and 770 gph pump.
jlainak i finally got this fixed. pretty much same setup as you.. had the valve on my return. ended up removing the spring from the se5 and the water pressure works as the “spring”. this came as an idea from rabbitnipples.com :)
Awesome fix. Our first winter with the system went well. Some really cold (-20 Fahrenheit) days were a bit much for my heater but dropping in a second heater (because two is one and one is none and I need a backup) for those ridiculously cold days worked fine.
Here's the amazon link for the one I used: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002QXN1EQ/ref=ox_sc_sfl_title_4?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER It's thermostatically controlled, so it keeps if from running when not necessary. The only time I had any freeze ups were from user error (i.e. unknowingly unplugging the power cord).
Apologies for never replying until now. Not sure why I missed it. I don't have plans, but it can be built based on existing hutch design and needs. I can list some of the parts I used if that helps.
That’s ok!! We watched your video 100 times and built it the best we could. It worked AMAZINGLY!!! 2 cold Canadian winters and we’re extremely happy. Thank you!!!
I don't know if you are still checking comments on here but could you tell me what nipplers you use? Most the ones I have seen they say they aren't very durable.
April Lee I purchased mine from rabbitnipples.com and I have had a great experience with them. Shipping takes a while but I feel the threaded nipples are well made. Certainly much better than any barbed nipples I've used.
Insulate the lines with kids pool noodles. Split one right down the middle. Good vid
Post a follow-up for this! I’d like to see what it looks like now. Thx for video, checking your page now in case you already have.
Thank you again for this great video.
Our system took us thru last winter thru some truly frigid days. When it dropped to minus twenty Fahrenheit I added our spare heater to the 30 gallon barrel and topped up the water.
This saved me so much work and kept our rabbits well hydrated.
Really appreciate the time you took sharing your setup and responding to comments.
Thank you for the comment! Much appreciated! I haven't had the space to raise rabbits for a few years, but I think one of my favorite things about homesteading practices, in general, is problem solving and finding new, fun, and hopefully efficient ways to do tasks and take care of our critters.
What pump is that? I'm trying to start the same system up and I'm having issues locating a pump that isn't way too strong, or way to weak
Sorry for the delay! Here's the amazon link for it: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B017R709UE/ref=ox_sc_sfl_title_12?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A2FSIHHQGP7DBY. It's a 770 GPH, but if you get a ball valve in-line, you should be able to restrict flow as needed.
your system is on a recirculation loop? Water returns to the bucket? is there enough pressure for the rabbits to drink?
I'd really like to know where you got that heater? Is there a link? Thanks
I don't recall the exact brand or model, but it was similar to the one in this link: K&H Pet Products 100213392 Ultimate Stock Tank Deicer-Floating or Submersible-Multiple Wattages, 750 Watts, Red www.amazon.com/dp/B002QXN1HS/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_i_FW0Z3R4V865G6K6JDSAS
What rabbitnipples model did you use? I bought some from rabbitnipples (the se5 model). I setup a system like this, but when pressing down on the pin, barely get a drip-drip-drip out of it.
If I lift up... I do get more water. Concerned that the rabbits will not get enough water with these. Their old watering system (gravity fed, using 3/16 with barb fitting provided much more water).
I had the same problem with the SE2s. I added a valve at outlet of my water run and slightly restricted the outflow of water for the overall system. This changed the system just enough that the drinking nipples began working as expected. I use 1/2” pvc, have an initial 5’ rise with an overall drop of perhaps 18” over 32’. I use the 250 watt heater and 770 gph pump.
jlainak i finally got this fixed. pretty much same setup as you.. had the valve on my return. ended up removing the spring from the se5 and the water pressure works as the “spring”. this came as an idea from rabbitnipples.com :)
Awesome fix.
Our first winter with the system went well. Some really cold (-20 Fahrenheit) days were a bit much for my heater but dropping in a second heater (because two is one and one is none and I need a backup) for those ridiculously cold days worked fine.
Are you using a bucket heater or are you using a de-icer? I am having trouble finding the lower wattage "heater" vs a deicer.
Here's the amazon link for the one I used: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002QXN1EQ/ref=ox_sc_sfl_title_4?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER
It's thermostatically controlled, so it keeps if from running when not necessary. The only time I had any freeze ups were from user error (i.e. unknowingly unplugging the power cord).
Spencer Bogardus thank you much. That helps alot
I love your design, do you have plans you can share?
Apologies for never replying until now. Not sure why I missed it. I don't have plans, but it can be built based on existing hutch design and needs. I can list some of the parts I used if that helps.
That’s ok!! We watched your video 100 times and built it the best we could. It worked AMAZINGLY!!! 2 cold Canadian winters and we’re extremely happy. Thank you!!!
What was the coldest temp you had ?
Around 15 degrees Fahrenheit, if I remember right. Apologies for not replying originally.
I don't know if you are still checking comments on here but could you tell me what nipplers you use? Most the ones I have seen they say they aren't very durable.
April Lee Are you looking for threaded nipples for pvc or the barbed type for nylon/rubber tubing?
Spencer Bogardus I am looking for threaded ones.
April Lee I purchased mine from rabbitnipples.com and I have had a great experience with them. Shipping takes a while but I feel the threaded nipples are well made. Certainly much better than any barbed nipples I've used.
Thanks for letting me know, also thanks for this video!
I ordered some from amazon and have had great luck with them for about 2 years now.. 10 of them was like $13 or around about
Most people don't have electric they can use for rabbit areas. We have 12 volt.
This video would not apply then...