Rainwater Harvesting Wildlife Waterer UPGRADE - 300 to 900 gallons

Today I'm upgrading my rainwater harvesting wildlife waterer from 300 gallons to 900 gallons. In the video I'll show the addition of 2 additional IBC storage totes, plumbing the tanks and water trough, and the making of a DIY water trough with a concrete mixing tub and a float valve. Then I will give you an overview of how the system harvests rainwater from a roof structure, directs that water into the IBC storage tanks located down the hill, and supplies water to the trough for the benefit of the animals. And then I'll end the video with some clips of all the animals coming in for a drink!
And for those who would like more info on the previous versions of this project, see the links below. Originally this project was started using a billboard tarp and rain barrels. But over the years I've upgraded the collection surface to a roof structure and the storage from rain barrels to IBC totes..... And who knows.... I may just have more upgrades in store in the future ;)
Thanks for watching!
Joe
Original Version - • Rainwater Harvesting w...
Rainwater Tarp - • Rainwater Tarp update ...
Rain Roof - • Rain Roof - Rainwater...
Music sourced from EpidemicSound.com... credits as follows....
The Den by George's Town
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Homesteadonomics
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#rainwaterharvesting #rainwatercollection #wildlifewater
Tags: rainwater harvesting, rain roof, how to, rain collection, IBC tote, water storage, rain harvesting, wildlife waterer, water collection, animal waterer, float valve, rain roof, coues deer, whitetail deer, water conservation

[@loumonte658]

Much respect brother.

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you🙏😀

[@antoniodeoliveira6424]

God Bless you Man to helping the wild life

[@Graeme408]

I LOVE that you put in a wildlife watering station!!!

[@homesteadonomics]

Yeah we love seeing all the different animals that come by. Still haven’t gotten a mountain lion or coatimundi…. But they generally stay up closer to the mountains that are 3 miles behind my house. However, one of our neighbors lost a dog to a mountain lion a couple years back so it’s okay… for the sake of our pup and the neighbors pups😅 They believe it must have been a really old lion as they don’t tend near houses unless they are close to end of life and willing to risk more for a meal.

[@DesertOwlForge]

@@homesteadonomics we haven't seen a mountain lion either, bit the neighbors did. It jumped their fence and headed our way. My dog's presence must have kept it away.

[@StMyles]

Incredible system and presentation. Thanks for sharing your build. 😂 that last animal in the video you have to worry about him peeing in the pond.

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you! And that last beast doesn’t pee near the water hole…but he also doesn’t go back to the house. Gotta control the dust somehow😂

[@AloneinRemoteAlaska]

This is awesome. It's no different than someone who puts out a birdbath/bird feeder. You just do it for the bigger animals. :-) You would be what I call a "true" hunter. The cam video was impressive to see the variety of animals that seem to rely on your water station. Even yourself apparently 🤣 The skunk was kind of adorable though. We don't have have skunks in Alaska!

[@homesteadonomics]

Yeah, the skunk literally gives me a chuckle every time I see see him hop/skipping on in to the trough. And always with the tail up. He knows how to manage having the water hole to himself😂

[@yumngoatfarm]

Superb 👍

[@frederickvanhelsun9315]

That is what I want to do

[@paulbetka2966]

🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻😍

[@hugohudson8409]

WOW... You are a wonderful person who takes care of nature congratulations God bless you 👍👍🥰🥰

[@homesteadonomics]

Thanks for checking it out Hugo🙏😀

[@pennyantonson3881]

Crazy number of animals look staight into the camera, they hear it. We have a place in northern WI, the water table is like 2' collecting water is never an issue for us. Very interesting to see how others deal with water.

[@homesteadonomics]

Yes, I believe they hear the actuation of the camera and/or see the infrared spectrum of thr night. But after a while they get used to it and ignore….until I move the camera that is. Then they wonder why that tripod thing moved😂

[@catgynt9148]

Joe, you are incredible in your care for your environment and wildlife. I hope your raised bed container gardens are screened or fenced to protect them from your deer population. I keep a heated water container outdoors for all local animals and our evergreens, rosemary bush and other plants are being consumed nightly. Wishing you and your family a blessed week. Greetings from NE Ohio. It was 6° last night but the aquarium heater kept all but the thinnest layer of ice off the water. Peace brother,

[@homesteadonomics]

So luckily the deer don’t seem to jump into our garden area….even though they physically would have zero problem with the 4.5-5’ height. And at 6* it seems like that heater is doing a pretty good job of keeping that water available for your critters out there. Thank you for watching and always love hearing from you! Cheers from AZ to OH!

[@sdbigguy]

Great video. The angle iron to level the three tanks makes so much sense. Do you have to have a mustache if I wanted to do this kind of project? I’m in San Diego and I used a stock tank (135 gal) as a backyard water feature and I used Mosquito Dunks to control them. I wasn’t trying to feed bats or anything but I don’t know if mosquitos are an issue in your area. The cover on the basin looks like a good way to keep critters from just climbing in. Thanks for sharing and your Christmas gift has provided some great pics!

[@homesteadonomics]

Yes, this gift has gotten daily use since Christmas! I was super excited to be able to set it up. Otherwise this video might have been pushed until the spring when my birthday came around. And the moustache…haha…you noticed. This video has been months in the making. I think that clip was from September or there abouts. And for mosquitoes, I don’t do anything special on this. Doesn’t seem to be a problem in our drier environment with small sources like this. But I have used those dunks when I had my rainwater garden ponds full… as they are a lot bigger and full in the midst of monsoons. Which is our big mosquitoe time of year

[@lennyf1957]

I lost track the number of times you said IBC tote, I'm guessing it was around 20 😜

[@homesteadonomics]

Haha….it’s by design. If I say it less than 15 times then I get a slew of people asking what ‘those square cage things are called’. 😂

[@lennyf1957]

@@homesteadonomics you should put signs on them...🤣

[@MelanieFan1679]

I love that you drank from it yourself. Prof of working natural system

[@homesteadonomics]

Well, Not quite…. More of just a funny thing. I was just playing around😉👍

[@s.t.6769]

Rodent Ramp! My favorite part!! :) I love that you provide for all the little critters. Cool build. Thanks for the video.

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you!

[@jewdd1989]

That’s pretty amazing! I live in a part of KS that’s basically a desert. I live in town but I’ve noticed this last summer stray cats even rabbits were daring to come in my backyard desperate for the water in my dog’s two pools. I started leaving a large bowl of water in the alley by my gate which kept the cats out till some pos stole it so I need some kind of a more permanent water tank that I can fill with my hose regularly that also would be too hard for someone to mess with. I absolutely love your idea

[@khamsibq]

As usual great work Will try to do the same Best greeting from saudi arabia

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you! And great to hear from Saudi Arabia! 👍😀

[@leisurelylogan]

Science: Water is colorless and odorless. Animals: I smell some water.

[@andyd.1793]

Yes, bobcats do seem to be uncannily elusive. I was lucky enough to get a clear picture of 2 on my trailcam here in the Ohio River valley. I also got what I think may be the hind-quarters of a mountain lion in another picture. I have heard of sightings in this area through the years, but they seem to have the ability to evade even being seen by trailcams. I enjoyed seeing the consideration you show even for mice, giving them a way out of the drink station.🍀

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you Andy! Yes the cats seem to be more elusive for sure! But very cool you got the pics of them! And that’s awesome about the lion…I did not know that lions would be in the valleys out there. But I guess they go where ever they can find food and habitat..very cool!

[@woodturner1954]

I knew you couldn't help yourself right in the last 5 seconds. Tried a rain barrel system here in Sacramento, but 600 gallons just doesn't last very long. Did get rid of all grass and have a few trees and California drought tolerant plants. Calculated I would need 5000+ gallons, not enough room. I do like the plants and trees much better.

[@homesteadonomics]

Yes, water doesn’t last as long as we think….capacity is king. Which is why this has undergone 3 versions…. And likely will have more in the future 😉

[@jfkusa123]

The rain roof could also serve as a base structure for some solar panels. Adding anything on top of them wouldn’t affect the total collection and could supply off grid power.

[@trippasnippa6152]

how much water do the wildlife drink a month?

[@homesteadonomics]

Just depends on the number of animals coming in and the time of year.

[@Bushehri1]

First person watching 👀 you ❤️

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you Jack!

[@Bushehri1]

@@homesteadonomics Np Bro 😊 !

[@marcypetty3375]

Have you had a problem with freezing?

[@gregmize01]

Arizona😂

[@catgynt9148]

@@gregmize01 gets cold there too!

[@homesteadonomics]

We do get freezing temps but usually not more than low to mid 20’s. But when it does freeze I place a tarp over the pipes and some grass around the trough piping. You can see the tarp in a couple of the clips at the end. If it’s only going to hit 30 or so I don’t even worry about it.

[@marcypetty3375]

@@homesteadonomics thank you. We have the barrels and have to use the hoses to fill them. The barrel does not freeze but the hose does. Gonna be in the teens tonight so I will put a blanket around my barrels. Georgia here. Lol.

[@brennancusick2390]

Awesome video! Be careful if you hunt in the same areas as you have that camera ( I heard you say you prefer the backcountry anyways). New regulations in Arizona effective this year make it illegal to use game cameras for hunting use.

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you! And yes I’m fully aware of the GF rules. As I mentioned at the end, I don’t hunt anything at this water hole and I don’t set up cameras anywhere else. I’ve actually never liked seeing them set up on forest land when I’ve been on elk hunts. Just not my style. And as well with my recurve bow…. I enjoy a fuller experience of having to get in ‘stickbow’ close, versus being able to take a longer shot.

[@Atlasadventure]

Great idea 👍 specially in dry areas and where it’s hard to find water sources .

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you!

[@marumoepapapapa8219]

wonderful greet job 👍JOY

[@tclodfelter8789]

Did you suspect you had THAT much wild life using the water trough before you put up the game trail camera??

[@homesteadonomics]

I had a camera a few years ago when I first made it with the billboard tarp. So I knew a good selection of animals would visit but it’s still always awesome to see the variety!

[@alane6555]

Thank you for another Great video. Since you do not hunt near the watering station would AG&F allow placing a salt block near by as well? Are those White Tail deer?

[@homesteadonomics]

I actually added a mineral salt a couple years ago to the ground to the right of the totes… I mixed it in and soaked it with water. So as to mimic a natural mineral deposit. You can see the javelina in that area and I notice deer on occasion lick in the soil there from time to time. I do know that we aren’t to feed any of the animals, but water is okay and even encouraged. But honestly I’ll have to check on the salt/mineral supplementation. And yes, they are whitetail….but a desert sun species called ‘coues’ whitetail. Sometimes called the grey ghost….very elusive and about 1/2 the size of Midwest or eastern whitetail.

[@fortwoods]

ha! I was looking for a video of someone who had linked tanks together but really couldn't find anyone so I went about it alone. Similar to yours actually, but I connected 16 tanks together with plans to keep adding. I figured out that the quickest and cheapest way to build a large tank(when space is not a problem) was to link IBC totes together. I can add more tanks as I need them. I notice that you went with 1 inch pipe to connect them together. I did 3/4 inch since I already had a large bunch of 3/4" fittings and valves from old projects. I also noticed that once you get more than a few tanks together and you started worrying about shifting and needing to adjust them in the future that I'd connect a square of four of them together with PVC pipe and then connect the groups of 4 tanks together with 3/4 inch hose, one on each side. They all seem to equalize fast enough though the tell will be in the summer when the monsoons come. According to the math, it should be ok. But this is all an experiment really. I love your projects because of that.

[@_WillCAD_]

Wow, you've got a lot of large wildlife in the area. I live in the suburbs of Baltimore, the only large animals we have around here are deer, fox, beavers, and occasionally racoons and opossum. We also have skunk and more squirrels than you can shake a stick at. Our deer are as different species than you have in the desert; I'd guess from your wildlife cam footage that the deer around here are about 30% larger than yours. But we definitely have no coyotes or javalinas! So, the water distributes to all three totes through the ground-level one-inch pipe? No trouble filling all three through that? I mean, it's the same size as the feed pipe from the rain roof, so I guess that evens out.

[@homesteadonomics]

Yeah our whitetail deer here are known as ‘coues whitetail’. Sometimes called the ‘gray ghost’. Very elusive and range from foothills to the most rock canyons and mountain tops. Probably about 50-60% the size of eastern whitetail. We’ve also got mule deer here and they can get down right giant….especially in NW Arizona where some of the biggest in the world are located. They’ve got some sort of freak genetics up in that area. And yes, the linked pipe allows them to level out as the water flows into the first one.

[@pajewa]

That's Wonderful.

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you!

[@ravenwrites74]

This is fabulous - yet another project I'm putting on the menfolks' "to do" list. Loved seeing the young bucks practicing and the older one with the younger. Seemed like he was giving a little lesson then saying that's enough, break time. Have you identified that last critter that came in, though? Seems like one I haven't seen in my wildlife guide books. 🤣

[@homesteadonomics]

Yeah that last beast is gonna be a problem…. He’s the largest of all the animals back there and he walks around like he owns the place😂

[@ravenwrites74]

@@homesteadonomics 😂🤣😂🤣

[@adelacoburn1396]

Young bucks sparing a tad, nice getting that on camera. Hmm, that very last species skimming at the water 🤔??? Looks to be a little wily 😉. Great video, it definitely inspired me. Thank you for taking time to do this video.

[@homesteadonomics]

It was really cool to see those little guys trying to ‘one up’ each other! And then the little guy to the big guy….didn’t last too long until he conceded that match😂. Just beautiful to see all the different animals!

[@NelloCambelli]

Healthy animals - any feral pigs. Oops see them.

[@Vijaykumar-ct6ss]

Good, I have one doubt... How to move rain water into a water tank without any force 🤔... But I saw second time and I heard it's 5 feets higher than the tanks. That's good ❤️

[@dove111]

Sweet gift from your wife to you, from you to nature, and to your viewers. This channel is the healing channel👍🌎💧

[@homesteadonomics]

It is quite fun to go check it and see what came in… and my wife is already saying it’s one of the best gifts she’s gotten me because I love to check it 😊

[@michaelbelle4702]

Great idea. I need to find some land first

[@Gunfighter25.5]

How does the water flow from one tote to the others?

[@homesteadonomics]

Via the piping at the valves. Since they are linked they just auto level as water flows into the first one

[@lanec5672]

Hahaha, that ending... Nice touch on the small critter 'steps'.. you might even get to see a Gila Monster stop by for a soak in that nice little 'pool'.. those hog-nosed skunks crack me up.. the number & health of those Coues was impressive! Great job as usual & thanks for being such a caring steward... ;^)

[@homesteadonomics]

I see Gila monsters a few times a year on our property but it’s be kind cool to put the camera low and get them taking a drink. And yes those little skunks are pretty funny coming in tail up….I guess they know how to let the other animals they’d rather drink alone😂

[@lovetofight4rightswisdomki268]

Why was the roof system not placed above the IBC tank to collect the water? It would have been better if it had been placed on top of the tank because that tank would have been protected from the sun

[@JustinMcKinneyhiker]

This is fantastic !! Thanks for giving the wildlife a drink in the hot dry desert !! Throw some camouflage netting over the tanks and some more rocks over the tin and maybe the bobcats and cougars will show up !!

[@homesteadonomics]

Thanks for checking it out Justin!

[@rbljackson]

great update. I started out and used your 2.0 version to build something similar. I don't have the collection part, but used the single tote/ water dog tray set up for the first year. . It lasted season 1, but not sure how well the float valve in the dog tray will hold up over time. I have to deal with wild hogs in Texas as well. I am going to add the screens that you discussed to prevent algae from clogging the float valves. Mine expanded in august of last year. I added a 150 gallon Rubbermaid stock tank and a second float valve (same one you are using here) for a larger area for the wildlife to get to. They still have access to the original water tray though,. I found that adding a couple tree limbs' and 3 milk crates strapped together as stairs with cinder block inside the Rubbermaid stock tank works great to allow animals to get out of the trough if they fall in. The raccoons, bobcats, and dove love them also as places to perch while drinking (or hunt because those bobcats are attracted to this area now with the increase in bird activity. The deer can utilize the water trough better and it gives me more capacity between fill ups. Hope to do rainwater collection at some point too

[@homesteadonomics]

That sounds like you’ve got a great setup! And I like the stairs idea too….kinda like the water guzzlers out here for sheep and elk in our more arid areas. Keeps the water cooler and they simply walk down into the trough as the water level drops the steps allow access.

[@rbljackson]

@@homesteadonomics Ironically...I now need to develop a version 4 for my deer watering set up. I just got a hold of a 1100 gallon round stock tank (10 feet across and 2 feet deep) for free. Im worried that it will consume water fast due to evaporation.....but I guess we will have to see..cant beat the price. Got it leveled and in place today. Need to figure out how im going to fill it next.

[@markb.1259]

Love all the wildlife pics! How do the totes NOT grow algae since the tote paint isn't black, which I assume allows some level of sunlight to pass through the tote to the water within?

[@homesteadonomics]

The tan will allow some light in and yes some algae will grow (note the filter in the plumbing segment). But to have them black would get the water way hot here and it wouldn’t blend in as nicely. So tan is my compromise of less here and more blend in…. Albeit with a bit of algae growth. But nothing too bad really.

[@ravenlorans]

Would Love to get those kind of totes but around here, they sell from $35 Practically New and Damn Near Impossible to get a hold of, to $200 and beat to hell but Plentiful from a Farm Supplement Store. I would get 6 if I could.

[@homesteadonomics]

Yeah they can be hit or miss depending on the time of year. I get them from a local guy that buys them by the hundreds. Sometimes he’s got a great selection and sometimes it’s limited. I try to buy used ‘food grade’ ones.

[@georgesenda1952]

Thank you for giving the animals water. Years ago someone I knew got tired of the deer eating his roses so he set up a feeding and water station above his home. We sat in the hot tub and watched deer, skunks, possums, cougars, foxes all come up in the lighted area to drink and eat hay, oats, alfalfa and there was also a salt brick. The cougars did not attack the other animals and it was a safe zone for everyone and we LOVED watching all the animals.

[@CNG605]

Un vaso de agua no se le niega a Nadie! Amazing animals!! Good job.

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you!

[@FredMcIntyre]

Nicely done Joe! 😃👍🏻👊🏻

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you Fred!

[@slick-px4pq]

Try mounting your camera at least 6 feet high. The critters can see it and it makes them nervous, especially deer. Get it out of their site line and you might get some more natural video.

[@homesteadonomics]

But this way I get them giving me their best model pose😉😂

[@dsmmike95]

Very cool I just got a small peace of land and want to do some of the projects iv seen on your channel. And somthing to give back to nature is a big plus.

[@homesteadonomics]

That sounds awesome! And congrats on your own little slice of heaven too!

[@rickcassell9613]

What a great job, Taking care of the wild life . I have game cameras out here in Eastern Ct on my land . Love watching the game with my grandkids, it’s always a surprise when u download the cards .👍👍👍

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you! And yes checking the card is always kinda fun…never know what’s gonna show!

[@fallbrkgrl]

Ok, now I want to setup a watering station, AND game cam, just so I can watch all of the critters doing their thing. I know we have coyote, some really big jack rabbit, squirrel, and chipmunk. I'm pretty sure we're too far away for the deer, and wild burro... definitely cool. ❤️🌵☀️⛈️🌈☮️🐎

[@homesteadonomics]

I think you’d be surprised! It’s always fun to check the cam and see what came in!

[@JRCHomesteadTexas]

Great concept

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you!

[@MsSephrena]

We're in the Great White North and have several field cameras out - amazing what all comes for food; especially in winter - You've done a Great job... And, no, we don't hunt any of them either - Thanks for sharing...

[@homesteadonomics]

Yes it’s pretty neat to see….kinda like opening a present and not knowing what you’re gonna find!

[@nycdogs]

I'm here to learn and your videos are educational! Thanks

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you!

[@viktor_1939_]

many animals come to drink water! mane different animals. It is important for them.

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you!

[@emirrp]

Why? Did the system not have enough water for the animals?

[@homesteadonomics]

Yes, the single 300 gal tote would only last so long and I wanted it to be able to last for longer periods. As well as the trough upgrade allows multiple animals to drink versus my original version that had a small automatic dog eater dish which would only allow for a couple animals to drink before the float valve would have to kick in.

[@stuartkorte1642]

Nice video. Way to coexist with neighbors that were here before you. Did you do any calculations on the size of rain collection area? I need to rewatch that video.

[@homesteadonomics]

9:53 calcs 😀👍

[@dustman96]

Nicely done. Super cool wildlife footage. Had a couple skunks and a bunch of javelina routinely visit our yard over the last year. I've been contemplating using EPDM pond liner and simply laying it on the ground for rainwater harvesting. Supposed to have pretty good uv resistance, can imagine it lasting 20 or 30 years before getting too many holes in it to be useable. And if covered in gravel could last a very long time. Anywho, hope all's well, thanks for sharing your projects.

[@homesteadonomics]

Yes, if you add gravel over it I’d say it’d be a lifetime liner easily. Barring some type of mechanical movement placing a hole in it. There are some designs of natural pools that utilize epdm liners and gravel. But they gotta be deeper than they are wide and shallow. Surface area to volume is a huge thing for Evaporation….at least in my dry environment

[@dustman96]

@@homesteadonomics I was speaking more for collection rather than storage. An an alternative to a rain roof, or other means. I live in Tucson, so well aware of the evaporation issue. It's astounding how much water pools evaporate around here.

[@homesteadonomics]

@@dustman96 oh yeah, totally! It would blend in nicely too. I’ve also heard of doing a large dug out and lined area and then filling it with open chamber structures… waterblox. Kinda look like milk crates and they stack. And when you have your volume built the liner is wrapped up around them and backfilled with gravel. I’ve heard there are a couple type setups in Tucson like that and they inset a manhole access where the pump goes. Mostly for irrigation purposes but I think the concept could be cool to see how an Individual could use maybe second hand stuff to make something similar

[@MikeHarris1984]

Says 1 view. That makes me #2

[@homesteadonomics]

That’s make you number #1 as that one view was just me scrolling through to make sure the video and sound were good before I published😉👍

[@staroceans8677]

In the desert water is not only mandatory but it's a blessing. I think that this gesture is not only compassionate but as ecologically friendly as anyone can be! Thankful.

[@joansmith3492]

Is it enough to carry you through the dry spells?

[@homesteadonomics]

It wasn’t with just the one IBC tote but with 3 it’ll last much longer. But ultimately depends on how many animals drink from it. But if it seems to be getting low during our hot time before the monsoons hit then I will haul some water out to the tanks. Otherwise it’ll just be from the rainwater collection.

[@jessemeanlt1]

Do they fill up all the way?

[@homesteadonomics]

Yep!

[@Knight805]

That last animal looked well-fed. Haha.

[@homesteadonomics]

Haha…too well fed😂. That species has been known to seek out donuts and other sweet treats🤪

[@ianbds6436]

Outstanding video, brother. You gotta be a professor or instructor of some type for a living. You explain things very clearly. Thanks for sharing your knowledge 🇺🇸 🇲🇽.

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you! Nope, just a firefighter….but I don’t think I’d qualify as a professor….because I believe too much in real world hands-on education over that of lecture hall monologues. Not that I didn’t have a few really good professors….but that many, in my experience, were overly confident in the letters that were behind their names😂 And great to hear from my neighbors to the south! 🇺🇸🤝 🇲🇽 Btw….when I was in college I actually helped set up a couple World Cup exhibition games for the Mexican National team! Pretty cool experience!

[@GRIMRPR6942]

That last beast in the video looks a lil suspect...better keep an eye on him...🤣😂🤣😂 Good on ya for being such a great steward of the land you have. We hope to do the same when we make the permanent move to our property. Keep up the great work Joe!!!

[@homesteadonomics]

Yeah that last beast has been a problem for sure😂. By far the largest animal that uses this water hole and he always walks around like he owns the place…🤪

[@beckybowen196]

Always enjoy your videos. Why the blue tarp over the PVC pipes coming off the IBC totes? Decrease algae?

[@homesteadonomics]

We had a hard freeze and just to protect the outlet valves of the IBC totes. Btw….sorry about the other reply. There is a bot account with my profile pic that says ‘congrats text admin’ kind weirdness. I’m trying to remove and report those now.

[@rifalagus817]

Wow you animals saver Mr.. 💪👍🏼😀🙂😁

[@homesteadonomics]

😊🙏

[@JBNetBreaker]

Superb!

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you!

[@mattlee007]

I'm keen to know how you get the water up into the header tank/ or gravity watertank. if you could pass on you wisdom that would be awesome cheers

[@homesteadonomics]

The water moves because the level difference. The roof is about 5’ higher than the IBC totes and so long as the inlet (tub at roof) is higher than outlet (end of pipe at IBC tote) the water naturally flows from hi to low. 11:00

[@mattlee007]

@@homesteadonomics thanks for that thought that might be it unfortunately my roof line will be lower ... but you've given me some food for thought .. thank you keep up the great work

[@sumrica]

I wish you abundant collection capacity

[@JesseHires]

That black bobtail coyote looked really scary! ;-)

[@homesteadonomics]

She’s the most viscous one for sure! We always say that anyone that comes to the house unannounced is at serious risk of getting licked to death😂

[@lorenmeyer5290]

VERY VERY NICE SETUP! LOVE ALL THE WILD LIFE!! ENJOYED WATCHING!

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you!

[@BigSkyAtNight]

Very cool! A fun way to see what's living in the neighborhood as well. How far is it from your house? A friend of mine runs water to a trough for the wildlife & roaming cows in the area, it's effectively kept them out of her garden. We've had intrusive cows & one bull managed to sneak into the fenced yard 2 summers ago & eat our entire garden. Very rude, lol. I thought her trough "fix" was pretty clever. You've kicked it up a notch with the rain water harvesting set-up. It's always fun to see what you'll come up with next!

[@homesteadonomics]

This water hole is about 175 yards off my back door….super close! It’s so fun to see what ends up coming in!

[@OutOfOfficeCamping]

What a great project. Love how you help the wildlife with essential needs. Looked like you had a great helper (your pup). We had not seen one of those floats before. We are already thinking how we could incorporate that with our horses' water tubs. What kind of critter was that at the very end? Looked like it may have been missing a pant leg.🤣 Mark (& Teresa)

[@sundancer442]

The mesh is REALLY important for lizards too, also for baby snakes.

[@woodman1379]

Thank you for sharing this idea. Thanks also for respecting and caring for the welfare of all wild creatures!!

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you!

[@mslusiana8339]

That's so awesome of you! Thank you 😊

[@homesteadonomics]

Thanks for checking it out!

[@mcluvineer358]

If 2 vegans get into a fight, is it still called a beef???

[@homesteadonomics]

😂🤣

[@plainandsimple1]

APPEAL TO HEAVEN. Excellent. Stay free.

[@homesteadonomics]

I send multiple appeals daily with this crazy world we find ourselves in. And yes, I fully intend to stay and live free. One of the big reasons I live fairly rural…. My general assessment is this… the less dense the population, the more Liberty you have😉👍

[@steveramirez1654]

Lot's of nice bucks in the area! Couse deer?

[@homesteadonomics]

Yep, these are coues whitetail in this area. We also have mule deer as well but just no footage during this 3 week span. But hopefully by the next upgrade to this system I’ll have some muleys to show too!

[@rogaineablar5608]

Wow, expected the others but was surprised by the pack of wild boars. I assume Javelinas are some sort of rodent? Why cover the trough at all? Would it have been better to get a smaller tub instead? Could even use a dishpan... Great work!!! Thanks for the content!

[@homesteadonomics]

Yep those were javelinas! Funny little creatures😀 As for the tub being partially covered. The reason for that is to increase drinkable capacity. This way there is like 12-14 gals of water in the tub so several deer or other animals can drink from it without the water level going down too far. I did have an auto dog water dish on a previous version of this project and once one or two animals hit it much of the water would be drank down and the float refills is very slowly. So it’s mostly just for the ability for multiple animals to get a drink without draining the level down, before the float refills the water.

[@mattiefattie3895]

Thank you for your content 😌

[@homesteadonomics]

😊🙏

[@letsgocamping88]

That catch tank off the gutter looks like it does a good job of separating out any sediment before it gets to the tank

[@homesteadonomics]

It gets most of it! The little bits of dirt usually collect on the trough bottom and when it’s al dry I can just sweep the dust out.

[@4lifejeph]

I had no idea that it gets down in to the low 30's in your area.

[@homesteadonomics]

Even the teens every few years….albeit pretty rare.

[@danielfisch655]

Great job, I will be using something similar to help out our local wildlife and thank you for sharing.

[@homesteadonomics]

Thanks Daniel!

[@robertbenson9070]

Awesome!!!

[@tombaker501]

Great video! always enjoy your videos and seeing all the projects you work on.

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you!

[@deezynar]

What do you do to keep mosquitos under control?

[@homesteadonomics]

It’s not really a problem at this waterer. If they do become an issue I have some dunks I can throw in the water

[@deezynar]

@@homesteadonomics I've spent my whole life in Tucson, and we didn't notice mosquitos in the 60s, 70s, or 80s. They only became a problem in the 90s, and they were very noticeable. It's possible that your location has too little standing water in the area to attract them right now. The thing is, once they get established, they're hard to get rid of because even if you take care of your own situation your neighbors may be breeding mosquitos in standing water on their properties.

[@Rambl-n_Man]

Great build project! Love the wildlife photos. I am with you, why bait the wildlife to in the end harvest them. Thats not the type of hunting I was taught.

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you!🙏

[@gregmize01]

👍👍👍👍

[@tclodfelter8789]

Love the game trail pics! Thanks!!!

[@homesteadonomics]

They sure do make it worth while! Otherwise I wouldn’t know half of what came in…. Especially the night ones. Except for seeing the prints that is

[@tclodfelter8789]

@@homesteadonomics I'm in southern Ohio...mostly deer, coyotes, fox and turkey... but I have recently seen a bobcat.

[@MR619Can]

Awesome job Joe! love your hunting ethics also.

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you!

[@danharris8046]

I would be getting free bacon from the javalina

[@BCummings]

@NORTHWOODSPREPPER1 Thank you! I didn't know that and it sent me on an knowledge hunt...

[@homesteadonomics]

So yes, the other comments are correct as they are technically ‘collared peccary’ but we still casually refer to them as a kinda pig, even though they aren’t. Kinda like someone ordering a ‘coke’ at a restaurant. Some places the order is for an actual coca-cola and other places they might just be referring to RC, Pepsi, or another similar cola. But they sure do have a pig look to me😂👍

[@samiralbalushi4611]

Good 👍 job 👍 👏 👌 and awesome 👌 video. Samir

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you Samir!

[@rickpeddicord8745]

Awesome! Thanks 🙏

[@homesteadonomics]

Thanks Rick!

[@boeing-lt4el]

I live in Kalifornia. Just curious about the legality of feeding/watering wild animals. Are there any regulations against it or that regulate it?

[@homesteadonomics]

In AZ we aren’t supposed to feed them…but water is totally fine…and for some species it’s encouraged by the state and GF

[@RatelLaw]

Thank you for sharing

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you!

[@umutaksoy3435]

God bless you bro

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you and may God bless you too!

[@sylmarie6494]

Very thoughtful of your furry friends. We need more beautiful humans like you! Awesome system💗