The Best Chicken Feeder & Waterer for the Coop

I honestly think this is the best feeder and waterer you can make for poultry.
I've made feeders like this out of garbage cans and they work just fine. The only problem is garbage cans this big are pretty expensive. You can find food grade 55 gallon drums pretty easy for cheap. They hold 300 lbs of feed. That's ridiculous.
This waterer is a little more expensive because of the bell waterer but it's worth it. Those little water cups break all the time and no one wants to have to deal with a flooded coop.
Thanks for watching!
Affiliate Links:
Hole Saw Kit: amzn.to/3j7FNqS
Bell Waterer: farmerboyag.com/broiler-drink...
3" 45 PVC: amzn.to/3rWcOLO
If you can't find the street elbow, these work pretty well.
Chicken Feeder Port: amzn.to/3CDsZ6m
For people concerned with mice.
Bucket Trap for Mice: amzn.to/3L5QObw
Support our farm:
Website: nicholscounty.com

[@ChicagoCactusKing]

These are how how to videos should be, simple to the point, no ego. Well done and I thank you

[@NicholsCounty]

Thanks, appreciate that.

[@Xassaw]

And with humor. Well done

[@user-xb1ht4py2v]

literaly hundreds of videos on how to do this, BUt this is the easiest and simplest by far. Step one cut a hole, step two shove fitting in. DONE!

[@NicholsCounty]

Yeah, those street elbows work perfect for these. Glad I figured it out.

[@andrewknoll5254]

​@@NicholsCountyonly thing I may be wrong but wouldn't the waterer be better away from the window to prevent algae buildup?

[@michaellatham1971]

Great build. I’m about to cut my barrel. Last question. Did your roosters have any trouble getting big heads in to eat?

[@marcireno8767]

This is so cool! Haven’t seen this set up. I think I (65 year old grandma) can do this! I have over 80 chickens and it wears me out filling water for ducks and chickens at least every other day. Thanks a bunch!

[@NicholsCounty]

It definitely helps. You only have to haul every couple of weeks

[@jbdjessa2]

So, do we think this would be a suitable solution for a guard goose too? 👀 That would be fabulous.

[@jamiedavis9146]

Cool, feeder and water, I watched this video and love the amounts of feed that you can put in it, my 14 year old son has about 30-40 chicken's that he feeds every day after school, his feeder's on hold about 5-7pounds and it don't last long this will help him big time thanks for sharing this video!

[@NicholsCounty]

You bet! I make a bunch of these for people around here.

[@jerradallen6316]

I started raising chickens at his age and have became addicted lol. I have around 80 chickens a incubator full of eggs and plan on hatching around 500 this year 😂

[@brendanelson1027]

Thanks for sharing this. The fittings for the feeders are genius!

[@NicholsCounty]

You bet! They also sell screw on ones on Amazon.

[@SEEAFRIKA]

Guys if you love what you watch thumbs up, I’m gonna try this in my farm as well

[@NicholsCounty]

Thanks!

[@bethupson2492]

I have the same feeders. Did them about 4 yrs ago with those large garbage cans you bring out to the road. A friend worked as a garbage man and got me a few old cans. They work amazing. Love that they have wheels .

[@NicholsCounty]

They work well, too. But buying them new was more expensive than these bigger blue barrels.

[@2blessed2]

I'm hoping to get some used ones from a defunct trash company this week. Will power wash it out. I think they are asking$30 each

[@WRKH949]

You sir, ARE AWSOME!! I have been looking to build this, i am done with consumer-grade gear. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you.

[@NicholsCounty]

You bet. Cheap, easy, and efficient.

[@conniehalley]

Very well made video, simple, easy to follow.

[@NicholsCounty]

Glad it was helpful!

[@debragoldsby6841]

Just got my stuff to make me the feeder and water...I Love your idea. can't wait to get them done...

[@NicholsCounty]

Great. Thanks for watching!

[@niccolealdrich4890]

Love this! I'm going to do this for my winter coop!

[@NicholsCounty]

Sounds great!

[@lobo1368]

Curious...are you going to do the waterer?.. do you heat your coop. Ty

[@niccolealdrich4890]

@lobo13 Yes I will also make the waterer. I use deep compost bedding in winter for heat in the hoop coop. Then they are on pasture when it is warm. My coop is on skids so I can move it to a new spot and clean up the old area.

[@Og_Farm]

Easy steps to follow, good work 😊

[@NicholsCounty]

Thanks a lot 😊

[@chantala1075]

Great video, will definitely try it. Thank you.

[@NicholsCounty]

Great. Let me know how it turns out.

[@RankarSama]

I’m going to be adding this to mine great idea love it!

[@NicholsCounty]

Thanks!

[@davidthedocker1956]

Great idea will be sure to try it soon thank you

[@NicholsCounty]

Awesome. Hope it turns out for you as good as it did for me.

[@tips8762]

Very cool I love doing so thank you for letting me

[@NicholsCounty]

You bet.

[@normalara1417]

Thank you for this!👍. My husband & I were thinking of going on a trip and he asked me, "what about the chickens? Who's going to feed & water them?" Definitely going to be making both of these.👍 Thank you.🥰🙏

[@NicholsCounty]

You're welcome. They're easy to build and great for vacations.

[@user-neo71665]

I've done this and will tell you without more ports in that large of a feeder you have a huge area of feed that will sit and go bad/mold. The chickens simply cant reach in and get to the whole bottom to eat so it just sits. A 55 gallon barrel feeder really needs ports all around it to for the most part stop it. I say for the most part because there is still a section in the center they can't reach that sits. As for waterers I use horizonal nipples. I swapped to them 5 years ago and out of the 20 or so in use I think I've had 3 go bad.

[@NicholsCounty]

Yeah, thanks for the tip. When the feed gets low. I just dump it out so they can scratch through it on the ground. I don't pile new feed on top of old feed. There are all kinds of ways to fix that problem. Like you said, more feed ports is an easy way to fix it.

[@anndennis7163]

I suggest a cone shape of some kind to sit in the center (might have to glue it to remain in the center)

[@Coloradolostandfound]

Nice! I especially like the waterer. Thanks.

[@NicholsCounty]

Thanks

[@Homestead.Sistas.Collaborative]

This is great! Thanks for sharing.

[@NicholsCounty]

You are so welcome!

[@outdoorsadrenaline]

Very good I like it, simple! thanks for sharing. Thinking about options for quail and I think I could do something similar scaled down.

[@NicholsCounty]

Yeah a 5 gallon bucket would work.

[@mariellemartin5910]

Wow that’s a time saver for sure.

[@NicholsCounty]

Yes it is.

[@carmenmariacortesmarin2664]

This is great 👍 thank you for sharing

[@NicholsCounty]

You bet.

[@tthomestead2763]

The 55 gallon water is a great idea for people who live off grid and may just be getting started and have to haul water. Its nice to fill it and not worry about refilling every day when it gets hot out.

[@NicholsCounty]

Yeah I check on mine once a week or so.

[@Homestead.Sistas.Collaborative]

Good stuff! Thanks for sharing.

[@NicholsCounty]

You bet!

[@johnmacabinquil8777]

Great idea! Thanks for sahring.

[@NicholsCounty]

You are so welcome!

[@ravenoustreasure7452]

This was amazing..you have earned my subscription!

[@NicholsCounty]

Thanks.

[@ScottyD]

Great idea on the feeder... however I build a 5 gallon version of this years ago and once the mice get wind of your feeder, they will empty it out quickly. I converted to a tube style feeder that I built with a hardware cloth top to keep critters out of and it has the ability to close up nightly at the bottom where the chickens feed from. I have not had mice attack my feeders anymore.

[@NicholsCounty]

Yeah mice are an issue. But I have way too many chickens to use tube style feeders.

[@stenerikrolfo8984]

How do you make a tube style feeder? My husband's parents had 800 chickens but it was in Sweden . We are in California now with a lot of , for us, unknown critters. Want to make sure our chickens are safe and have food😂

[@jackiecolesworthy942]

I add cayenne pepper to my chicken feed; actually good for parasites in the chickens and the chickens can’t taste it. Mice will run away! 😅

[@TheBrewCaptain]

Great video. I’m going to do this with a 5 gallon bucket. My flock isn’t quite big enough for 55 gallons 👍🏻

[@NicholsCounty]

That works too

[@user-uf2nt6ly3k]

Liked the video and plan to make something similar today with my main man. Just curious how you heat the water in the winter if you're in a cold climate location? ALSO, you experience no overflow of feed out the PVC spouts? Love the simplicity you used. Thanks for sharing with the People!

[@NicholsCounty]

Hi. I don't have issues with birds pulling out food. If you mix food, such as corn and pellets, or use scratch, then yes you will have issues. Certain birds will like one or the other and then pull it out. If you have this issue just get some duct take and make a little lip on the bottom. Or you could make a drop box underneath to catch the overflow.

[@williamlaprarie3007]

My grandpa used an old toilet tank with direct water filling. He just took the plunger out. So when the float dropped and the water kicked on it filled the pipe up and filled up the water feeders connected to the pipe.😂

[@NicholsCounty]

Nice

[@dannymarkgraf34]

that is awesome. so simple, but perfect. great video. thanks for sharing

[@NicholsCounty]

Glad you liked it!

[@markgasper9390]

Great video! I appreciate the detail you give in building these. The Amazon link for the 3" street elbow is not the same as you used anymore. I was able to find them in a quick internet search. Thank you!

[@NicholsCounty]

Thanks for letting me.

[@lauracantrell3367]

Thanks for the awesome feeder video!!!!

[@NicholsCounty]

Thanks for watching!

[@bruceshearer1719]

...A great video...thank you ,Sir🇨🇦

[@NicholsCounty]

Thanks.

[@drehogan115]

Thank you! Great job!

[@NicholsCounty]

Thanks.

[@HankPrescott-mn3he]

Do you get the bell waterer from tractor supply or a feed store?

[@cpet5048]

Well done! Proud of u showing us this. I'm definitely going to have a go. From the United Kingdom xx

[@NicholsCounty]

Thanks.

[@victorialemus7030]

Very good and helping me a lot

[@NicholsCounty]

Great!

[@jeffnorman1598]

That's really helpful bub. Thanks

[@NicholsCounty]

You bet.

[@miriamwathoni5535]

Very very creative. Thanks

[@NicholsCounty]

Thanks.

[@badassbees3680]

Great handy info!

[@NicholsCounty]

Glad it was helpful!

[@lobo1368]

Up here in Michigan the waterer wouldn't work in winter. Appreciate your video. Ty❤

[@NicholsCounty]

Yeah. Mine freezes up as well. You can get a heater

[@brucemunro7257]

Good stuff. The feeder will work for me, but I live in northern Minnesota, so a heated watering system is a must. I'll figure one out and let you know.

[@NicholsCounty]

Yes this will definitely freeze. If you have heat tape that might work.

[@lindsychatterton]

Did you figure out something to keep it from freezing ?

[@michaelsalazar1665]

Excited to build this, thanks so much! One question. Have you problems with algae with the waterer?

[@NicholsCounty]

Yeah it does build up if it's in direct sun. If it's in the shade its not a problem.

[@michaelsalazar1665]

@@NicholsCounty The shade it is. Thanks again for the guidance and the prompt response. God bless and have a great weekend!

[@mubizz80]

Great innovation. Thank you for sharing. However, that red drinker seems to be dangling as the chickens touch it. I guess water spillage is possible when they begin playing around, especially as they chase one another

[@NicholsCounty]

No it's weighted. I mean if they hit it hard enough sure. But that's why I built that table for them.

[@patty9265]

Nice set up.

[@NicholsCounty]

Thanks

[@MarioMartinez-os5ch]

Good job

[@NicholsCounty]

Thanks

[@porrascarlos80]

this video was great!

[@NicholsCounty]

Thanks!

[@stevenneeley3966]

Hi there! Awesome video! I do have a question about the waterer. I noticed when you showed it working it drips out of the white parts but will that over flow the bottom at all? It doesn't seem to be like a gravity waterer that only fills it's self as the chickens begin to drink what's there. Just curious

[@NicholsCounty]

I'm not 100% sure how it works. But it definitely doesn't overflow.

[@carfro8ify]

@NicholsCounty what kind of feed do you give your chicks? Thanks for this great video

[@NicholsCounty]

I do medicated chick starter for chicks and pellets for full grown birds

[@independentcontactors339]

I love the chickens at the end

[@NicholsCounty]

I love them too.

[@bobbysueeverson2151]

Looks awesome. Cold winters where we live. Very sad!

[@NicholsCounty]

Yeah that tube will freeze right up

[@rh5022]

How do you keep the water from freezing in the winter ?

[@NicholsCounty]

Move to warmer state. Or use heat tape.

[@jackiecolesworthy942]

Love your ideas and instructions! Regarding the waterer, does the tube from barrel to Plasson waterer have to hang straight down? I wanted to have barrel outside the run, so the black hose would be more slightly slanted up to the barrel, but I don’t know if that would negatively affect the gravity feed. Any thoughts on that?

[@NicholsCounty]

As long as your water bucket is higher than the bell waterer, it will work.

[@curtisgrudzielanek6513]

One of the best videos I've found so far. How does this waterer hold up over the winter months? Do you have any tips to make this work smoothly over winter?

[@NicholsCounty]

Our winters aren't bad here so it does well. If you have bad winters I recommend heat tape.

[@curtisgrudzielanek6513]

Thank you

[@KDHUNTER2012]

I already had one for feeding. But I am getting ready for winter and looking for water solution. I have 80 chickens and was thinking of cutting the rim for the water barrel the same way we have done for the feeder in order to drop a heating element down into it. But I was wondering if by cutting the top for a lid on the water would it create too much gravity and force a leak on the hole for the hose? Anyone know?

[@NicholsCounty]

If you use the same bell waterer I have you'll be fine. Same with those little water cups. You can always flip the lid upside down as well after you cut it off, won't seal well, but will keep chickens and other things out of there.

[@shandor2522]

No worries; the water weighs the same with or without a lid.

[@bukmeier]

That didn’t look consensual at 11:35 Lol Thanks for the vid. I’m always looking for improved ideas. Currently looking for Water freezing mitigation. In the spring I’m switching to your dome technique. Thank u

[@NicholsCounty]

It never is haha.

[@ginnyday9224]

Wow, this is awesome. I’ve been struggling on how to do something like this the only thing is my chicken coop is not big enough to put those drums in there. Do you think they can work from the outside maybe using something different or either way I love this thank you 🤗🙏🏻

[@NicholsCounty]

Yes, of course. The tube is long enough for the waterer. The feeder would be kind of hard to do without a bunch of modifications.

[@braxtonbielski5803]

Great video. Getting supplies together now. Do you have a rough estimate on the dimensions for the stand? I know you just through it together but I’d like to make one trip to the store if possible. Thank you!

[@NicholsCounty]

Just measured. It's approximately 25"x25"x25".

[@braxtonbielski5803]

Thanks a lot. Everything came out beautifully. I ordered the feed ports cause they were cheap and came with the drill bit, super clean and easy to install. Thanks for the help and am looking forward to my 6 chickens having an extremely long term source of feed and water.

[@Theoriginalurbanbuffalo]

Could I do this with a 2 or three gallon Waterer? I have 12 chickens and like to change the water every few days. Thank you for this video! It’s so easy to follow!! Best one yet. I’m going to try this in the next few days😊

[@NicholsCounty]

Thanks. Yes, you can do this with any size container. 5 gallon buck would probably be the easiest as they're so readily available.

[@gcnewd]

I am curious..what happens to all the feed at the bottom of drum. Do you have to empty that ever now and then so it doesn't go bad? Nice video. Good job 👍

[@NicholsCounty]

When it gets low I dump it for the chickens to scratch through.

[@jmc8577]

Thanks never heard of bell water. Keen as

[@NicholsCounty]

They are the best.

[@stephenmesser8849]

Thank you for an informative video. I've had chickens for years but am just realizing the benefits of 55 gal drums vs 5 gal bucket. One question....would 55 gal steel drum work for this too (obviously cutting tools would be different) or any tweaks to make it work?

[@NicholsCounty]

Yeah. They should work just fine. If you use one for water, you'll need some sort of fitting. Also, it could rust eventually.

[@chrisc5726]

Just got mine installed- same set up for both feeder and waterer. Took a bit from Farmer Boy because the waterer was backordered. Can’t think of a better way to water 44 chickens, soon 52.

[@NicholsCounty]

Nice. I hope your wood water stand was as sweet as mine.

[@ichetuckneeoutfitters]

Hey man I'm most definitely gonna make me some of these

[@NicholsCounty]

Great. They work well.

[@brendafox5241]

Love it

[@NicholsCounty]

Thanks.

[@AshGreen359]

There are kits for those feeders for 5 gallon buckets. Three 5 gallon buckets only last two days. Most of it got wasted. I have 16 birds and they only need 4lbs a day.

[@NicholsCounty]

Get a 55 gallon drum. Last you 11x longer

[@AshGreen359]

@@NicholsCounty yeah that cost me a fortune in feed. They only need one scoop a day

[@garyadkins4194]

Thanks for showing what the tab is for on the 3 in. pipe. Now I can use the liquid nail for something else. Yes, I am mentally challenged! DUH

[@NicholsCounty]

Yeah I don't think that's what that tab is meant for but it definitely makes for a good chicken feeder.

[@a.luchesa6823]

Hello just checking on how the Plasson bell drinker is doing with the gravity fed water source , thank you

[@NicholsCounty]

Great. I have like 8 of them now.

[@lindsychatterton]

Love this idea ! What about keeping it from freezing ?

[@NicholsCounty]

You can add a heater. Or move to a nicer place that doesn't have freezing weather :).

[@jbdjessa2]

Haha!

[@TheRainHarvester]

Suggest a tapped fitting into barrel. When the tube gets hot/cold/brittle it could leak.

[@NicholsCounty]

I haven't had any issues yet. 100 degrees in the summer. 0 degrees in winter. It does freeze.

[@TheRainHarvester]

@@NicholsCounty it sometimes happens when the tube gets stiff after a few (3?) Years. If shaded well, it may not. Great video!

[@alexjohnson7065]

Regarding how to keep the water from freezing during the winter when making a waterer of this size? Or if that would even be an issue. We have really cold winters here in Oklahoma. We currently have a 5 gallon waterer that we use a ceramic heat light to keep from freezing. Actually I just realized my solution lol.

[@NicholsCounty]

The tube will freeze before the water barrel. Heat tape works well.

[@domading2759]

I feed about 250 lbs per day and water about 30 gallons per day in my broiler house alone.. Been looking for a good solution to cut down on work.. Not sure I could trust all that water in one container that a malfunction might happen and flood the broiler house or lose birds to lack of.. The feeder has potential with some engineering changes. My floor level also raises about 10-12 inches with every 8 week crop so I like hanging feeders for that reason.. But you have my head working.. Thanks

[@NicholsCounty]

This waterer is legit. I haven't had a single issue with it since I installed it a year ago. But I do understand the concern. Good luck.

[@M_B_24]

So shouldn’t the feeders be pointed upwards instead of downwards (the inside part so that food will flow into the pipe better?) or doesn’t it matter?

[@NicholsCounty]

It matters. Needs to be facing the way I have them facing.

[@nightskyabc]

What about the feed that will always sit at the bottom. Get stale or mould. And how does the feed go into the pipe when the pipe is facing down?

[@NicholsCounty]

When the feed level gets to the bottom, I just dump it for the chickens to eat off the ground. The pipes are facing the correct way.

[@microsnook3]

You should use rain gutters and hook them into the barrel and never worry about filling it again. Maybe a filter for debris or a charcoal too to keep water nice. More money but more water.

[@NicholsCounty]

That's definitely a good plan for one or two. But I have 9 of these barrels.

[@josepontes369]

Hi good job ❤️🙏,where you get water feeder?

[@NicholsCounty]

Hi. There is a link in the description. Had to buy it from a website, can't find it on Amazon

[@taraphelps8111]

Where does the hose go into bell waterer?

[@NicholsCounty]

There is a fitting on the top side of the waterer.

[@artistman75]

Do you have cold winters? If so, how does the waterer hold up in the cold months? Thanks

[@NicholsCounty]

The water freezes. The tubing freezes first.

[@artistman75]

@Nichols County kind of figured as much. We don't have electricity in our coop, and the only thing I could think to do is check on their water a few times a day. Granted I placed a rubber bowl inside another lined with straw to help insulate it and place a bottle of salt water in the middle to slow the freezing process and make it easier to break up or take out the ice all together.

[@HKhulu]

Hey your video is amazing, I will be doing it soon, can you help me out. There are rats and mice at my place. What will I do to prevent the rats from going into the hole and ruining the food inside?

[@NicholsCounty]

They won't borrow into the feed. But this type of feeder will attract more mice. Get some bucket traps and bait with peanut butter.

[@jansan9125]

Thanks for sharing. Is the waterer still leak free?

[@NicholsCounty]

Yes, it is

[@Matt-1926]

like the idea. However, it doesn't look like the chickens can reach the bottom of the feed barrel. If you keep pouring new feed on top how do you keep the feed on the bottom, that they can't reach, from going rancid?

[@NicholsCounty]

When it gets to the bottom you don't keep pouring feed on top. Problem fixed. Dump the feed on the ground. They eat it.

[@faustomikhael221]

Hello. Just wanted to ask you how this feeder is going so far? Aren't you getting troubles woth the rooster, having such large combs, not being able to reach the feed through the holes?

[@NicholsCounty]

It works good. Does cause mice problems. Roosters eat just fine.

[@fredg451]

what do you do in the winter? that would freeze solid where i live.

[@NicholsCounty]

I don't live where you live.

[@SpYucaipaSoCal]

I like the water cup that have the float shut offs. They are cheap and dependable. I always turn the cups up against the bucket or barrel so they don’t get knocked around. I have a few of the little giant hanging basins but they are a bit of a learning curve and $35 each. For 5 hens a 5 gallon bucket is good for a week’s worth of water supply. And easy pick up wash out with spray nozzle or carry to a hose somewhere to get a bath. The feeders here aren’t for me I’d have nice and rats out the wazoo in no time. I use treadle feeders now and rarely see any rats anywhere now.

[@NicholsCounty]

Yeah these are more for bigger flocks. Mice are always an issue around any open feed, but yes this is definitely not mouse proof.

[@robertlawton7991]

I'm just curious but with a big amount of water just sitting there doesn't it build a slim inside the drum and if so howbdo you solve it?

[@NicholsCounty]

If it's in direct sunlight it will grow algae. If in the dark, it's not bad at all. But you just clean as needed with a pressure washer or a long brush.

[@stevenjames1951]

Doesn't that much water go bad in the heat of the summer? Here in South Arizona it gets an ezzy 115° to 120° up to 128° at times and I have to put ice in the water during the hottest part of the day

[@NicholsCounty]

It doesn't go bad. Tanks needs to be cleaned from time to time.

[@luvontetreault7667]

I'm not sure where you are located...but I'm trying to.figure.put something like this that will also work through the NY cold winters...anyone know where I can find info like that? Thanks

[@NicholsCounty]

Tennessee. You'd need a tank heater in NY.

[@taylorhoss1234]

I’m in middle Tennessee we do get pretty cold here , snow pretty good last year what you think for water. I could just break ice on the actual water bell- but what about the drum

[@NicholsCounty]

@@taylorhoss1234 I'm probably just going to put some big water bowls down and break ice if it comes to that. I haven't tested this one in the winter yet. The other ones I have freeze but usually thaw mid day.

[@AztecWarrior69]

3:50 Run you drill backwards first, to start. Makes it way easier. 5:50 You are taking way more effort than need be to pop those fittings in. Best thing to do is, right before you break through with the hole saw, drill a hole just big enough that lets the knob pass though with easy, at the bottom. When you put the fitting in you simply rotate it into position. Plug the bottom hole with anything the chickens can't rip apart. When it comes time to clean the barrel you can easily take them out. When done get some non treated 3/8ths plywood and cut a diverter plate for the bottom of the barrel. Cut it so the feed slides down to the fittings and there is none back on the other side just sitting there getting old. You can use a bit of cardboard to get the inicial template. Once you get a semi tight fit cut a few layers using the 3/8s. Layers is for the weight of the feed and you can fold the plywood easier to get it in the barrel. Once you get the layers ready to screw together, get a bicycle tire tube (just big enough to pull over the diverter) and slip it over. hopefully you made a good seal. Done this once before for a friend and it worked out nice. However I have done it with cement before and that took way less time and effort. Laid the drum on it's side, at an angle and poured some water in and got the right angle I wanted. And added some food coloring. Drilled a 1/2" hole directly under to let the water out. Marked the line where the food coloring was. Took utility knife and remarked it, Drilled holes in a few places below that line. Got some vinegar and a scotch brite scrubbing pad and scrubbed 1/2in to 3/4" above the line and ALL over under the line, it will not bond well if you do not do this. Screwed in 3in bolts into the holes, to keep the concrete in place for ever just in case it did not bond well. Mixed the concrete and poured it in while keeping the angle. Smoothed it out, brushed the surface for texture. Poured a HIGH gloss oil based paint right on top and let it self level. Took less than the pint but used all of it anyway. The whole process took round 2 hrs. Not counting the overnight to let the concrete set. The concrete being a bit heavier was an added bonus. when the barrel is low the wind won't blow it over. If you want it lighter you can always use the stuff they use in crime scenes to make impressions/molds of footprints and things like that. No need for the paint or bolts. All you need to do is drill some deck screws into it to hold in place. Stuff is cheap and mean not to shrink. Tho getting it away from the wall and making a cone out of some sheet metal may be a way better thing. There are many, online cone making template makers, where you tell it the diameter and how tall and it will tell you what gauge metal to use and how much overlap to do. Predrill holes and pop rivet once it's in the drum. For the water I always tell people to invert the barrel for a better system ( have pix if interested) but for you putting the barrel might be a better thing.

[@NicholsCounty]

Thanks for the tips. I ended up making a diverted for the feed a while back ago.

[@BittyBooBrown]

So do you not have to silicone around the tubing of the waterer?

[@NicholsCounty]

No. Not of you drill the correct hole size.

[@thefamilyfriendsandfunchan3548]

If the water thing constantly drips won't it overflow at night when they are asleep, or is there a shut off if the water gets too high in the ring?

[@NicholsCounty]

It's a balance thing. It's stops dripping after the bowl is full. They're pretty neat.

[@thefamilyfriendsandfunchan3548]

@@NicholsCounty Ok, cool. I was thinking of a similar setup. We're going on vacation for a week and I need to make sure the Chickens have enough food and water while we're gone.

[@valeriefreeman9672]

Has anyone used these for ducks with success? Great idea.

[@NicholsCounty]

I think they would spill a lot of water. But it would work.

[@hannahclark3564]

Thank you! How many chickens would you say this waterer would support? Looking to use for meat birds mostly.

[@NicholsCounty]

That really depends on how often you want to fill it. I have 50 or so birds on this and refill every couple of weeks.

[@hannahclark3564]

@@NicholsCounty thanks! So basically this is a gravity fed, low pressure system. So as long as the vessel with the water sits above the drinker it should work right?

[@NicholsCounty]

@@hannahclark3564 That's exactly right. You can use a 5 gallon bucket or something like I used.

[@hannahclark3564]

@@NicholsCounty perfect! Going to use a 55 gallon drum and thinking I’ll leave the drum outside on a platform and run the hose through the coop

[@NicholsCounty]

@hannahclark3564 either way will work. I don't have any issues with it inside.

[@SaraPurvey]

Is there a mechanism on the bell waterer to stop the flow once it reaches a certain level?

[@NicholsCounty]

Yes.

[@thomasbyerly4305]

Wondering how this has worked out for you. Talking about the water barrel's. I did this for 100 birds but found very difficult to keep slim from growing inside the barrel.

[@NicholsCounty]

You have to clean them out ever couple of months. You can always paint them black to help. Or there I'd an additive you can put in the water to stop algea growth.

[@Wolfe_Metals_Stacking]

1 Tbs Apple Cider Vinegar per gallon of water kills algae and helps bird health. Would only need to do it every 2-3 fill ups

[@russellverdin8339]

Your watering drum is great. But what do you do about the rats for the feed? Rats are going to get in your Coupe and go straight for the feed. So what do you do to keep the rats at Bay?

[@NicholsCounty]

I have bucket traps. You're never going to keep mice out of an old barn like this. They'll always find a way.

[@aladrasullivan9018]

It's called an outside cat,I have 2 an no rats!!

[@randallcarver6950]

Love the waterer feed is no big deal but hate filling waterers

[@NicholsCounty]

Yeah I hear you.

[@_Otaku-kt8be]

Did you use any sealant for the water hose?

[@NicholsCounty]

None. No leaks.

[@stoneyislandranch9783]

That waterer just drips so it does over flow if they don't drink like at night?

[@NicholsCounty]

No. It stops dripping when it's full.

[@user-uf2nt6ly3k]

Sorry just noticed the heater questions answered but still wanted to know for such a large amount of water. Thanks

[@NicholsCounty]

It's harder to freeze a large body of water. For instance it take longer to freeze 55 gallons of water as opposed to 5. If you keep this in direct sun it should help. If you use PVC in the winter they will freeze and crack if you don't heat them. If these start freezing up then I just bring water up to them (frost free hydrant). If you live in the north, you're going to need some type of heater. Hope this helps.

[@believer7377]

A ten dollar aquarium heater should keep it from freezing they have to be fully submerged at all times while on so don't let water run out completely and put it all the way at bottom. There should be a suction cup on it.