Winter proof heated, circulating rabbit water system | DIY water system build

I upgraded my Silver Fox meat rabbit water system to be a closed circuit circulating and heated system. Now I don't have to worry about frozen water for my rabbits. This system can work for all different types of livestock that drink from water nipples.

[@SybilDefense]

One water level trick is using a float in the tank connected to a string with a weight (a nut). For example, use a fishing bobber (wooden float), some heavy fishing line (20lb test) or paranoid, pass it through a vent hole on the top side of the bucket, and tie the nut at the bottom of the bucket. As the water level drops, so does the float, which pulls the weight up. Mark the levels (min/max) on the bucket. Now you have a visual indicator that won't freeze (as would still water in a sight tube). Old French winemaker trick. TullyRiverQuail / You Tube Channel - grow your own protien for food and profit

[@scottstockle1andonly]

Nice job, I have a similar setup. I have a larger aquarium pump and an aquarium heater and have it in about a 30-gallon barrel. When it is really cold outside, the water stays about 50 degrees Fahrenheit, but when it's not cold, I do have to unplug it. I also had to lower my hoses to below the cages because one of my rabbits chewed a hole in the hose.

[@Buzzybeeacres]

Where are the links to the stuff you got?

[@mikeroup2721]

Your water level idea is helpful. It gets old going up and down the ladder. Just install an elbow and seal (grommet) at the bottom of the bucket and run the clear tube up like you did. It will give you the level without being part of the pressure system. Thanks for the video.

[@OwlCreekHomestead]

that will definitely be a part of my new water system that i plan to build before winter! Thanks for watching!

[@markpennella]

Try using a mason jar and a light bulb. Also, try to find a used hot water heater where the heating element is shot. Adding the HH to you circulation system will give you thermal mass and all your lines can be used free garden hose (unless you want BPH free tubing ;) Pex is a great alternative.

[@TheHomesteadTrail]

Good work! we’ve used the farm innovators heated rabbit waterers for a few years and they’re expensive garbage- we’re lucky if they last a whole season. They sell submersible bucket heaters and heated buckets at rural king that should keep your temps closer to where you want it. 46 days til spring!!

[@OwlCreekHomestead]

I may look up one of those buckets! I would worry about drilling a hole in the side for the tubing tho since i may accidently hit a heating wire in the bucket wall. This system will be put to the test this coming weekend, it is supposed to be -3F at night.

[@togodbetheglory3353]

@@OwlCreekHomestead how did it do? Did it freeze?

[@pamallen9373]

I like your purple and teal rabbit feeders 🐇🐇

[@OwlCreekHomestead]

Straight from the clearance rack at tractor supply!

[@Nocturnal160]

Needs heat tape as well. We use that system and everything froze except what is in the bucket.

[@OwlCreekHomestead]

I ended up rebuilding the entire system. I just released a video on it, so far it is still flowing in -10F temps

[@tedlofland3446]

inline a thermostat temp. control for the heater that can control more heat during deep winters and shut off during mild climates. and insulate all the lines.

[@MamaTtoB-P]

Really cool 😎.

[@RusticByNature]

Do you have a follow-up video on how well it did in the winter? I am up in Alaska and would like to do something like this. Also now that you are using a pump you do not need the bucket to be so high.

[@MaryGatdula]

Well, now that we are on the backside of some of the coldest temps we've had in over 100 years, I'm anxiously awaiting your update on how well or poor this systems performed. Seems like a good system. Hope it worked!

[@MaryGatdula]

@Stefan Jaylen Why?

[@curtismeier9950]

I effectively did this exact same thing this year, but the drink nipples are still freezing when the temp drops to the low 20s and lower. I even insulated them from direct contact onto the wire cages. Wondering how well yours worked and if maybe I need to go up in water temp...

[@cakins08]

Could you put watering cups in for quail/chickens in this setup? Id like to be able to fill one five gallon bucket and have it water my rabbits, quail, and chickens. Thanks for the 💡

[@ArmorUp]

where are the links for parts used?

[@riversongtiny2025]

I love your rabbit hutch idea. Could I make a sketchup or CAD of the set up? Edit: What about an instructable that you can share with your viewers?

[@OwlCreekHomestead]

I've never drawn it up more than just a quick sketch of the basic design. I've had plenty of people ask but I don't know how to design it on a computer.

[@mkshffr4936]

I wonder if just using heat tape on the tubing and a stock tank heater for the reservoir would work.

[@marywrigjt7614]

Cool.!!👍👍❤️🇺🇸✝️

[@HiddenSpringFarm]

Pretty practical water system Cody, let us know how it works throughout an entire winter. Getting rabbits for our farm stay is on my list this year, but just for manure and cuddling lol-not sure of breed yet though. Do all rabbits do well in the cold? Looking for a breed with beautiful colourings, any suggestions bud? Nice video. Cheers, Chad

[@OwlCreekHomestead]

from my experience rabbits do great in the winter temps, its summer you have to worry about. A well handled Silver Fox would probably make a great pet!

[@elysiaroberts]

Rabbits do much better in cold than heat. I live in central Alberta, we see temps of -40° and I breed year round.

[@OwlCreekHomestead]

I couldn't imagine -40!! How warm do you get during the summer?

[@HiddenSpringFarm]

Elysia R that’s great to know, I’m in Horseshoe Valley, Ontario and 1 of my plans this year is to get rabbits so I’m trying to decide on an amazing looking and cuddly breed good for manure, breeding and for guest at the farm to interact with. Have a good one, Chad. Any ideas?

[@PTJeff9x]

It's pretty much the last of summer. How did the circulating system do? I'm curious to see if the nipples froze

[@mking3219]

Great idea man, I'm in sw Indiana Setting up our cuniculture as I type this. What type rabbits do you have?

[@jamesstiver2450]

Great job looks just like mine except mine is not freeze proof yet. I would like to know how you connect the water pump to the water line?

[@OwlCreekHomestead]

I just bought a pump with a small flange and zip tied the line to it. Pulaco was the brand I think.

[@medina3420]

Water level? why, Add apex piping hose to bucket, Add a water Float valve. water stays full at all times. Never fill water Again. 🤷🏽‍♂️ How I've done it for couple years now works great. I check every few months for a clean. That's it. the recirculation is a good idea. I'm going to change to that all year now. Thanks

[@OwlCreekHomestead]

I plan to hook mine up on a float soon. I'm expanding my rabbitry first, then will get the water system built. Thanks for watchin!

[@The_Brew_Dog]

Fish tanks use auto top off systems (ATO) that might be useful for what you are trying to do as far as keeping your buckets full.

[@OwlCreekHomestead]

I planned to build a system like that this summer, never had time. It is definetly on my list for next year.

[@ryucat3179]

How did you install the pump? Is there a certain place it needs to be? Does it need to be connected directly to the tubing line going to the rabbits?

[@saulthompson6613]

How come their tongue/mouth doesn’t freeze to the metal watering nipple?

[@nguvu1536]

Sir where did you buy water nipples at ? please give me detail about , thanks

[@ayechajason1698]

Where is the link ?

[@j.m.k.3406]

Pretty slick,I was hoping to do something similar,you made it way easier! What kind of rabbits are those? Fyi we are in SW Indiana

[@OwlCreekHomestead]

I dont remember what rabbits I had in this video without going back to watch. Most likely silver fox. Now I have silver fox, new zealand, and I just got some redbacks for the first time.

[@nguvu1536]

and a connector too please

[@tracybruring7560]

how did this work for you? my only thought is if you get an illness in a rabbit it may spread to other rabbits through the system;

[@OwlCreekHomestead]

Great! I actually just recorded an update video. I never even thought about the spread of illness but I guess it is definetly possible.

[@Nvcttlvncowgirl22]

The video is truly helpful, thank you. How do I find your Amazon link? Thank you!!!

[@OwlCreekHomestead]

I dont have an amazon link any longer. I didnt have enough sales thru their affiliate link and I lost it.

[@KimJCastleberry]

Could you give us an inventory list anyways in the text description? It would be super helpful!

[@OwlCreekHomestead]

I think most of the stuff can be purchased at rabbitnipples.com they might even sell kits.

[@JustinAlvord]

Where are the links for the materials?

[@barbarafentress2933]

😤😗👍

[@graceoverall]

You could also eliminate the need for a separate heater, and even a pump, but installing a small scale geothermal system to prevent the water from freezing by absorbing heat from the ground. I would guess a depth of about 4-5 feet would be sufficient for something like this, and you could use pex for the coils. I don't think it would require a whole lot of coils to get the job done. You could get 100 feet of 1/2" pex from Home Depot for a mere $30 which would be more than enough. I plan to do something like this for my rabbits. I'm still planning out the system though.

[@annetracy77]

I'd love to see a video about this!