7 Best Chicken Waterer Ideas DIY for Your Coop

Choosing the right chicken waterer for your coop is crucial. It’s all about keeping your flock hydrated and healthy. You have two options: make one yourself (DIY) or buy a ready-made version.

If you’re into DIY projects, creating your chicken waterer can be rewarding. You can customize it to fit your coop perfectly. Plus, it’s often cheaper. But, it does take time, effort, and some basic tools. If you’re like me and prefer convenience, buying a chicken waterer might be the way to go.

While purchasing one can be pricier, but the convenience will be worth it! To meet your need, read further to pick between DIY vs readymade chicken waterer.

7 Best Chicken Waterer Ideas DIY

Keeping your feathered friends hydrated is essential for a healthy coop. But with so many waterer options, choosing the right one can be tricky. Here are 7 ideas for chicken waterer to quench your chickens’ thirst.

1. The Classic Chick Waterer: Perfect for chicks, this small, bowl-style option is readily available and easy to clean. However, it requires frequent refilling and can get messy as chicks learn to drink.
2. DIY Bottle Waterer: Upcycle a gallon jug by attaching a nipple drinker! This budget-friendly option is easy to make and provides a steady water supply. Just elevate it to prevent ground contamination and choose a heavy base to avoid tipping.
3. Hanging Bucket Chicken Waterer: A simple and effective solution. Drill nipple drinkers into a food-grade bucket, hang it inside the coop, and enjoy the mess-free design. Remember, choose a bucket size based on your flock’s needs.
4. Automatic Waterer: Take the refilling chore off your plate!  These connect to a water source and continually refill a drinker base. Perfect for larger flocks or those who crave convenience, but require proper setup to avoid leaks.
5. Gravity Feeder Waterer: Similar to the automatic waterer, this option uses a larger container suspended above a drinker base. Gravity keeps the base filled but doesn’t require a constant water connection. Ideal for smaller flocks or those without easy access to plumbing.
6. Hooded Waterer: This enclosed design keeps debris and droppings out of the water, minimizing cleaning and waste. It’s a good choice for keeping your flock hydrated in outdoor runs or windy areas.
7. Heated Waterer:  For frosty climates, a heated waterer ensures your chickens have access to unfrozen water during winter.  These typically use electricity and require extra attention to avoid overheating or malfunctions.

DIY Chicken Waterer: How to Make It?

Building your own chicken waterer is a fantastic way to save money and customize it to your coop’s needs. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get you started.

Materials for DIY Chicken Waterer

• 5-gallon bucket with lid (darker colors help reduce algae growth)
• Drill and drill bits (size depends on nipple type, usually 11/32″ and 1/8″)
• Chicken nipple drinkers (2-3 recommended)
• Power screwdriver (optional, for some nipple types)

Step-by-step Guide to Build Chicken Waterer DIY

Here’s what you need to follow to make the best chicken waterer DIY –

• Step 1. Gather your supplies: Ensure you have all the materials listed before diving in.
• Step 2. Drill holes for the nipples: Using the recommended drill bit size for your nipples (check the manufacturer’s instructions!), drill 1-1.5 inches from the bottom of the bucket. Space the holes evenly for easy chicken access, allowing 3-4 birds per nipple.
• Step 3. Air vent time: Drill two small holes (around 1/8″) near the top of the bucket. These air vents allow water to flow freely when chickens activate the nipples.  Some recommend drilling these holes in the lid instead.
• Step 4. Attach the nipples: Here’s where your chosen nipple type comes in. For screw-in nipples, follow the manufacturer’s instructions and use your drill or screwdriver to secure them in the pre-drilled holes.
• Step 5. Fill and hang: Fill the bucket with clean water, leaving some space below the air vents. Hang the bucket securely inside your coop using the lid or additional straps.

Bonus Tips for Making DIY Chicken Waterer

• Use a rubber washer on the nipple for a tighter seal.
• Place the bucket on a stable platform to prevent tipping.
• Monitor the water level regularly and refill as needed.
• Clean the waterer and nipples periodically to prevent algae buildup.

Take some more advice to get the right chicken waterer from the following video –

Top 5 Picks for Best Chicken Waterers

Keeping your coop hydrated and happy requires the right waterer. Here’s a breakdown of the top 5 picks, catering to different needs and budgets:

1. Harris Farms Double Wall Poultry Drinker

This galvanized steel drinker features a double-wall design for insulation, keeping water cooler in summer and warmer in winter. It comes in 2-gallon and 5-gallon sizes, making it suitable for small to medium flocks.

Review: Praised for its durability, ease of cleaning, and automatic nipple drinker system that minimizes spills and keeps water fresh. Some users with huge flocks might find the refill frequency a bit high for the smaller size.

2. RentACoop 2 Gallon Chicken Waterer

This plastic waterer offers a budget-friendly option with a 2-gallon capacity. It features a hanging design, a handle for easy carrying, and a cup-style base with automatic nipple drinkers.

Review: Great for smaller flocks or those starting out. Chicken keepers appreciate its affordability and simple design, although some note the plastic might not be as durable as metal options.

3. Little Giant 1 Gallon Complete Plastic Poultry Fount

A classic choice for chicks or very small flocks, this 1-gallon plastic fount offers a basic, bowl-style design. It’s lightweight, portable, and easy to clean.

Review: Perfect for introducing chicks to water, and users love its low price point. However, the smaller size necessitates frequent refilling and can be easily tipped over by curious chicks.

4. Farm Tuff Top Fill 5 Gallon Automatic Poultry Waterer

This 5-gallon automatic waterer boasts a top-fill design for easy refilling without needing to remove the entire unit. It features a sturdy plastic base with automatic nipple drinkers.

Review: Ideal for larger flocks or those who want to minimize refilling chores. Customers appreciate its large capacity and top-fill convenience. However, a few reviewers mentioned potential leaking issues if not properly set up.

5. OverEZ Automatic Chicken Waterer Large 12 Gallon Water Dispenser

For ultimate convenience, this OverEZ automatic chicken waterer connects to a standard hose and provides a continuous water supply for your flock. Its large 12-gallon capacity is perfect for big flocks.

Review: This option is a favorite for those who want a completely automated watering system. The large capacity ensures less frequent refilling, and users appreciate its ease of use. Keep in mind that this waterer requires a hose connection and proper setup to avoid leaks.

7 Factors to Consider When Choosing a Chicken Waterer

When choosing a chicken waterer, there are several important factors to consider to ensure you get the right one for your flock’s needs. Here are some key factors to keep in mind:

1. Number of Chickens

The size and capacity of the waterer should match the number of chickens you have. A larger flock will require a waterer with a bigger capacity to ensure there’s enough fresh water available throughout the day.

2. Chicken Breed and Size

Different breeds of chickens vary in size, which can affect their ability to access the water source. For example, larger breeds like Jersey Giants may have difficulty reaching into narrow or deep waterers, so you’ll want one with a wider, shallower basin.

3. Ease of Cleaning and Maintenance

Chicken waterers can quickly become dirty and harbor bacteria if not cleaned regularly. Look for waterers with removable components or wide openings that make cleaning easier. Smooth surfaces without nooks and crannies are also preferable.

4. Durability and Weather Resistance

Chickens can be tough on their equipment, so a durable waterer made from sturdy materials like thick plastic or metal is essential. If you live in an area with extreme temperatures, you may also need a waterer that can withstand freezing or excessive heat.

5. Automatic or Manual

Automatic waterers, like nipple drinkers, can save time and reduce water waste but may require training for your chickens. Manual waterers need to be refilled regularly but are often more affordable.

6. Portability is Important

If you plan to move the waterer around your coop or yard, look for one with handles or a lightweight design that makes it easy to transport when full.

7. Cost and Value

While it’s tempting to choose the cheapest option, a high-quality waterer is an investment in your flock’s health and your own convenience. Consider long-term costs like replacement parts or frequent repairs when evaluating value.

8 Tips for Using and Maintaining Chicken Waterers

A clean and reliable water source is vital for your feathered friends’ health and happiness. Here are some top tips to ensure your chicken waterers are functioning optimally:

1. Ideal Location: Place the waterer in a cool, shaded area of the coop away from direct sunlight. This helps minimize algae growth and keeps the water cooler in hot weather.
2. Height Matters: Chicks need a waterer they can easily reach. Elevate smaller waterers on a platform or use chick-specific designs. For adult chickens, aim for a waterer level with their backs.
3. Multiple Means Merrier: Provide multiple water sources, especially for larger flocks. This reduces competition and ensures all chickens have easy access to fresh water.
4. Winter Woes: For freezing climates, consider a heated waterer to prevent water from freezing. Alternatively, bring the waterer inside overnight during very cold spells.
5. Cleanliness is Key: Clean your waterer regularly, at least once a week, to prevent algae buildup and bacterial growth. Use warm soapy water and a brush, then rinse thoroughly and refill with fresh water.
6. The Vinegar Solution: A tablespoon of vinegar per gallon of water can help combat stubborn algae growth. Just remember to remove the vinegar solution before refilling with fresh water for the chickens.
7. Weekly Check-Up: Develop a routine to check water levels daily and refill as needed. Look for leaks, cracks, or damage to the waterer during your weekly cleaning.
8. Nipple Nanny: For nipple waterers, inspect the nipples regularly for clogs or leaks. Clean them with a toothpick dipped in vinegar if necessary. Replace worn-out nipples promptly.

Related Articles:

• Build the DIY PVC Chicken Feeder
• Make a DIY Grazing Box with Less Money

FAQs

Want to know more about chicken waterer? See the following queries and answers!

Q: What size waterer do I need for my flock?

A good rule of thumb is 1 liter of water per chicken per day. So, for a flock of 5 chickens, you’d need a waterer that holds at least 5 liters (around 1.3 gallons).

Q:  Bowl, nipple, or automatic waterer?  Which is best?

There’s no single “best” option. Bowls are simple and cheap but messy. Nipple waterers are clean and efficient but require more cleaning of the nipples themselves. Automatic waterers are convenient but require proper setup and might not be suitable for all budgets or coop setups.

Q:  How often should I clean the waterer?

Clean your waterer at least once a week with warm soapy water. You can use a vinegar solution to combat stubborn algae growth, but be sure to remove it before refilling with fresh water.

Bottom Line

Finding the perfect chicken waterer for your coop depends on your needs and preferences. DIY waterers offer customization and cost savings, but they require effort and time. Buying a ready-made waterer is convenient and efficient, though it can be more expensive.

Whether you choose to DIY or buy, the goal is to keep your chickens hydrated and healthy. Assess your flock’s needs and your resources to make the best choice.