Homemade Automatic Chicken Waterer

We have improved on our original design to create an automated chicken waterer. It could also be used for dogs and cats too! We were able to purchase all the necessary parts at our local hardware store (Home Depot in this case).

Parts needed

1. Toilet fill valve
2. Universal toilet connector kit (has several size adaptors including 1/2")
3. 1/2" FIP (female pipe) to 3/4" FH (female hose) swivel hose adaptor
4. 1/2" brass pipe nipple
5. Plastic pot or bucket at desired height for drinking
6. Teflon plumbing tape

Directions

1. Drill a hole in the bottom of the plastic pot using a 1" Speedbor drill bit.
2. Insert the toilet fill valve through the hole. Attach the plastic nut that comes with the valve on the outside of the pot.
3. Attach the Universal connector kit to the valve using the 1/2" adaptor. (see Figure 1)
4. Apply Teflon tape to both ends of the brass nipple (male to male).
5. At the other end of the connector kit, insert the taped nipple (to prevent leaking)
6. Lastly, attach the 1/2" to 3/4" female pipe to hose thread adaptor. (see Figure 2)

Figure 1

Figure 2

Since the hose is coming out the bottom of the pot, we dug a small hole in the ground to allow space for the hose to lay flat. We also used some bricks to help level the pot. Screw your garden hose onto the end of the waterer and turn it on. It should fill to the height set on the valve. As the water level lowers, the valve will automatically engage and refill the pot.