Automatic Watering System

One of the various types of watering systems are these cups. There is no water to our barn and we didn't think leaving a hose hooked up was very safe so we went with 5 gallon buckets. These pictures show how 5 gallons of water with three cups is taking care of three brooder cages for nearly a week. This can be done with two types of brackets to attach cups. One is like I am using (modified for my cages) and the other is a bracket that will work with pvc pipe. You can run this type system with a water supply by using a pressure reducing valve or as I am. The cups are empty until the chick presses on the float which then releases water. This also extends the water supply. The chicks have to learn how to trigger the cups so I press it lightly with my finger off and on the first day to let them get the idea. This is the best time saver I have found yet. I have gone from watering 25 pens twice a day to filling 9 buckets 5 gallon buckets, close to every two weeks. All my parts were ordered from Cutler's Pheasant and Poultry supply. Parts are sold separately so you can buy to suit your situation. These are the drink cups #4085. I bought the buckets at Wal-Mart but all the rest from Culter's. I would advise getting ALL you need plus a few extra cups and clips...think ahead, the shipping is what seems the worst part. I usually shop a bit and see what I can add on the initial shipping charge. 

(click on thumbnails for larger view)

water cups showgirls silkies 002.jpg (51887 bytes)

water cups showgirls silkies 004.jpg (36668 bytes)

water cups showgirls silkies 009.jpg (90622 bytes)

water cups showgirls silkies 006.jpg (73719 bytes)

Self cleaning automatic system.  If you can't connect to water system this works well. .  

Working from 5 gallon buckets mounted above cages. 

Self cleaning cups will handle up to 40 quail per the information. Waters my brooder cages with various sizes and numbers of chicks, keets for days.

water cup 007.jpg (53601 bytes)

water cup 006.jpg (54430 bytes)

water cup 004.jpg (52900 bytes)

water cup 002.jpg (60139 bytes)

Trying this in a larger ground pen.  I am hoping it will supply enough.  So far they seem just fine with it. 

After using this system now for the second year I am completely pleased with the time it saves plus the fact the water is kept so much cleaner. Water also last much long. I feel I was losing as much water to evaporation as I was with the birds drinking it.