How to Make a Chicken Waterer

When people first move to the country, chickens are often the first 'livestock' they buy. Chickens provide both meat and eggs and can be a learning experience for children and adults alike. Raising chickens requires only shelter, food and water and many of these needs can be met easily using homemade feeders and waterers. Shelter requirements can be met by using an old barn or shed already on the property.

Things You'll Need

  • 64-ounce juice can
  • Awl or sharp knife
  • Aluminum pie plate
  • 3-gallon bucket
  • Drill with 1/8 inch bit
  • 1-to-3-inch-deep 5-gallon bucket lid
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Instructions

  1. For Young Chicks

    • 1

      Wash and dry a 64-ounce empty juice can.

    • 2

      Poke two holes approximately 1/2 inch from the open rim of the can on opposite sides, using an awl or the tip of a sharp knife.

    • 3

      Fill the can with clean water.

    • 4

      Center an aluminum pie plate over the open end of the can.

    • 5

      Invert the can and pie plate and place on a level surface in the area of the chicks. As the chicks drink from the pie plate, the two holes will allow the pan to remain full of water.

    For Adult Chickens

    • 6

      Drill four holes 1/4 inch from the bottom around a 3-gallon bucket. Space the holes where they are evenly apart around the bucket.

    • 7

      Place the bucket into the lid of a larger 5-gallon bucket.

    • 8

      Fill the 3-gallon bucket with water. The four holes will allow the 5-gallon lid to fill with water. Since water will level out, the lid will only fill to just above the level of the holes and not overfill the lid.