Auto Water System in the works!

[OneAcreFarm]

We are finally getting started with the auto water system! YAY!!!

Hubs built a frame to hold the buckets and added brass hose adapters to the bottoms of the buckets.



We used 1/2" irrigation tubing with a compression fitting that attaches to the hose adapter and some various elbows and tees. He stretched out the tubing across on row of cages to straighten and tonight we will attach it to the bucket.



We will start putting the smaller tubing drops that feed the nipples some time this week.

 

[MamaSheepdog]

Whoo-hoo! Congrats, Sistah!

You will not believe the time saved with an automatic system.

Half of mine froze and the pipes burst, so we will be redoing it soon. I bought a pond pump and am looking for a submersible livestock tank heater so we wont have this issue again.

At least you don't need to worry about a freeze blowing your system!

 

[trinityoaks]

You will LOVE it!! It's such a time-saver, even with my little herd.

 

[Tegan]

I need to get one in the works. I've been meaning to set it up and came down to a kit in the water pan this morning....straw that broke the camels back this time....

 

[MamaSheepdog]

How sad, Tegan.

I hate it when stuff like that happens. Ol' Murphy can be a monster. :angry:

 

[Tegan]

Yep, first time it's happened. I was just getting sick of dumping and filling the pans everyday because they kick a lot of poop and bedding into them throughout the day. So it WAS a convenience thing, but now it's just a safety thing.

 

[TerriG]

Keep us posted on the process. I am thinking about doing one when we build the new rabbitry. Since I plan on not letting the new rabbitry get below 40 degrees, I won't have to worry about freezing.

 

[Miss M]

We'll be doing one soon, too. <br /><br />__________ Tue Feb 05, 2013 12:24 am __________<br /><br />HEY!!! You have a little broken baby in there with his NZW mama! I thought you just had Calis and NZWs!

 

[skysthelimit]

I'm going to give mine another swing once the temps thaw out. I haven't quite worked out how I am going to get the water to the barn yet.

 

[grumpy]

Automatic waterers are the "cats-meow". If you've got more than 2 or 3 rabbits.....install an auto-waterer! They save time and money. Plus they are more sanitary than open bowl waterers.

Fresh, clean water in generous supply is the key to raising healthy rabbits. Dirty water is the vector for all kinds of difficulties and diseases in rabbits.

I've used auto-watering systems since the mid-70's. It's cost effective when compared to some of the crock-waterers and bottle-waterers available today. It costs but a few pennys more to put in a good watering system. You'll kick yourself in the fanny for not doing it earlier.

Once you get the system tweeked and suited to your conditions, you'll never be without it again.

grumpy.

 

[coffeenutdesigns]

I'm going to need lots more pictures for future reference

It looks like it is going to be really handy!

 

[OneAcreFarm]

We'll be doing one soon, too.

__________ Tue Feb 05, 2013 12:24 am __________

HEY!!! You have a little broken baby in there with his NZW mama! I thought you just had Calis and NZWs!

Nope, I have Rex too.....you didn't know that? :twisted:<br /><br />__________ Tue Feb 05, 2013 8:44 am __________<br /><br />

I'm going to need lots more pictures for future reference

It looks like it is going to be really handy!

Will do...I will take pics of each step to assembling the buckets and connections too. Keep in mind that my hubs is an analyst and almost everything is likely over-engineered... :roll: :lol:

 

[skysthelimit]

Will do...I will take pics of each step to assembling the buckets and connections too. Keep in mind that my hubs is an analyst and almost everything is likely over-engineered... :roll: :lol:

That is where I will need the most help. All of my bucket connections dripped horribly the lat time I tried. I also saw a five gallon heated water bucket somewhere. A little pricey. but just filling that up and carrying it out once every two days is easier than 3 gallon bottles every day. The only thing that stops me is no electricity, it's all on an extension cord inside of a pvc pipe running across from the house to the barn. Don't want to put anything on that has to stay on besides the fridge.

And now that the new cages are coming from Bass, I might have a permanent set up that can accept the pvc piping.

 

[cnichols]

OAF ... you are my hero.

Hubby already wants to build a rabbit housing area like yours. I told him about you putting in this new auto watering system today and he's up for that as well!

Gonna put it all out next to our chicken coops. We've already picked out our site, now we just have to get his DOT physical so he can get back to work! He's been home since before Christmas, and while I enjoy having him here and lots is getting done, the money is running out!

Keep up the excellent work!

 

[TAG]

I have had auto watering system for about 3 months using clear tubing and brass nipples. hose is accumulating scale/calcium. What is the best way of cleaning the lines?