Dave's Pastured Poultry
Automatic Watering System
In May of 2005, I designed an automatic watering system for our pastured poultry operation. I used shallow watering pans (similar to the old oil pans) with the automatic waterers that one would use for livestock tanks. I installed quick release couplers in order to facilitate the easy removal of the garden hose prior to moving the pastured poultry pen. Here's a few photos of my new watering system:
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Notice the quick-release coupler at the end of the garden hose. There is an inexhaustible supply of water to these pastured broilers. |
| The garden hose is fished through an opening near the top where the poultry netting is stapled to the upper brace. I would usually push the shut-off valve from the automatic water to expend any water stored in the hose prior to removing the hose from the waterer. | |
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Since three pastured poultry pens required water, I employed the use of a manifold that allowed for the use of four hoses connected to one source hose. Prior to moving the pens, I would simply turn off the valves for each hose, prior to the removal of each quick-release coupler. |
| Here is a more distant view of the way one waterer is connected. Notice that Gus (our Australian Blue Heeler) is waiting to assist me in the moving of our pens. | |