I came up with an adjustable water station for my new chicks. Everyone know they keep growing fast so being able to raise the water station up as they grow is important. I like a vertical nipple because it's easy for a chick to use and takes no pressure to operate. The drawback for vertical nipple water stations is the mess as some water will be on the floor. For this I used a PVC cap in a recess that I can empty easy.
12" of 2" PVC pipe
PVC Coupling
PVC 2" to 1" Reducing Bushing
PVC 1" Plug
2" Standoff Clamp (the type used for electrical conduit)
I used pocket screws to attach the vertical plywood to the base. The base was made from 3/4" plywood with a hole cut out the size of the cap. You could use a jar lid or any other container to catch the drips. The hole is not necessary as you could use any method to keep the cap or lid in place.
The adjustment is via a slot on the back and a slot is not necessary as a series of holes would work just fine.
For the water reservoir I used 12" of 2" PVC pipe and any pipe would work. I'm a machinist/engineer so I HAD to tap the hole for the vertical nipple and I used a 3/8"-24 tap to thread the 1" plug. I've read that you can just drill a hole the correct size and screw the vertical nipple in but my brain would not allow me to do that. If you make one but are stuck at this step, mail me the 1" plug with return postage and I'll do that for you.
Some more views.
Installed in my brooder. Not only can you raise and lower the assembly you can adjust the distance between the cup and the nipple. A wing nut makes it easy to adjust.
Forgot to show it being used by the chicks...
Enjoy
JT
12" of 2" PVC pipe
PVC Coupling
PVC 2" to 1" Reducing Bushing
PVC 1" Plug
2" Standoff Clamp (the type used for electrical conduit)
I used pocket screws to attach the vertical plywood to the base. The base was made from 3/4" plywood with a hole cut out the size of the cap. You could use a jar lid or any other container to catch the drips. The hole is not necessary as you could use any method to keep the cap or lid in place.
The adjustment is via a slot on the back and a slot is not necessary as a series of holes would work just fine.
For the water reservoir I used 12" of 2" PVC pipe and any pipe would work. I'm a machinist/engineer so I HAD to tap the hole for the vertical nipple and I used a 3/8"-24 tap to thread the 1" plug. I've read that you can just drill a hole the correct size and screw the vertical nipple in but my brain would not allow me to do that. If you make one but are stuck at this step, mail me the 1" plug with return postage and I'll do that for you.
Some more views.
Installed in my brooder. Not only can you raise and lower the assembly you can adjust the distance between the cup and the nipple. A wing nut makes it easy to adjust.
Forgot to show it being used by the chicks...
Enjoy
JT
