Automatic Drinker

During the summer months I think it’s best for the water to be refreshed as often as possible. For a long time I've wanted to find a way to do it automatically. Finally I got around to finding a float valve that will do the job. It was found at United States Plastics Corp. Click here for a link. After arriving at the site Click Valves and find item 23077 PVC MINI FLOAT VALVE-1/4” TUBING INLET. You also will find the tubing and fittings required for installation at the site.

I have water at the loft so it was easy to make a connection and run ¼” PVC tubing to each drinker. Following are pictures of the installation using the drinkers I build and are described at this page. The same float valve should work in what ever kind of a drinker you have.

A 1/2" dia. hole was drilled in one end  of the container with it's center 1/4" above where I wanted the water level.

Then a 1-1/4" slot was cut in the end of the the enclosure so it could slide over the connection to the float valve.
The water container was placed where it sets in the loft, the tubing connected and the unit tested to insure the water would stop flow where it should and it worked just great.

Then the enclosure is set in place.
The drinker was installed in the partition between two sections of the loft so that both have access to it. The other side only a flat doweled front. With the birds in both sections drinking from the same source the water should be refreshed several times a day.
Notice that the drinkers rest on a section of wire form shelving. Doing this prevents the birds from tracking dirt to the drinkers. It has over time proven to be very effective at keeping the water free from anything the birds may have on their feet.

If you use this system don't forget to install a shut off valve where the water enters the loft so that the water supply can be closed for removing the drinkers for regular cleaning.

A friend found this a site where automatic drinkers can be purchased. If you prefer something ready made
click here to go to the site.

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