But, it wasn’t readily available locally, so I opted to use the four-inch PVC I already had and used two pipes to increase the volume. Originally, I planned on making it with either a single six or eight-inch diameter PVC to give me a higher volume of water it could hold. You can use a long horizontal run to accommodate multiple nipples, as well as a single pipe set up rather than double.
#Automatic water dispenser for pigs zip#
We zip tied the waterer in various places to the fence panel for support and to keep it upright.īecause it is gravity fed, this waterer can be easily adapted for different sized PVC pipe you have lying around or readily available. We raised it up on concrete blocks so the nipple was at our pig’s eye level and placed it against the side of the fence that is permanent panels close enough for the garden hose to reach. Screw on threaded ends, and allow the cement to dry before adding any water to prevent potential leaks.īecause this waterer is so lightweight, it makes set up a breeze. Quickly flip it over to make an upside down “u” and use a mallet to pound on each 90-degree angle ensuring a tight fit.įlip the waterer back over and add cement to each threaded coupler, fit onto the open end of the five-foot section and use a mallet to pound the pieces together. Repeat the same procedure with the other elbow, putting it on the other end of the two- foot section of pipe.Īpply PVC cement to the open side of each 90-degree elbow and fit into the five-foot sections. Use a mallet to quickly pound the elbow onto the pipe for a tight fit. Working quickly and one at a time, add PVC cement to the inside of one side of the 90-degree elbow and slide on one end of the two-foot PVC pipe, lining the seam of the elbow up with your mark made with the square. This will give a guide to line the 90-degree elbow up with keeping the longer sections of pipe square. Take a large square and mark a center line on each end of the two-foot section of PVC. Apply putty on the inside of the pipe around the nipple drinker to ensure it’s leak free. Screw the threaded pig nipple drinker in about halfway, then add plumbers putty around the exterior of the hole while continuing to screw in the nipple drinker until it’s seated into the pipe.
Using a three-quarter-inch spade drill, drill a hole in the center of the four-inch by the two-foot section of PVC pipe.
Using a steel rasp file to remove rough edges from all ends of the two five-foot and one two- foot section of PVC pipe. With a rotational grazing set up without permanent water lines in place, a gravity fed waterer is the logical solution. I need a waterer that’s easy to set up, fill, take down, and move several times throughout the course of the summer the pigs rotate through our paddocks. Because my pigs are rotated and they aren’t kept in one spot, this type of design isn’t ideal. You will still have to dump and refill the water regularly as they soil it with their dirty noses and insects lay their eggs in the stagnant water. If they aren’t going to be moved, you can lag them to a foundation to keep them from being tipped or use a tank heavy enough that they can’t tip it. Large heavy stock tanks and automatic pump waterers work well when there are permanent housing and water lines. This means constant refilling and dirty water.ĭepending on how you house your hogs, there are a variety of different waterer options available. Anything that’s easy to tip or flip over, they will, even when given an additional water source for this purpose. So, in the heat of the summer, they are always on the hunt for a water source to wallow in to regulate their body temperature, even if it means they have to make it themselves. The one caveat, however, is they are unable to sweat to cool themselves off. Pigs are hardy enough to withstand and even farrow in cold winter temperatures without supplemental heat or a completely closed shelter. And although they aren’t the garbage disposals people make them out to be, the list is relatively short on what not to feed.
When feeding a pig, if you’re providing a well-balanced diet, there isn’t much to worry about that could result in a vet call. They don’t have the dietary complications and strict mineral ratios that other livestock such as ruminants have. Pigs are one of the easiest types of livestock to raise in my opinion.
#Automatic water dispenser for pigs how to#
So why not learn how to make a pig waterer of your own to save some money? The initial cost of equipment when getting into pig farming, however, can get expensive and may limit your ability to add them to your homestead. Filling your freezer with homegrown pork is one of the most gratifying experiences when it comes to homesteading.
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