Hi!

You and your chickens are going to love this new feeder and automatic watering system! Here are step-by-step instructions to set up your Thirsty Earth chicken feeder and watering system:

How To Install Your Thirsty Earth Easy DIY Automatic Chicken Waterer Kit

Chicken Waterer Instructions

Here are step-by-step instructions to set up your Thirsty Earth chicken watering system:

What You’ll Need:

Included in your Chicken Waterer Kit:

• Chicken watering nipples
• Drill bit
• Washers/gaskets
• Socket adapter
• Optional wing nuts

Tools You'll Need:

• Handheld power drill
• Sharpie
• Scissors
• Tape measure
• Roll of string (optional for straight line marking)
• Pocket knife or deburring tool (for smoothing holes)

1. Prepare Your Container: 

• Use a 55-gallon barrel or another container, preferably with a removable lid for easier access.
• Ensure it is opaque to prevent algae growth.

2. Mark Hole Placement

• Using the Sharpie, mark 8 holes, each:
• 8¾ inches apart (on a 55 gal blue barrel, other containers may vary)
• 2½ inches up from the bottom (Optional: Use string to help align marks in a straight line.)

3. Drill the Holes

• Insert the included drill bit into your drill.
• Align with your marks and drill holes straight into the container.
• If there's excess plastic, clean up the edges with a pocket knife.

4. Install Watering Nipples

• Put a washer/gasket on the threads of each nipple.
• Swap the drill bit with the socket adapter.
• Set drill clutch to setting 4.
• Drill in the nipple snugly. Finish aligning it by hand so the long part points downward.

5. Optional: Add Wing Nuts (for extra security)

• If you can reach inside the container, secure each nipple from the inside using the included wing nuts.

6. Set the Height

• Use cinder blocks or wood to raise the container. One layer of cinder blocks = ~10 inches high, ideal for most chickens. For chicks/small birds, use lower blocks.

7. Train Your Chickens

• Remove all other water sources.
• A few times a day, press the metal pin on the nipple until water drips out.
• Chickens will peck at the water and learn to use it.

8. Optional: Install an Autofill Float Valve

What You’ll Need:

• Power drill with 21mm hole saw
• Float valve
• Sharpie
• ¼" push-to-connect tubing
• On/off push-to-connect valve
• ¾" garden hose to ¼" push-to-connect adapter.

Instructions:

1. Mark 5 inches down from the top rim of your container.
2. Drill a hole using the 21mm hole saw.
3. Remove the nut from the float valve and insert into the hole, making sure:
        Seal/gasket is inside
        Tighten nut by hand
4. Attach the adapter fitting to the float valve.
5. Insert short tubing section (with locking ring removed and then replaced).
6. Add the shut-off valve.
7. Connect longer tubing to the shut-off valve, and attach it to the hose adapter.
8. Screw the adapter onto a hose spigot or any garden hose.

9. Winter Setup (Using a Deicer)

• Use a deicer like this to keep water from freezing.
• For containers with lids: 
  • Place the deicer inside and cut a notch for the power cord.
• For containers with bungs:
  • Cut an opening with a jigsaw to insert the deicer.
  • Cover with Gorilla Tape to block sunlight (preventing algae).
    

NOTES:

When temperatures are high, place your waterer in shade. If you don't have shade you can make it within the chicken run by adding shade cloth.

Although this is a great way to cut back on chicken chores, be sure to check your chickens, feeder and waterer regularly to make sure everything is working properly.

How To Install Your Thirsty Earth No-Waste Easy DIY Chicken Feeder

No-Waste Chicken Feeder Port Installation Guide

Follow these steps to install your no-waste feeder ports and optional no-spoil feed cone.

Tools You’ll Need (Not Included)
* Power drill
* Phillips head drill bit
* Tape measure
* Sharpie or marker
* Pocket knife (or deburring tool)

Optional but recommended:
* Tarp (to keep the work area clean)

 

Step 1: Prepare Your Work Area
Lay out a tarp before drilling to catch debris and prevent mess.

 

Step 2: Mark Port Locations

• If not using no-spoil feed cone, measure 5 1/2 inches up from bottom.
• If using no-spoil feed cone, measure 7 inches up from the bottom of your container.
• Use a Sharpie to mark where each feeder port will go.
  
• Space the ports around the container.

 

Step 3: Drill the Port Holes

• Use the included 95 mm hole saw (3¾ inches standard).
• Drill straight through at each marked location.
• After drilling, clean up the edges:
      * Use a deburring tool if you have one.
      * If not, carefully use a pocket knife to smooth the hole.

 

Step 4: Install the Optional No-Spoil Feed Cone
(Do this before screwing in your feeder ports.)

• Locate the center of the bottom of the barrel or bin.
• You’ll notice a small molded bump or divot:
      * Shave this off with a pocket knife so the drill doesn’t slip off-center.
• Drill a ½-inch hole (drill bit included) straight through the bottom.
• From bottom of the container, push bolt through and flip container right side up.
• Place the feed cone inside the container with the bolt pointing straight up through the hole.
• On top of the cone: Add the fender washer. Secure it with the wing nut.

Pro Tip: 
If the bolt spins while tightening the wing nut, reach through one of the feeder port holes to hold the bolt steady while tightening.

 

Step 5: Install the Feeder Ports

• Slide the rubber gasket onto the feeder port.
• Line up the gasket holes with the port holes.
• Insert the port into the drilled opening so it sits flush.
  
• Fastening Options (Included in Kit)
  * Screws (recommended):
      * Easiest to install
      * No need to climb inside the container
  * Bolts & nuts:
      * Use if screw holes ever become stripped from repeated removal
  
• Drill in the screws to secure the port.
• Repeat for all remaining ports.

Step 6: Install Port Plugs & Rain Hoods

• Attach the hoods to help protect feed from rain.
• Insert the port plugs by simply slipping them into place. Use port plugs if not using that port or in the evenings to prevent rodent issues.

Step 7: Elevate the Feeder
To further help prevent rodent access: Place the feeder on a pedestal.

Recommended materials:
    * Cinder blocks (preferred)
    * Bricks
    * Wooden blocks
    * Make sure that the container hangs over the cinder blocks, bricks or wood where the ports are. This makes it very difficult for rodents to climb in.

Adjust height as needed:
    * If ports are too high for your chickens you can dig the pedestal into the ground.
    * If ports are too low, add pavers, bricks or wood.

 

Step 8: Fill & Train Your Chickens

• Fill the container with your favorite feed.
• Sprinkle a small amount of feed on the port openings.
• Your chickens will quickly learn to use the feeder.

You’re All Set
Your no-waste feeder is now installed and set up to reduce mess, waste, and rodent access.

 

NOTES:

If you have mice or rat issues, consider putting your feeder on a pedestal. We use a post/deck cinder blocks for the containers under 35 gallon or water heater stands for larger containers.

Although this is a great way to cut back on chicken chores, be sure to check your chickens, feeder and waterer regularly to make sure everything is working properly.