DIY 50-Gallon Drum Chicken Waterer – Easy & Saves Time

DIY 50-Gallon Drum Chicken Waterer – Easy & Saves Time

DIY 50-Gallon Drum Chicken Waterer – Easy & Saves Time

If you're tired of refilling your chicken waterer every single day, this DIY 50-gallon drum waterer is a game changer. With just a few tools and a DIY waterer kit, you can set up a system that keeps your flock hydrated for nearly two weeks—even with 30 chickens. It only took two hours to build, and now the daily chore of filling water is a thing of the past.

Check out my YouTube Short to see how I did it:
Watch Here → https://youtube.com/shorts/JBbx-QEPQDI?feature=share

Why Build a 50-Gallon Drum Chicken Waterer?

If you raise chickens, you know that keeping them supplied with fresh water is crucial. However, traditional waterers require frequent refilling—especially in hot weather. This DIY system:

  • Saves time by reducing the need for daily refills
  • Keeps water clean and fresh longer
  • Works great for large flocks
  • Is simple and affordable to build

With this setup, my chickens always have access to fresh water, and I don’t have to stress about them running out.

What You’ll Need

Materials & Tools:

  • 50-gallon drum (food-grade recommended)
  • DIY Chicken Waterer Kit (The one I used!) 👉 Buy it here
  • Drill
  • Hole saw (same diameter as the PVC fittings)
  • Silicone or waterproof sealant

Step-by-Step Build Instructions

Step 1: Prep Your 50-Gallon Drum

Make sure your drum is clean and food-safe before starting. If it previously held anything other than food, give it a good scrub to remove any residue.

Step 2: Drill Holes for PVC Fittings

Using a hole saw, drill holes in the lower part of the drum where the PVC fittings from the waterer kit will go. Be sure to measure carefully so the placement works for your coop setup.

Step 3: Install the Water Nipples or Cups

Follow the instructions on your DIY waterer kit to install the water nipples or cups into the PVC fittings. This will allow your chickens to drink easily while preventing spills and contamination.

Step 4: Seal the PVC Connections

To prevent leaks, apply silicone sealant inside and outside of the PVC connections. This keeps the system watertight and ensures it lasts through all seasons.

Step 5: Fill & Test the Waterer

Fill the drum with fresh water and check for leaks. If everything looks good, introduce your chickens to their new automatic water system.

Final Thoughts

This DIY chicken waterer has been a huge time-saver on our farm. With 30 chickens, I used to refill water daily—but now I only do it once every two weeks. Plus, my flock always has access to clean, fresh water.

If you're looking for an easy, cost-effective way to upgrade your chicken-keeping routine, give this DIY project a try.

Have you built your own chicken waterer? Let me know in the comments.

Watch my YouTube Short: https://youtube.com/shorts/JBbx-QEPQDI?feature=share

Get the DIY Waterer Kit Here → https://amzn.to/40SkYXi

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