Backyard Flock Float Valve Kit w/PVC Fittings (Made in USA) for Automatic Chicken Waterer Bucket - Water Cups & Nipples

To give the birds a place to drink and bathe I purchased a used fountain (pictured with review) that needed to be topped off most days with a quart or two in the afternoon. As the Arizona weather warmed, the air dried and bird population multiplied I needed a better top off solution. This inexpensive float assembly did the trick, although I did have t fabricate a short POV pipe extension. It works great and I don’t have to worry that it will run low and destroy the motor.

Just need 7/8 size bit to drill hole for the float. Which may be slightly larger then some of the other ones. Still 1/2 connection. Also if your trying to save money use tin snips and just cut multiple 3" holes from where the float valve water level is through the side. This is easier the buying the poultry cups which clog. The chickens can poke there head in to drink and it keeps water from getting algae and other debris.

1. It isn't skookum. It is PVC plastic, I think some pieces could be CNC'd to improve rigidity.2. The float valve DOES NOT keep MAXIMUM hose pressure at bay. If you intend on keeping it on, reduce your hose pressure by about 75%. You don't need a raging flood to refill the container when the chickens are drinking it.3. Expect to make a coop mod to ensure the hose can get in.4. Where the hose attaches can leak if bumped.5. You still need to clean the feeder heads or troth from time to time as maintenance.With that being said, it works well in our 10 gallon water feeder you get from Tractor Supply.I have it on for several weeks now and haven't had to fill it up anymore.I knocked a star off because it feels cheaply made. I would pay more for a better quality system.Edit: Owned it for 2 years 4 months now. Going through its third Winter. Mechanics still work. Valve still shuts off, you still need to adjust your water pressure to ensure it shuts off. The seal nut needed to be tightened all of three times so far. I'm surprised on how long it has lasted. I do not use it in the winter for obvious reasons. My gripe is still accurate. I wish the fittings and parts were brass. I might ask someone to CNC some part replicas for a more robust system. Would still recommend this for its ease of use.New gripe not from original post. No easy click disconnect to clean the bottom water basin. Kind of a pain to unscrew to clean the water basin. Maybe a quick click disconnect system will be my first mod for this ingenious tool.

Set up with our 55 gallon rain barrel with hose and 5 gallon bucket to disperse it works like a charm. Tightening nut for float placement properly is key to proper alignment and function. Haven't had any issues. Chickens love it! I no longer have to worry that they have one steady water source in our TX heat.

I used a couple of plastic litter boxes I got from some neighbors along with these float valves to make several waters for my birds. By doing this, I can take off for a few days to go to the beach or a road trip, whatever. I used to hire one of the neighbors to change out drinking water while I was gone, but quite often it appeared that fresh water was not given to them. Put a couple of 3 gallon feeders and hook these new float valve waters up to a 65 gallon barrel I have no worries for a few days. Very simple to install and directions were easy to understand. Pretty much idiot proof directions on how to install, very detailed directions.

The galvanized watering can rusted, the hanging bucket with the nipples was always clogged so I tried a new system. IT IS ABSOLUTELY AWESOME. This little gadget keeps the bucket full and the little blue cups you can get keep water all the time for my chicks. Sorry I didn't take a picture, because I also set it on top of some stacked rocks to keep the dirt out.

I ordered 2 and only one shuts off completely. The other just keeps running slowly and continues to overflow. The other one works great but I feel like it wasn't really worth the cost.

Easy install works as a float valve in a 5 gallon bucket that I have auto water cups 2” up from bottom for fresh drinking water for my chickens.