Varieties of drinkers for pigs
A pig, like any other animal on a farm, needs a separate housing, equipped with everything necessary for its comfortable living with equipment. Favorable conditions contribute to the growth of the productivity of reared individuals. Quite unpretentious in everyday life, pigs still need certain living conditions. An experienced owner knows how to optimize the design of the barn in such a way as to improve production and spend a minimum of money. A feeder and a drinker are essential elements of a pigsty, as pets need regular and high-quality feeding. What are the drinking bowls for pigs and is it really possible to make them with your own hands?
Do-it-yourself drinkers for pigs
Drinking bowl requirements and placement
Maximum convenience and nothing superfluous - this is the formula for success, known to every successful breeder. It is not very convenient and unhygienic to use a bucket or basin as a container for water, even when working with a pig family, therefore an automatic feeding system was invented. A drinker for pigs (if you do it yourself) must meet the following criteria:
- accessibility to the use of animals;
- tightness;
- high-quality work of the water supply system;
- material strength;
- ease of cleansing.
The main task of a person is to regularly fill the tank with clean drinking water. It must not be allowed to be empty. Every day it is required to clean the surface of dirt, once every 2 days - thoroughly rinse the structure from the inside.
The material is chosen strong and reliable. An excellent option is stainless steel. But it's better to forget about plastic: the pigs will gnaw it in the first days. It is recommended that you purchase a filter design and periodically clean it or replace it with a new one. The purchase of a water supply pressure regulator would also be a reasonable decision: it optimizes water consumption. In winter, you will need a water heater and a thermal cord so that you can wrap the pipe.
As for the installation site, the pig drinker is placed in such a way that it is convenient for the pet to drink from it. The distance above the floor should be calculated, based on the age and size of the pig, as well as focusing on the type of structure.
Drinker types
Depending on the principle of operation of the mechanism and its operation, there are different types of drinkers for piglets. What are the main features?
- Cup (bowl) drinkers for pigs with side walls restrict the movement of the pig's head, which makes it impossible for it to pour water. The principle of operation is as follows: the liquid flows through the pipe into the container. It is protected from penetration into the storage by a protective rubber barrier. Pressing the pedal, the animal starts the water supply mechanism by moving the lever away from the barrier; in this way, a gap is created through which the liquid flows. When the pet has quenched its thirst, it releases the pedal, then the water supply stops. The savings are evident! In the very first days, the pig gets used to the cup structure, since it is constantly in front of her eyes.You just need to prepare for the fact that you will have to clean such a drinker often. In turn, the cup types of drinking device have nipple and valve subspecies.
- Nipple (teat) with a steel or brass body are based on the pressure on the nipple-lever. They are equipped with storage, pressure control and purifier. In terms of hygiene, this is a better option than the previous one. In addition, nipple drinkers for pigs are more reliable in operation and more profitable in terms of water consumption. Accordingly, their cost is quite high.
The cup structures are mainly used as drinkers for piglets, and the nipple ones are used for feeding gilts, boars and sows. Vacuum constructions are also known in narrow circles.
Is it realistic to make do-it-yourself drinkers for pigs? If you have experience working with building materials, it will not be difficult for you to make this simple mechanism. Look at the video, what stages the construction process involves, arm yourself with diagrams, the necessary tools and materials from which you are going to build a drinking bowl for pigs.
Trumpet to help
Making with a pipe is one of the simplest home-made options that will suit pigs of any age and size. You only need a pipe made of strong metal with a diameter of about half a meter. It should be divided by the tool into 2 parts, the size of which depends on the size of the future drinkers for pigs.
The parts protruding on the sides are fastened with an even seam. The extreme parts must be equipped with a medium-height metal support. Bringing the work to the end, the condition of the cuts should be put in order.
Manual nipple drinker
Since this type of drinker for pigs is considered the best, its price is considerable on the market. Not every farmer can afford to purchase such a thing. To make an automatic structure with your own hands, you must have a sufficient level of skill in this area. Before starting work, it is better to watch a thematic video.
When choosing a nipple (connecting tube), pets must be taken into account. Additionally, you will need a pipe for water, a bowl or bucket, tools for cutting and drilling. The main task is to tightly connect the container, nipple and pipe. Holes on the pipe for the nipple are made in advance. When installing the structure, the nipple must be placed at an angle so that the pigs do not spill water.
Cup model and bucket drinker
The horizontal design of the water supply is the principle of operation of such a structure. Pressing the lever will pour the liquid directly into the bowl. It is easier to make plastic itself, since steel requires a separate welding of the shovel mechanism. The cups are designed to facilitate the feeding of piglets.
The owner of a small family, among one pig, is quite suitable for such a simple drinking system. A hole should be drilled at the bottom of the bucket so that the nipple can be fixed in it. The resulting device should be hung at a height that is comfortable for the pet. Do not forget to fill the container with water in time.
Do-it-yourself drinking bowls are quite a feasible task. Competently built self-made drinking bowls for pigs and piglets will be in no way inferior to those purchased on the market.