Now, I know this isn’t a lace-and-lantern kind of craft—but let’s be honest, chickens deserve a bit of country charm too! Picture your flock strutting around the coop, clucking happily as they sip from a clean, homemade chicken waterer. No more muddy puddles or tipped-over bowls. This simple setup keeps the water fresh, clean, and right where it belongs—just like Grandma liked things: tidy, practical, and made with love.

Craft Origin and History

This handy little invention came about one sweltering summer when I found my hens kicking dirt into their water dish faster than I could clean it. Back in the day, my granny used old coffee tins and pie plates for just about everything—including feeding livestock. So with her spirit guiding me and a few plastic buckets on hand, I got to work.

Turns out, with a couple of repurposed items and a little know-how, I could create a no-spill, easy-to-clean waterer that my girls (and my back) would thank me for.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Gathering Supplies

Round up your gear like you’re prepping for a potluck—practical and ready for action. You’ll need:

• One 5-gallon bucket with lid
• 3–4 poultry watering nipples (or a shallow plant tray for gravity feed)
• Power drill with appropriate bit
• Sandpaper
• Hanging chain or sturdy bricks
• Optional: cinder block to raise the waterer

Creating the Base

1. Flip the bucket upside down and drill evenly spaced holes near the base (if using watering nipples).
2. Smooth out the edges with sandpaper—no sharp bits allowed!
3. Screw in the watering nipples snugly.

If using a gravity feed tray:
Skip the holes and instead use a shallow planter tray under the flipped bucket with small cutouts near the lip.

Assembling the Waterer

1. Fill your bucket with water, snap on the lid tightly, and flip it upright.
2. Hang it from a chain (so it’s chest-height for your chickens) or place it on a cinder block in the coop.
3. Watch your girls flock around their new watering hole like it’s Sunday brunch!

Final Touches

No lace bows needed—but if you’re feeling cheeky, a painted flower or a “Ladies Only” sign adds a personal touch. I even added my initials with a wood burner, just like Granny used to brand her biscuit tins.

Picture This….

Imagine a sunny backyard coop, hens pecking around in straw while a DIY chicken waterer hangs from a chain nearby. It’s a repurposed 5-gallon bucket, white with painted flowers, perched beside a rustic wooden fence. A curious hen sips from a red nipple valve as sunlight streams in. Nearby, a child tosses feed from a vintage enamel scoop, and a wheelbarrow rests under an old oak tree.

Crafty Tidbits

One of my hens, Queenie, gave me the stink eye the first day. But once she figured it out, she wouldn’t let the others near it until she had the first drink—bless her bougie little heart. And wouldn’t you know, I’ve had neighbors ask me to make them one too! Who knew a chicken waterer could cause such a fuss?

Keepin’ chickens happy and hydrated doesn’t have to be fancy—just functional, frugal, and made with love. And remember, a little elbow grease today means more eggs tomorrow!

‘Til next time, keep scratchin’ and craftin’, darlin’.
Love, Granny B ❤️