The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Smallholding => Techniques and skills => Topic started by: OhLaLa on May 25, 2012, 03:31:59 pm

Title: Alternative use for Auto Water Trough?
Post by: OhLaLa on May 25, 2012, 03:31:59 pm

We have a large circular auto fill water trough spare.
Anyone got any ideas as to an alternative use for it?
Have considered converting it into a duck pond but ducks are messy birds and the trough would be full of gloop in no time at all and wouldn't be easy to clean out (unless you know a way around this).
All ideas welcome, shame to have it just sitting in the barn.

Title: Re: Alternative use for Auto Water Trough?
Post by: happy larry on May 26, 2012, 09:30:34 pm

Could you not use it for growing long rooted veg such as carrots,parsnip and salsify.Or filling it with seasoned logs and cover with a tarpaulin.

Title: Re: Alternative use for Auto Water Trough?
Post by: OhLaLa on May 28, 2012, 04:04:01 pm

We use the large builders bags for potatoes etc. Have several barns to choose from to store logs in.
Have tried selling it for £20 (but too far to collect), and we just don't need another auto fill water trough.
I'd take it to a boot sale but it's too large for the car.
Ah well, at least the owls like perching on it when they look for their mousy snack.........
 :farmer:

Title: Re: Alternative use for Auto Water Trough?
Post by: chrismahon on May 28, 2012, 08:54:54 pm

With a bit of modification you could probably turn it upside down and into a chicken coop.  Or even easier a duck house.
 
If you had a lake it could be a boat.
 
If you reared chicks it could be a rearer -bit of mesh on top and a light.
 
Fit a big tap at the bottom to empty it and take the duck poo out as well.

Title: Re: Alternative use for Auto Water Trough?
Post by: OhLaLa on May 29, 2012, 01:29:50 pm

I have got a small lake but the trough would be very unstable, plus kids are about so that's a no no.
The chick idea is a good one, especially for larger chicks (turkeys etc) that ideally need a bit more room than our brooder offers.
BUT
The tap idea is genious (why didn't I think of that). I want the top at ground level so if I dig the trough into the side of a slope the tap will remain accessable so I can clean it out, and as it's auto fill I can link it up to the well pump so it will never run dry (for those concerned I will put slabs of granite in so frogs etc can get out again if they take a midnight dip).
And I'll use the drained off goo to water the fruit trees so they'll get a feed as well.
Sorted. Cheers for that!  :thumbsup: