I use a recirculating water system for my rabbits similar to what Broken Arrow Farms uses. The main difference is that I have several 55 gallon drums with individual pumps and my buns are outside. I do plan to raise up my water tanks at some point so I can switch to gravity fed in the case of a power outage.
The recirculating system has many advantages over the gravity fed system. The water is always moving so it doesn’t grow algae. It freezes much slower. It stays cooler in the summer. And I like the sound it makes.
Okay, let’s start with a parts list.
- Pump
- Little pump: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07L54HB83/
- Larger pump: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CT81RYXD
- Half inch PVC nipple connectors
- Threaded water nipples
- Half inch threaded PVC adapter
- Half inch PVC
- Half inch PVC elbows
- PVC cement
- Thread tape
- U brackets, wire ties, or other methods of securing the pipe to the cage
- Water tank
- Water heater (optional, depends on your tank size)
- Stock tank filler (optional)
- Pipe cutter (optional, but seriously consider it!)
- Heating coil for PVC (optional)
- Pipe wrap (optional)
Start by planning. Your system will need to be a continuous circuit from the pump back into the tank. I generally run the water on the back side of the cages in a continuous line if possible. I also like to put two or more nipples in each cage. This works much better for grow out and doe cages. If the cage will only ever have one rabbit (like bucks), I only put in one nipple.
When planning, try to have as few connections and turns as possible. This will make your system more resilient.
Install the nipples with the thread tape. Make sure they are well tightened.
Use the threaded connector with the pump. It should screw most of the way in. Use PVC cement to connect the half inch PVC pipe here. You want to leave a part without PVC cement so you can disconnect the pipe and pull the pump out of your tank for cleaning or repair.
Prepare your tank. I usually send the pipe out of the top of the tank, but you should do whatever works best for your set up. Ensure the tank has a screen on it that mosquitos can’t penetrate. Add your stock tank filler and heater if using.
Dry fit your pieces, then use the PVC cement to secure everything together. Loosely attach it to the cages (I use zip ties for this part.)
Have the return pipe above the tank so you can see it or hear it as it pours into the tank. This will help you tell if the pump is still running and helps disturb the water so nothing can grow in it.
Once everything is fit and ready, start the pump! Check for leaks and repair them.
If using the heat coil and pipe wrap, wrap the pipe before securing it to the cage. Remember rabbits will chew on anything they can reach, so do your best to prevent rabbits from getting to the wrap. I will often use 1/2 inch or 1/4 inch hardware mesh as a barrier.
Otherwise, go ahead and securely attach your pipe to your cages.
Enjoy your happy rabbits!