Wildlife watering

[kbaum]

A brochure came across my desk showing different wildlife waters.  http://rainmakerwildlife.com/  I don't sponsor any business, but it may be some interest with fellow builders in the West who like to watch wildlife.

[MountainDon]

I've seen those in the back country of arid Utah.


http://countryplans.com/smf/index.php?topic=2335.msg97436#msg97436

[rick91351]

Please if you are going to construct any wildlife watering ideas include an escape route or ramp.  We have had to go back a retro fit escape ramps on all the water troughs on our federal lease grazing permits.

One thing you might also be aware of is if you decide winter water or water wildlife; if good escape ramps are not provided turn the tank over when not in use.  If not possible toss something in like an old fence post or a something making sure an animal can come up and over the edge of the tank or basin.  Secure it there where small animals can escape.  This is often harder to do than anticipated because larger animals will use it as an object to rub on.   So they have to be fastened in pretty well.     

[MountainDon]

The nice thing about the guzzlers shown in UT is they are covered. No damger of wildlife or 2 legged folks falling in or getting stuck.  If they weren't covered the water would evaporate too quickly too. A lot of the moisture there comes from early morning dew.

[rick91351]

The nice thing about the guzzlers shown in UT is they are covered. No damger of wildlife or 2 legged folks falling in or getting stuck.  If they weren't covered the water would evaporate too quickly too. A lot of the moisture there comes from early morning dew.

I have seen a few guzzlers while traveling.  They seem to work well for birds and small rodents.   Sort of strange how you can harvest dew in the desert to a usable amount for small critters.   

[MountainDon]

They also catch rainfall when it happens, but in between it gets cool enough in the AM to condense water out of the air. Daytime temperatures are too warm, the humidity is low then. When it is cool enough you get condensation of metal.

[rick91351]

The same reason we often to most of the time have to bale hay in the middle of the night into mid morning to catch the dew.  Later than that it often times to dry and does not bale well.  Waste of hay and fuel.