Implementations described and claimed herein provide apparatuses and methods for facilitating filling and cleaning of bird feeders that are aesthetically pleasing and adaptable for attracting different types of birds. In one implementation, a bird feeder includes a port having a surface extending from a proximal end to a distal end. The proximal end has a connecting portion configured to connect to a reservoir. The surface has one or more openings defined therein. A small seed converter is insertable into the port, and the small seed converter includes a plurality of teeth extending from an edge. The plurality of teeth are configured to narrow the one or more openings for dispensing small sized seed.

An improved, self-balancing water distribution system uses siphon characteristics to maintain negative pressure within the water system and to enable distribution of water to one or more distribution points, such as drinker lines with drinker nipples, at a controlled pressure, for consumption by poultry. The system includes water conduit connected to and configured to distribute water from a water supply reservoir to the one or more distribution points. The water level of the water supply reservoir is used to control the water pressure within the system. A vacuum apparatus is connected to the water conduit to remove entrapped air within the system to help maintain negative pressure within the conduit and throughout the system.

An electrically-controlled water flow regulator for use with a poultry watering system receives potable water at a first, high flow rate and reduces the water flow rate of the water provided to watering valves that dispense water to the flock within a poultry house. A variable control valve uses a needle-shaped cone to engage a mating port inside the housing of the regulator. A motor controls the linear movement of the control valve in incremental steps to adjust the water flow rate provided to the flock. A feedback component enables the variable control valve to maintain the water flow rate at a desired set point for the flock. The desired set point for the flock is controlled or automated to match the growth of the flock over their growth cycle. An electrical controller and suitable cabling enable multiple regulators to be controlled efficiently and cost-effectively.

An electrically-controlled water flow regulator for use with a poultry watering system receives potable water at a first, high flow rate and reduces the water flow rate of the water provided to watering valves that dispense water to the flock within a poultry house. A variable control valve uses a needle-shaped cone to engage a mating port inside the housing of the regulator. A motor controls the linear movement of the control valve in incremental steps to adjust the water flow rate provided to the flock. A feedback component enables the variable control valve to maintain the water flow rate at a desired set point for the flock. The desired set point for the flock is controlled or automated to match the growth of the flock over their growth cycle. An electrical controller and suitable cabling enable multiple regulators to be controlled efficiently and cost-effectively.

A breather cap assembly is configured to be connected to a stand-tube used in a watering system. When the watering system is in normal operation, the breather cap assembly is configured to allow for air to flow between the outside the assembly and the stand-tube. The breather cap assembly also provides for structure which acts as a baffle to minimize the introduction of foreign material from outside the breather cap assembly into the stand-tube. When the watering system is in flushing operation, the breather cap assembly is configured to seal off the stand-tube in order to minimize the possibility of water leaving the stand-tube. The breather cap assembly further also provides for structure which acts as a baffle to collect and retain a majority of any water that does leave the stand-tube during a flushing operation.

A breather cap assembly is configured to be connected to a stand-tube used in a watering system. When the watering system is in normal operation, the breather cap assembly is configured to allow for air to flow between the outside the assembly and the stand-tube. The breather cap assembly also provides for structure which acts as a baffle to minimize the introduction of foreign material from outside the breather cap assembly into the stand-tube. When the watering system is in flushing operation, the breather cap assembly is configured to seal off the stand-tube in order to minimize the possibility of water leaving the stand-tube. The breather cap assembly further also provides for structure which acts as a baffle to collect and retain a majority of any water that does leave the stand-tube during a flushing operation.

A hummingbird feeder includes a base tray having an upwardly-opening interior for holding food which is attractive to fruit flies and further includes an upper tray which is positionable upon the base tray in a nested relationship and which includes an upwardly-opening interior for holding food, such as nectar, which is attractive to hummingbirds. A top cover for covering the upper tray includes a first aperture through which a fruit fly can exit the base tray and a second aperture through which a hummingbird can access the food of the upper tray. A passageway network extends between the interior of the base tray and the first aperture, and a closure assembly enables a user to selectively shut off or open communication between the interior of the base tray and the first aperture.

A drinker system, comprising: a central pressure regulator configured regulate a fluid pressure to a regulated input pressure; and a plurality of pressure reducers each comprising: a high-pressure zone configured to receive the fluid from the regulator at the regulated input pressure, a low-pressure zone configured to provide the fluid to one of multiple drinker lines at a low output pressure maintained at a constant proportion to the regulated input pressure, and a moveable integral piece comprising a small diaphragm rigidly connected to a large diaphragm, wherein the small diaphragm is disposed in the high pressure zone and the large diaphragm is disposed in the low pressure zone, and wherein the constant proportion between the low output pressure and the regulated input pressure corresponds to the ratio between the surface area of the small diaphragm and the surface area of the large diaphragm.

A fluid delivery system for delivering a fluid from an automatic water source to animals housed in cages in high density caging systems may comprise a fluid delivery valve assembly, wherein the fluid delivery valve assembly is adapted to be coupled to the automatic water source to facilitate the provision of fluid to animals housed in the cages. The fluid delivery valve assembly may further comprise a valve body and end cap, which may be joined together, that define a fluid channel. The fluid delivery valve assembly may further comprise sealing elements, a spring element, and an interior stem disposed at least in part in the fluid channel to open and close the fluid channel.

A frost free poultry watering device that connects to a water supply. The device is installed partially buried, in particular in areas that have freezing weather conditions. A pedestal inserts into the ground and houses a water supply conduit. The water supply conduit connects to an underground source of water. The device has a manifold having one or more arms each having a poultry watering nipple attached thereto. The manifold is in fluid connection with the water supply conduit. A poultry, such as a chicken, steps on the step, causing the step to move down. The downward movement of the step actuates a valve that opens the fluid connection between the water source and the water supply conduit, allowing water to flow to the nipple(s). Preferably a second valve is positioned on the water supply conduit that opens to drain the conduit when the poultry steps off the step.