BRC Fallow Deer

But why not just bring the water to the deer. 

Water. One of the most basic needs of life is no different for our deer.  A good and reliable water source is imperative to a successful homestead. It can be the make or break of a thriving deer herd.  So naturally we set about creating a water line that will provide a constant flow of water to our deer pen. 

Brendan spent time this summer installing a water line to our deer pen to create a more permanent water source for our fallow deer. This has replaced the original 4 garden hose system from the nearest shed. Huge upgrade for sure! It is definitely a relief to have a reliable water system in place including options to expand from this line if we choose to expand or segment our current deer pen.  

Digging the trench for the pipes was a monsterous task that took far longer than anticipated due to the rock ledge that sits under our homestead. It was so rocky that he wasn’t able to trench in a straight line and had to curve around the largest of the rocks. We rented a small excavator from Augusta Rental Inc that Brendan used to dig the trench.  This made our children extremely happy as I believe they watched every minute of the trench dig that they could. 

We quickly realized that we would need to buy a couple loads of dirt to fill back in over the line. Brendan found a very creative way to save what little dirt that there was by using some old metal baskets from chemical totes to make a screen deck. We still have a rock pile that we need to relocate. Landscape rocks anyone?

Brendan really put some forward thought into this water line. He wrapped the first portion of the line in an electric heated wrap that can be turned on in the very cold winter months. He also included an access pipe with a pre attached pull out wire in the event that it stops working and we need to replace it. At the end of the line he installed some extra line that would allow for future lines to be connected to this one as well.

Once the water line was installed we connected it to the automatic waterer in our tank. In order to keep the water in the tank good quality for our deer to drink we added goldfish.  They eat bugs and help keep the water clear and healthy. Just another addition to the homestead that our kiddos like to check on. 

Now we can kick back and watch our deer thrive with all the water that they could ever want.