BEC MaxiCup Automatic Poultry Waterer
The BEC MaxiCup automatic poultry waterer turns a suitable bucket, barrel, or tank into a gravity-fed watering system. Its built-in float valve opens as the water level drops and closes after the open cup refills, so chickens can drink naturally without pressing a paddle or pecking a trigger.
The cup holds approximately 0.5 L (1 pint). It can be used for chickens, ducks, geese, quail, turkeys, game birds, and other compatible small animals when installed at an appropriate drinking height.
How the Self-Filling Float Valve Works
Water flows from a gravity-fed reservoir into the cup. As birds drink, the internal float lowers and allows more water to enter. When the normal fill level is restored, the valve closes. The reservoir determines how much total water is available, while the MaxiCup provides the drinking point.
This is an open drinking cup, so it does not automatically keep water free of bedding, feed, algae, or droppings. Place it carefully and inspect it regularly to keep the water inviting and the valve working properly.
For broader hydration planning during warm weather, see how much water chickens need in hot weather.
Gravity-Fed Installation Requirements
The MaxiCup is intended for a clean, stable gravity-fed water container. It is not designed to connect directly to an unrestricted pressurized garden hose or household water line.
- Use a suitable bucket, barrel, or tank that can safely hold drinking water.
- Install the cup through a 12 mm hole, approximately 1/2 inch.
- Keep the water depth or vertical head within approximately 72 inches (180 cm).
- Position the reservoir above the drinker and keep it stable, covered, and protected from contamination.
- Mount the cup at a comfortable height for the birds using it.
For installations involving a pressurized supply, use only compatible pressure-control equipment and follow the water-system manufacturer’s instructions.
If you are planning the surrounding enclosure and waterer placement, use our beginner’s guide to building a chicken coop alongside the product instructions.
Installation Overview
- Empty and clean the selected water container.
- Mark a level mounting point and drill a 12 mm hole.
- Insert the MaxiCup connection through the hole with the supplied washer positioned to form the seal.
- Secure the assembly with the included wing nut without overtightening.
- Install the supplied filter, fill the reservoir, and watch the cup refill.
- Check the connection and valve for drips before leaving the system unattended.
Recheck the installation after the reservoir has been filled and whenever the waterer is moved. A level mounting position and clean valve components help the float operate as intended.
Cleaning and Routine Checks
Rinse the cup whenever you see feed, bedding, algae, or other debris. Periodically remove the two retaining screws, separate the housing, and clean the float and internal components. Rinse thoroughly before reassembly, and make sure the float moves freely.
Inspect the filter, washer, wing nut, reservoir, and mounting hole as part of routine flock care. If the cup overfills, drains, or refills slowly, check first for debris, an uneven installation, an empty reservoir, excessive water head, or a loose connection.
Cold-Weather Use
The MaxiCup is not freeze-proof. The exposed cup, water inside the valve, and connection can freeze even when the main reservoir has not frozen. During freezing weather, inspect the system frequently and provide a dependable backup source of unfrozen drinking water.
Use only heating equipment specifically rated for the container, location, and outdoor conditions. Never assume that heating the reservoir alone will keep the cup or valve flowing.
Product Details
- Brand: BEC
- Type: Self-filling, gravity-fed poultry drinker cup
- Cup capacity: Approximately 0.5 L (1 pint)
- Installation hole: 12 mm, approximately 1/2 inch
- Maximum water depth/head: Approximately 72 inches (180 cm)
- Included components: MaxiCup, filter, washer, and wing nut
- Maintenance access: Housing separates using two retaining screws
- Country of manufacture: United Kingdom
- SKU: HCBC375
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the MaxiCup connect directly to a garden hose?
Not to an unrestricted pressurized hose. The standard installation uses a gravity-fed bucket, barrel, or tank. A pressurized installation requires compatible pressure-control equipment.
Does the MaxiCup keep the water clean automatically?
No. The float valve refills the cup, but the drinking surface remains open. Regular rinsing, correct placement, and periodic valve cleaning are still necessary.
Will the poultry drinker cup freeze?
It can. The cup and valve are exposed to outdoor temperatures and are not freeze-proof. Check them frequently in cold weather and maintain a reliable backup water source.
How deep can the reservoir be?
Keep the water depth or vertical head within approximately 72 inches (180 cm). Excessive pressure from a taller water column can interfere with normal float-valve operation.
What maintenance does the float valve need?
Keep the filter and cup clear of debris, confirm that the float moves freely, and periodically open the two-screw housing for a thorough rinse. Test the refill and shutoff action after reassembly.
