Water Heaters!!!! Are they really worth it??

[chickencrazy429]

Hello, I've been looking into getting water heaters for my flock this year... I found this one on Stromberg's, but the price was CRAZY!! Here it is: http://www.strombergschickens.com/product/universal-electric-fount-heater/fount-heaters I need one that works with a plastic base, because plastic is what I have... Anyways-- looking at the prices I can't just go buying these willy-nilly, and I have two waterers, though I'm not sure I'll need two since my hens and pullets might be integrated by then, so we'll see.... So are they worth the price? And do they last long? Also, are there any cheaper deals that I can get??? Thanks a bunch!! -chickencrazy429

 

[Fred's Hens]

This is essentially the same as using a light bulb inside a cookie tin. I doubt you could spend more than $10 building a cookie tin heater. Just search cookie tin heater here on BYC. Dozens of threads on the subject.

Those who can follow a YouTube or written details of building a cookie tin heater will spend $10 or less.
Those who just operate a computer and whip out a credit card will spend $62.

The choice is there for everyone.

 

[Bullitt]

Here is a cheap way to make a water heater. You can also add a thermostat so the heater only comes on when the temperature gets down to freezing. Or, you could just turn on the heater when it is cold and turn it off when it is warm enough for water to not freeze.

 

[Ridgerunner]

I liked Fred’s post. Clear and to the point.

I don’t know where you are located, how cold your winters get, or how you manage your chickens. In the winter I use the black rubber bowls you can get at Tractor Supply. If they freeze I just turn them over and stomp the ice out or bang them against something, then refill them. If you have a sunny day and set them in the sun, they will stay thawed in the low 20’s. That doesn’t help on a cloudy day or if the waterer is inside a building.

To me it is a low-tech solution that will not burn your coop down but it is not for everyone. Those rubber bowls last for years.

 

[setter4]

I use a large heated dog bowl. Fill it about 2/3 full and place the lid from a plastic 5 gallon bucket on top. Then set your regular plastic gravity type waterer on the lid. I keeps the water warm enough to stay thawed on all but the very coldest days and no worries about getting heads in water.. I change the water in the bowl occasionally so it doesn't get too grungy.

 

[rancher hicks]

I just caught sight of this posting. All I can offer is what I do.

First I don't keep water inside coops.

Two I bring hot water each morning and afternoon to the coops without a heated waterer and fill the black rubber tubs, during the winter.

C. I have two coops that have five gallon buckets with nipples and heaters during the winter. BUT I also use the red gallon waterers with hot water, since they seem to drink a lot and prefer them. The heated waterers are a back up so they always have water. These are also outside in the runs on the main coop. Hoops just get fresh water twice a day. I'm in NY so hot water is tepid by the time it gets to them. I carry it in gallon milk jugs in my little red wagon.

4. In answer to you question are they worth it? Depends on how dedicated you are to your chickens. My heated waterers still get green in them and have to be rinsed out, during the warmer days and I don't like that. Five gallon buckets are heavy and can't be filled completely. For me they ARE worth it since I don't have to water every coop every day. This year I will add a third to the back hoop coop. So for convenience, YES they are worth it.

E. Just don't expect a heated waterer to eliminate having to make sure they have clean water every day.




Three runs are covered with plastic, though not tightly, so they have dry ground to walk on. I add more straw or shavings as needed. Heated waterers don't freeze inside them.

 

[rancher hicks]

I use light in the barn during the day because it gets very dark here during the winter, and no one seems to want to venture out far. My lighting is extremely safe (NOW). All wiring is done right. I was sure of it when they rebuilt.

Make sure you have an enclosed light if you are going to use one. Just a lightbulb gets dusty and if it bursts, it could very likely cause a fire.

Never use extension cords with animals around. If you MUST - get a contractor grade extension cord that can take the dust. We have 30 outlets in the barn so I won't ever have to use an extension cord again - which is the cause of our fire.


which looked like this the next day.

Please be safe. I never thought it could happen to me, but it did. I know two other people that had barn fires last winter as well.


Thing is, so many of us are not electricians. If you feel it's safe - and know your stuff (which you seem to do) I don't see any issue with it.

I used a lamp kit. It looked so simple, not sure how I could have wired it wrong.

Ditto on the heavy duty cords. I have cords run to the coops but don't leave a light on. I did use a heat light one year but it's expensive and not worth it. My heated waterers are in the runs NOT in the coops. It's not worth the risk.

Chickens like to fly up and they have knocked things down. I do have a light and fan plugged into a power strip inside so i can turn them off without turning the yard lights off.

Keep in mind folks that you can order lower wattage red heat lights on line. IMO 250 is way to high for brooders and NOT necessary. I don't advise using them inside a coop.

 

[chickencrazy429]

This is essentially the same as using a light bulb inside a cookie tin. I doubt you could spend more than $10 building a cookie tin heater. Just search cookie tin heater here on BYC. Dozens of threads on the subject.

Those who can follow a YouTube or written details of building a cookie tin heater will spend $10 or less.
Those who just operate a computer and whip out a credit card will spend $62.

The choice is there for everyone.

Ok, yes I've heard of those homemade ones... I also found this: http://www.amazon.com/Kitty-Tube-Voltage-Outdoor-Electric/dp/B00ATWNIS0/ref=pd_sim_petsupplies_4 It's like a heating pad, but since it's for cats would it not be appropriate for chickens?

I liked Fred’s post. Clear and to the point.

I don’t know where you are located, how cold your winters get, or how you manage your chickens. In the winter I use the black rubber bowls you can get at Tractor Supply. If they freeze I just turn them over and stomp the ice out or bang them against something, then refill them. If you have a sunny day and set them in the sun, they will stay thawed in the low 20’s. That doesn’t help on a cloudy day or if the waterer is inside a building.

To me it is a low-tech solution that will not burn your coop down but it is not for everyone. Those rubber bowls last for years.

 

[Fred's Hens]

The rubber bowls are terrific. For much of the early and late winter, they are all one needs. The mid winter, really cold snaps do require electricity and SAFETY is number One.

Cleanliness and ease of cleaning is number two. Chickens are pretty famous for making just about anything filthy in short order.

 

[chickencrazy429]

The rubber bowls are terrific. For much of the early and late winter, they are all one needs. The mid winter, really cold snaps do require electricity and SAFETY is number One.

Cleanliness and ease of cleaning is number two. Chickens are pretty famous for making just about anything filthy in short order.

Soooo they aren't heated?? Or am I missing something here?