Winter time gravity fed nipple waterer

[Mmdieter]

I have a chicken fountain and I love it. I can't go back to filling a gross bucket this winter. My plan is to use gravity feed and heat the water. My question is can I use the electric heater base that used to go under my metal water bucket with a 5 gallon plastic bucket (lowes type bucket)? The heater is similar to this http://www.walmart.com/ip/21799162?...31143116&wl4=&wl5=pla&wl6=50567295276&veh=sem .

 

[chfite]

I use this heater. Just drop it in the water supply and forget it. http://www.walmart.com/ip/Allied-Precision-Deluxe-Bird-Bath-Heater-and-De-icer/17365953

It is available many places. It is built like a tank, metal shrouded electrical supply cord. It cycles on and off by temperature.

I know folks are using light bulbs in flower pots and glass aquarium heaters, but I think this is a safer approach. It certainly is durable. If you can get 110 volt power to the coop, this might be the answer.

Chris

 

[Melinda48]

Will surely check this out!

 

[Bear Foot Farm]

Unless your "fountain" is very close to the bucket, I doubt you'll get enough heat transfer to keep it from freezing, even if the bucket remains liquid.

Generally those bases say not to use with plastic fountains

 

[Murphy212]

Hey Chris
Does heating the water in the 5 gallon bucket keep the nipples themselves from freezing? I live in the same "neck of the woods" as you and have been wondering what to do about my watering system. Bucket with a faucet attached, short hose to pvc pipe with nipples attached, all attached to outside of coop. Distance from bucket to nipples about 2 feet.
We don't have many freezing temps, last winter maybe three times.....lol but would rather plan for it now than when it does freeze up.
Thanks for any information.
Murphy