Many of us have fell into the popularized options that surround almost all of the winterizing kits out there, making it almost hard to try to find alternative ways of heating our waterers! So if you're reading this entry, then you probably are annoyed with winters' old tale: freezing our water!!! Yes, many accepted it, making due with this daunting topic, but yet many like me yearn for a day where either I live in Hawaii OR I find the superlative and easy way!
Picture by Leone Lund, February 2018.
All Without heaters
! Avoiding heaters is a very simple way to save your money, and also it's fun to experiment and find all the amazing ways we can live and thrive off-grid!
From rubber tires to simple empty bottles (or rubber ducks, lol) we can enjoy the pleasurable aspects of Winter. Whether you live in Canada (like me), or you're in upstate New York, this may be useful(l)!
~Rubber Water Tubs~
This classic way makes sure your ducks may swim and their beaks or beans stay hydrated all lightened winter long.
Photo by, S. Raven.
The Pros of Tubs are:
Ducks, Turkeys & chickens all drink from them.
Ducks may swim (+stay warm).
Cheap +waters all birds with one style.
Easy to fill.
All Season.
Last a long time.
Holds more water=freezes slower.
When frozen, just turn over and perhaps stomp.
Blackened Rubber retains heat longer than poly/plastic.
No Fire hazards.
Perfect for outside.
Easy to find.
Easy to install.
No thawing required.
Easy to empty ice/water.
Optional Add-ons:
For the best enduring liquid state try:
-adding a floatation device-stirs the water=freezing slower. also: sinking device
-levitating tubs above frozen ground. {Example: Rubber tire, platform, dish holder etc..}
-having ducks-more movement=freezes slower.
The Cons of Tubs are:
-If you are unable to bend & stomp easily, then they may not be best for you.
-After full, hard to move without spilling- (easily solved with bucket or bottle).
~Solar Heaters or Aerators~
Copying a natural brook, Aerators fill your rubber tank or the original Summer waterer with movement making your water stay ecstatic and useful. Aerators impregnate the water with air, making it constantly move, almost like a river, but in a container. Have you ever wondered why aquariums have a miniature waterfall in the tank? Well it keeps the tank livable for the fish so they may live in a healthy & clean home. What I get from that is that movement is key- not only is the simple process of pumping full of air & it rising able to make aquariums close enough to a babbling brook, or a running stream for the fish to survive, but it makes the water move very efficiently, thus making it a very good option for keeping water moving and thawed.
Example: Solar Powered Air Pump
Pick your Aerator:
If you are using small/medium waterers to 5 Gallon buckets than a Aquarium Aerator of fitted strength will be appropriate. When you are a duck-aholic, then a solar pond aerator for 1/2-1/4 acre is applied.
Pick the Aerator of you dreams by these factors:
Size & amount of birds.
Quality & Reviews.
Reputation of corp.
Strength of pump/rate.
picture by S. Raven
The Pros of using Solar &/or Aerators :
-Low maintenance.
-Found easily in pet stores.
-Perfect for small & big drinkers that you already own, including:
Bell waterers-metal or poly, Bucket waterers-except cups, Arrogate/rain barrels (perhaps pond pump), Nipple pvc systems (pond pump), 2 gal nipple jugs, duckponds(pond pump) & ect. Note: Use common sense if this is correct for you.
-Perfect for large ponds/lakes.
-No fire hazard.
-Perfect for outside & inside coops.
No Power.
Environment Safe.
Supporting Farmers.
Perfect for large ponds.
Lasts 2-5 years(oprx).
Effective.
Customizable.
Suitable for most animals (pigs, goats, ducks etc.).
Easy to repair.
Affordable.
Great for all birds.
If Double -great for two containers.
Off-grid.
Shipped to you.
Easy to fill.
Easy to install.
Optional Add-Ons:
Longer tubing.
Batteries-for cloudy or idle days.
Extra power banks.
Chew guards
Cons of Solar Aerators :
If outside w/out cover, solar panel may need to be wiped.
Not suitable for geese/goats-chew(solved by diy chew guards)
Hard to find in-stores(but look).
May need to be charged-opt for batteries.
May get knocked out (secure to pale).
~The Free Options!!~
Yes, everyone's' favorite! Even with "saving money", you're still in- on many other pros, such as recycling objects that are currently futile to your needs, or that are taking up space! Whether they were useless before or not, now they shall be use-ful!
1- Placing floating objects
I watched a video of a gentleman placing Ping-Pong balls and empty plastic shampoo bottles into his full rubber waterers, and I have to say- ingenious! I love this idea, I find it not only easy, but cheap!! If you're wondering how it works, here's the short explanation:
Placing a solid object whether full of liquid or not, disturbs the water's frost that's forming on the top, making it very effective on mildly cold days, especially in -10 or -20*C (depending on wind). Wind also helps in this equation, and pushes let's say a bottle from one side of the pond, to the other; helping the ripples continually warding off that pesky ice!!
Works well in mild climate, and with ducks, might freeze on colder days
Another example: I found on good-old google was filling a plastic water bottle (Aquafina) with 2 tablespoons salt, and adding water until three quarters full. I have to say it works well, and indeed does do the job, especially with birds that won't disturb the water themselves, lol! (chickens don't like swimming, lol!! If only). I only have one tip for this one though- make sure the salt dissolves thoroughly, otherwise you'll end up with a half frozen brick; one half very salty, one half brick.
Examples: Bottles filled 2/3 the way with salt.
Ping Pong balls.
Rubber Duckies/Toys.
Empty bottles.
Anything that floats!!
May be used in:
Works best in: Rubber tubs and open waterers
Also for bell waterers:
Personally, I use the classic gravity waterer, only for chickens though; the ducks get the tubs! I like them because 1- I don't have to dig out any very, very old waterers, that are very lost, 2- You can find them anywhere. This is my personal preference and I also really like rubber tubs. Anyways, that's my personal situation: there is no wrong way!!
Either way, I found a few ways to make them freeze slower, even though they are more vulnerable to freezing than a rubber tub is, one way is putting something small and safe into the red trough part of the waterer, what I like is sunflower seeds: they float for a very long time, there's no chance the bird would choke/get injured by them, and when the waterer freezes they are easy to remove (after thawing). Just like with the tubs and water bottles, this works the same. It doesn't last as long as rubber tubs (due to the gravity fed part), but it does buy you some time- without buying anything!
2-Old Tires
Now I don't know about you, but I have the small equivalent of Springfield's tire-fire (lol). Anyway the moral of the story is: that I have a lot of tires laying around, that don't serve any purpose other than - insulating my waterers! Before winter came I watched a video from a nice young man that did an experiment; with the longevity of the water in one rubber tub set onto the bare frozen ground, compared to another tub that was set into a rubber tire that was spray-foamed on the bottom, making a insulation basket or stand for the mini pond. Now this tire- even without foaming the bottom is very effective as I saw in his video (can't find link, perhaps searching "no-electricity chicken waterers" would work) and did keep the water 10-20 (F) degrees warmer than the tub w/out a tire. I think a very good thing to keep in mind when building one of these- is to never expose the insulation, we all know how much chickens (& ducks) love eating it.
Work best for: Rubber waterers and waterers with a flat-wide bottom.
Ideas: Putting plywood across the width of the tire, and placing whatever waterer you please!!
3-Elevation & Levitation
The grounds' temperature in winter is quite cold, so why not hang or place waterers just above that frozen ground, and enjoy as your waterers last way longer. I like the idea of tires (as said above) to do this, or anything; a block, a old crate, some shallow tubs, solid rope, old stairs, really whatever holds the weight of your waterers, or that just suspends them, just enough so Mr. Frost has to stay down and leave our water alone.
Works best using: Wood, or anything doesn't get too cold in freezing temperatures! Except for chains holding it up.
Hope you find a easy, fast and effective solution!
This Superlative article was written from experience, and I hope & wish that your family of feathered may live in harmony with this Winter season!
I will be updating this article as I learn! Hope it was enjoyable to read!!
Picture by Leone Lund, February 2018.
All Without heaters
! Avoiding heaters is a very simple way to save your money, and also it's fun to experiment and find all the amazing ways we can live and thrive off-grid!
From rubber tires to simple empty bottles (or rubber ducks, lol) we can enjoy the pleasurable aspects of Winter. Whether you live in Canada (like me), or you're in upstate New York, this may be useful(l)!~Rubber Water Tubs~
This classic way makes sure your ducks may swim and their beaks or beans stay hydrated all lightened winter long.
Photo by, S. Raven.
The Pros of Tubs are:
Ducks, Turkeys & chickens all drink from them.
Ducks may swim (+stay warm).
Cheap +waters all birds with one style.
Easy to fill.
All Season.
Last a long time.
Holds more water=freezes slower.
When frozen, just turn over and perhaps stomp.
Blackened Rubber retains heat longer than poly/plastic.
No Fire hazards.
Perfect for outside.
Easy to find.
Easy to install.
No thawing required.
Easy to empty ice/water.
Optional Add-ons:
For the best enduring liquid state try:
-adding a floatation device-stirs the water=freezing slower. also: sinking device
-levitating tubs above frozen ground. {Example: Rubber tire, platform, dish holder etc..}
-having ducks-more movement=freezes slower.
The Cons of Tubs are:
-If you are unable to bend & stomp easily, then they may not be best for you.
-After full, hard to move without spilling- (easily solved with bucket or bottle).
~Solar Heaters or Aerators~
Copying a natural brook, Aerators fill your rubber tank or the original Summer waterer with movement making your water stay ecstatic and useful. Aerators impregnate the water with air, making it constantly move, almost like a river, but in a container. Have you ever wondered why aquariums have a miniature waterfall in the tank? Well it keeps the tank livable for the fish so they may live in a healthy & clean home. What I get from that is that movement is key- not only is the simple process of pumping full of air & it rising able to make aquariums close enough to a babbling brook, or a running stream for the fish to survive, but it makes the water move very efficiently, thus making it a very good option for keeping water moving and thawed.
Example: Solar Powered Air Pump
Pick your Aerator:
If you are using small/medium waterers to 5 Gallon buckets than a Aquarium Aerator of fitted strength will be appropriate. When you are a duck-aholic, then a solar pond aerator for 1/2-1/4 acre is applied.
Pick the Aerator of you dreams by these factors:
Size & amount of birds.
Quality & Reviews.
Reputation of corp.
Strength of pump/rate.
picture by S. RavenThe Pros of using Solar &/or Aerators :
-Low maintenance.
-Found easily in pet stores.
-Perfect for small & big drinkers that you already own, including:
Bell waterers-metal or poly, Bucket waterers-except cups, Arrogate/rain barrels (perhaps pond pump), Nipple pvc systems (pond pump), 2 gal nipple jugs, duckponds(pond pump) & ect. Note: Use common sense if this is correct for you.
-Perfect for large ponds/lakes.
-No fire hazard.
-Perfect for outside & inside coops.
No Power.
Environment Safe.
Supporting Farmers.
Perfect for large ponds.
Lasts 2-5 years(oprx).
Effective.
Customizable.
Suitable for most animals (pigs, goats, ducks etc.).
Easy to repair.
Affordable.
Great for all birds.
If Double -great for two containers.
Off-grid.
Shipped to you.
Easy to fill.
Easy to install.
Optional Add-Ons:
Longer tubing.
Batteries-for cloudy or idle days.
Extra power banks.
Chew guards
Cons of Solar Aerators :
If outside w/out cover, solar panel may need to be wiped.
Not suitable for geese/goats-chew(solved by diy chew guards)
Hard to find in-stores(but look).
May need to be charged-opt for batteries.
May get knocked out (secure to pale).
~The Free Options!!~
Yes, everyone's' favorite! Even with "saving money", you're still in- on many other pros, such as recycling objects that are currently futile to your needs, or that are taking up space! Whether they were useless before or not, now they shall be use-ful!
1- Placing floating objects
I watched a video of a gentleman placing Ping-Pong balls and empty plastic shampoo bottles into his full rubber waterers, and I have to say- ingenious! I love this idea, I find it not only easy, but cheap!! If you're wondering how it works, here's the short explanation:
Placing a solid object whether full of liquid or not, disturbs the water's frost that's forming on the top, making it very effective on mildly cold days, especially in -10 or -20*C (depending on wind). Wind also helps in this equation, and pushes let's say a bottle from one side of the pond, to the other; helping the ripples continually warding off that pesky ice!!
Works well in mild climate, and with ducks, might freeze on colder days
Another example: I found on good-old google was filling a plastic water bottle (Aquafina) with 2 tablespoons salt, and adding water until three quarters full. I have to say it works well, and indeed does do the job, especially with birds that won't disturb the water themselves, lol! (chickens don't like swimming, lol!! If only
). I only have one tip for this one though- make sure the salt dissolves thoroughly, otherwise you'll end up with a half frozen brick; one half very salty, one half brick.Examples: Bottles filled 2/3 the way with salt.
Ping Pong balls.
Rubber Duckies/Toys.
Empty bottles.
Anything that floats!!
May be used in:
Works best in: Rubber tubs and open waterers
Also for bell waterers:
Personally, I use the classic gravity waterer, only for chickens though; the ducks get the tubs! I like them because 1- I don't have to dig out any very, very old waterers, that are very lost, 2- You can find them anywhere. This is my personal preference and I also really like rubber tubs. Anyways, that's my personal situation: there is no wrong way!!
Either way, I found a few ways to make them freeze slower, even though they are more vulnerable to freezing than a rubber tub is, one way is putting something small and safe into the red trough part of the waterer, what I like is sunflower seeds: they float for a very long time, there's no chance the bird would choke/get injured by them, and when the waterer freezes they are easy to remove (after thawing). Just like with the tubs and water bottles, this works the same. It doesn't last as long as rubber tubs (due to the gravity fed part), but it does buy you some time- without buying anything!
2-Old Tires
Now I don't know about you, but I have the small equivalent of Springfield's tire-fire (lol). Anyway the moral of the story is: that I have a lot of tires laying around, that don't serve any purpose other than - insulating my waterers! Before winter came I watched a video from a nice young man that did an experiment; with the longevity of the water in one rubber tub set onto the bare frozen ground, compared to another tub that was set into a rubber tire that was spray-foamed on the bottom, making a insulation basket or stand for the mini pond. Now this tire- even without foaming the bottom is very effective as I saw in his video (can't find link, perhaps searching "no-electricity chicken waterers" would work) and did keep the water 10-20 (F) degrees warmer than the tub w/out a tire. I think a very good thing to keep in mind when building one of these- is to never expose the insulation, we all know how much chickens (& ducks) love eating it.
Work best for: Rubber waterers and waterers with a flat-wide bottom.
Ideas: Putting plywood across the width of the tire, and placing whatever waterer you please!!
3-Elevation & Levitation
The grounds' temperature in winter is quite cold, so why not hang or place waterers just above that frozen ground, and enjoy as your waterers last way longer. I like the idea of tires (as said above) to do this, or anything; a block, a old crate, some shallow tubs, solid rope, old stairs, really whatever holds the weight of your waterers, or that just suspends them, just enough so Mr. Frost has to stay down and leave our water alone.
Works best using: Wood, or anything doesn't get too cold in freezing temperatures! Except for chains holding it up.
Hope you find a easy, fast and effective solution!
This Superlative article was written from experience, and I hope & wish that your family of feathered may live in harmony with this Winter season!
I will be updating this article as I learn! Hope it was enjoyable to read!!
