Farm Innovators "All-Seasons" Heated Plastic Poultry Fountain - 3 Gal. Model HPF-100, 100-Watt

I have one to! It is a little difficult to flip once full of water. It works great and keeps the water thawed even up here in cold North Idaho.

I have one and I like it because it stays much cleaner than my other waterers. I is a little hard to fill and flip but It's no big deal.

I second this post. When my garden hose froze, I had to use a large funnel to fill it from the outside water spicket. I think it should have a twist top opening like regular plastic waterers with a screw-cap nipple on the bottom. At least then I would be able to carry it to the coop without having freezing water sloshing on me. I also had a base shatter on me rendering it useless except for replacement parts. The plastic had become too brittle. Whether this was due to heat or cold, is undetermined.

I used this all last winter without a problem. But I never used the bottom fill plug, fearing leaks. The only problem I had with it was the usual, the chickens getting gunk in it.

I agree 100% also. It was a waste of money. It came apart when it was filled. It is a dangerous way to put power in it, as it easily leaks, and the electrical connection is right there...so eventually one is asking for a shock. We even contacted the guy who made it, and he was very rude on the phone. I would not recommend this product to anyone.

I agree with you chickonthehill, that it is a poor design. I usually don't feel too strongly about a product, but this one was a real disappointment. As I have mentioned in another posting, we contacted the designer of the product, and not only was he rude, he was not too smart, because anybody knows that if the customer is not happy with a product, and they took the time to tell you what could make it better, and you are too proud to listen, the product is not worth spending the money on. Our came apart when water was put in the container, and of course it fell everywhere. Now, if it was plugged in, imagine what a disaster that would have been! An electrical hazard! So I think the one half star fits appropiately.

i had a bowl similar to the one above with the plastic water holder and red tray, it worked well during the summer, and then decided to crack during the winter D:! So sad now i have a water one that evaporates water within 3 hours. Any other suggestions???

I have to agree that the first ones they made without the cord were an accident waiting to happen. My GFI went off everytime my waterer was close to empty. Found out that if I set it on a solid block instead of hanging it I didn't have that problem anymore. The newer ones have a short (12-18") cord that eliminated that problem. Yes bottom fill can be a pain but I found if I used a round 5 gal bucket to put waterer into upside down and a 2' hose on my hydrant I could fill it without getting wet. Yes a little splashes out when turned over. Turn it over outside the coop and carry it in. Problem solved.

Like you I initially had difficulty inverting after filling. However, after 2 or 3 wet legs I mastered the technique and for the last 2 years haven't had one come apart. They can be hung which insures that they are level. In the center of the handle there is a hole through which in inserted a homemade S hook. I have 2 of these waterers and they certainly beat having frozen water.

If it is falling over, hang it up, it can't fall over any more, just make sure the smallest chicken can reach the contents

I found that it worked well until we got to below 0 temps here. It is a pain to fill and put back together and I wish there was a place to store the plug. Other than that it certainly beats bringing in water bottles to thaw.

I absolutely agree and if there was another option, mine would be going in the trash. So very, very tired of getting drenched when it's below freezing outside.

I wish I had read the reviews first. Seems everyone pretty much had the same complaints. :-(

I have been shocked by mine several times, then the power to the coop trips. So I have to remember to unplug first, it is a pain in the A__. And it is stupid to have to invert it to fill it. The one with the top that opens, and the little cap to cover the bottom valve when filling..... love, going to see if i can justfind a heated base for it instead then my life is easier. Hate this one. Grrr.

I know I purchased one to for the same reason! I H-A-T-E it!

Hope you returned it and got your money back!

Yes I did, at the time of the return I picked up a small double wall to put in my brooding pen next year. Or for any time that I need to separate hens.

I have used these for several yrs. will need to buy a new one this yr. I also use a cookie tin heater (directions for making on should be on a thread in BYC some place. I found that with the lg, heated waterer if you take the handle and guide at the top as you flip it the bottom falls off less often. if you hold near the center or bottom it tends to push the bottom out of the groves and the darn thing falls apart. Not fun when it is freezing out

Just bought one today, wish I had read the reviews first.I filled it 4 times, first time tipped over and spilled on ground next 2 times bottom fell off and spilled all over my feet and legs, the 4th time filled 1/2 full and carried it upside down and very carefully placed on cinder block in coop. After all that the water better not freeze.I think I will be taking this one back!

I have this heated fountain. It is not ideal for indoors. I keep it outside. It does not hold water very well. When ducks drink from it the weight of the bill makes the water pour out. Forget hanging it by the handle, it does not stand up and you will end up with water all over. I do not have problems with fill up and flip overs. I just lay it on the ground and lose a little water during the flip.The base does lock on.It must be on a very flat surface or it leaks. It does heat the water well. It is not the best, and definitly not for use inside.