Air tight chicken nipples?

[Tangent]

Hey

Does anyone know if this nipple system every ones is talking about will work if modified to have a floating water heater in it? Like something you would see with big horse water buckets but smaller.

I guess my question is does it have to be air tight unit, or can i leave the top off so that the heater will be unobstructed?

I'd like to have a home made (cheap) hanging system like this or this, to keep all dust dirt and 'stuff' out but be able to adapt it come winter when its -40.

For the summer i was planning on mirroring this wonderful bulk idea and just topping it up with my hose from my barn as needed, but everything here freezes in the winter if its above ground ( and even below ground), So since all i have is electricity attached to my coop the smaller, heat-able, portable, and specifically *carry-able* watering device is what I'm looking for.

Thoughts? Comments? Suggestions? Cluck?

 

[fiddlebanshee]

The nipple system does not have to be airtight, in fact it doesn't work when thére is a vacuum, so yes, you can leave the top off the bucket. Just make sure the chickens cannot fall into it and drown.

 

[jimmywalt]

Check out my signature line (directly below this post) to see my nipple watering system that's heated. I've used it since October in Michigan where it has got to -20 at night and highs only around 10 during the day. it's worked perfectly. Only cost $20 to make (with heater). And I'll use it this summer too (without the heater).

Scroll to the bottom of the first post and you will see that I changed to the horizontal nipple system (which I used since October)

5 gallon waterer (heated for winter too):
http://goo.gl/j50hYW

 

[Bob G]

If you leave the top off you are more likely to "collect stuff" such as leaves, pine straw and insects. I leave the lid on my bucket. I don't think any of the buckets are air tight but, just in case, I drill the tiniest hole in the lid to allow air to get in. This keeps the trash and dirt out and ensures the chickies get clean water and the nipples don't start leaking because a piece of dirt got into them.