Any experience with a submergible Deicer to keep waterer from freezing

[Fombellchicks]

Hi, I am considering buying a submersible / submergible deicer for my 5 gallon metal chicken waterer to keep it from freezing. Has anybody used one like this? For some reason I would think it may work better/more economical, better contact etc. than the usual fount heater that you put under the waterer. I would just have to put a hole in the top with a rubber ring around it, to create the vaccum seal - not sure if that will make it too complicated...

Cast Aluminum Deicer
Multiple thermostat control de-icer 250 w cast aluminum for use in buckets or as a utility use deicer. Comes with 10ft cord with chew protector and a 3 year warranty.
Ingredients:One De-Icer Consiting Of Cast Alluminum, Plastic An Electronic Components.

They cost $37 incl. shipping.

 

[Jonny-Chicken]

Never used one of those. I find a heated pet bowl works nice. The one I have is 1.2 gallons I think. Bought at TSC Store.

 

[MrGreenJeans]

This is my first year with chickens (so first winter as well) and I bought a very similar model to the one you posted. I've been using it combined with a thermostat controlled outlet for the girls' outside waterer (which is a 5 gallon plastic bucket with holes cut in the side.)

So far, so good - it was down to -2F last night but when I went out this morning with treats there was no ice in the bucket. I know mine has a thermostatic shut off so it won't burn itself up if it's not submerged, but I don't know at what temperature it tries to regulate the water, hence the extra thermostat outlet. Granted 200 or so watts won't break the bank, but we have quite a few months of winter in Colorado so I'd like to keep it turned off whenever it's warm enough outside to do the work.

 

[Fombellchicks]

Well, I stopped at my local Tractor Supply Store today and found a Allied Heated Pet Bowl, 5 qt on sale for $14.99. So I decided to give it a try since it much cheaper than the water heater and I don't have to mess with the metal chicken waterer cover.

Does anybody have a problem with the chickens sitting on the edge and pooping into the water bowl?

 

[RockyToggRanch]

Quote:
I raised mine up on scrap boards and they don't mess it up as much. They don't perch on it at all. I have the dog size dish as well as extra 5 gal heated buckets so I never run out. I carry 10 gallons of water to the barn and fill everything up twice a day. The horses have a 100 gal tank with a floating de icer. So far this year everything is ice free. The chickens also have access to the larger buckets and the horse tank. Only once have I seen a chicken perch on the side of the stock tank. They usually stretch their necks over to sip.

 

[dale]

Yesterday I bought a similar unit for $35.00 at the local farm and feed supply. Thermostat shuts it off at 40 degrees; 250 watt.

I have this unit (see link) and just took the base off and stuck the top in a galvanized feed tray about the same depth but a littler larger in diameter, stuck the heater in and filled it with water. 12 degrees last night and had no ice

http://www.flemingoutdoors.com/3gaplpowa.html