Clean water

[aart]

It would depend on the gauge of the wires in the extension cord. If its a beefy one, it would probably be fine. If its a cheap 14/16/18 gauge one, it might cause problems/be a hazard.

I was thinking about that too, it is a pretty heavy one, not sure of the gauge tho......might take the multi tester out and see what I've got at the end of the cord.

 

[iwiw60]

I've been thinking about bird bath heaters for this winter.

iwiw60 did you use this heater last winter?.....I think you only got your birds this spring?

One thing I'm wondering is how well will they work in deep water, like a 2-5 gallon bucket? Most bird baths hold only 2 or 3" of water, maybe 12-18" in diameter?
My 15 birds drink 2 gallons a day.....I guess I could bring out a gallon jug a couple times a day and refill the bucket.

Another thing that concerns me is that the heater linked above says not to use it with more than a 15 foot extension cord....and I have a 50 foot extension cord going out to my coop. Electrical resistance of the wires themselves can diminish voltage over distance, so may not deliver enough voltage/wattage to power heater.

Just some thoughts.......

I have a local friend that has used mini stock tank heaters for several years with absolutely no problem. Now if you were going to "extension cord" them for a long distance that might pose a potential problem, but mine are going 8' in the coop and 12 feet from the run. Almost sounds like with that kind of distance you need to run regular electrical on out to your setup..eek! If your birds are drinking 2 gallons a day a 5 gallon bucket would still work well with these I think. All I know is I won't have to do the "water brigade" every day knowing they have fresh water and unfrozen. The one feature I really like about these is the auto on/off feature. I wish you well however you decide to go!!

 

[aart]

Quote: Stock tank heaters are much different than bird bath heaters I think...meant to heat deeper water.

How many birds do you have iwiw60?