Crockpot chicken waterer

[Weeg]

Anyone every tried this before for freezing temps? I've been bringing out new buckets of water for my birds each day, and by evening its been frozen. Thinking of getting a cheep Goodwill Crockpot and trying this. Any concerns? Thought i'd put it out there encase anyone else needed this idea as well.

 

[RubelliteRose]

I would be worried that the chickens would burn themselves on the outside of the crockpot and that the water would be too warm. A crockpot set on warm is about 165 F. Hot tea is usually between 130 - 150 F when you drink it.
Also, I think it would burn itself out fairly quickly since they are meant to be used at room temp, not in freezing temperatures- but that is just a guess

 

[Weeg]

I would be worried that the chickens would burn themselves on the outside of the crockpot and that the water would be too warm. A crockpot set on warm is about 165 F. Hot tea is usually between 130 - 150 F when you drink it.
Also, I think it would burn itself out fairly quickly since they are meant to be used at room temp, not in freezing temperatures- but that is just a guess

Thank you!
That would make sense, I can see the concern there. Darn I thought I'd hit the jackpot haha!

 

[RubelliteRose]

I only know how hot the outside of a crockpot is because I once tried to move one without grabbing the handles. It's a good thing I have good reflexes

 

[JacksonChickies]

I've set up a little dipper style one in my coop since otherwise I have to check it every 45 minutes with the cold here (hovering around -30°C for a week) and so far it was great. The outside of the crock wasn't hot to the touch and the water inside was warm enough I could still put my hand in it.

I did learn after watching them drink from it that you definitely can't/shouldn't fill it right up as they tend to dunk in too far and I worry about frost bite...but otherwise I'm happy so far.

About to go check here in a minute, Mines been plugged in and going since about 5pm PST, and I can try to get a temp reading....

 

[JacksonChickies]

So....I just went to check it. It is currently -20°C oitside and has been floating about there all day, the warmest it has been in 4 days at least. I can't get a temperature reading of the water since all I have is a "sickness" thermometer and it is obviously hotter than body temp. That being said, I have approximately an inch of water in the crock and would confidently let my 4yo put his hand in it without fear of injury.

I plan to be super watchful of it tomorrow as I am concerned of additional moisture increasing risk of frostbite but feel ok having it our there for my 2 girls to drink from

*photo of my girls being bothered past their bedtime*

 

[JacksonChickies]

This is the crock pot I am using. 16oz capacity

 

[Weeg]

This is very helpful, I'm interested to see more updates!