DIY WATERER

[aart]

But i would still fight the freeze. Does anyone have 2 or 3 - 5 gallon bucket setups with nipples and rotate during the cold or not worth it?

Rotating nipple waterers can work just fine, bring them in at night,
then rotate as needed during the day...if you're around enough to do that.
I rigged a mesh stand on top of the boiler to thaw them out faster.

You can put the HN's in any vessel if you're careful.
Here's a couple of ideas:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/ar...nipple-waterer-for-wire-crates-by-aart.72704/
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/2-nipple-quart-water-bottle-holder.67773/

 

[HenOnAJuneBug]

Without electric heat it's going to freeze. Especially nipples, whether horizontal or vertical.

 

[RonP]

- what does everyone do during the winter for these waterers with freezing? I dont have electric out at the coop

Simple answer to your second question is that it will not work.

Good advice already given.

I have not seen a viable non electric solution to keep water liquid in subfreezing temperatures that is not labor intensive.
If temporary electric is not in your future, exchanging waterers with unfrozen ones may be your only option.

 

[Ruralhideaway]

I do think though that in Maryland's usual winter temps an insulated hot pack of some kind would make too many changes unnecessary.

I used to make insulated horse buckets like that, box bigger than the bucket, wrap bucket in saran wrap, set in box, fill around bucket with great stuff 2/3s. Add water to bucket so it doesn't lift too much Cure 2 days, perfect bucket shaped depression. Kept water liquid easily 3x longer.