How safe would it be to run an extension cord from a NON-GFI indoor outlet to the chicken coop, using it for a light on a timer and a water heater of some sort?
This is the cord I was considering, since I could plug both items into it, and it seems to be a decent rating for cold weather use. http://www.lowes.com/pd_68517-66906-UTP611830_0__?productId=3191747&Ntt=3+outlet+extension+cord
Alternatively, this cord, maybe with a splitter of some sort or something to plug two things into it? http://www.lowes.com/pd_67064-66906-UTP511730_0__?productId=3191725&Ntt=outdoor+extension+cord
Plenty of snow, cold weather, etc to consider. If I did use a cord, should I run it along the top of the fence to keep it out of the snow and away from curious critters who might chew it? Fence is a 6' high chain link, if that makes a difference one way or another.
I do want to get a permanent electric source hooked up eventually, but the way the yard is set up it isn't practical right now. Our septic system will likely have to be dug up in the spring, which is the same area where we'd have to be burying wire... I don't want to go through all the work of having someone hook it up, just to have to dig it all up and start over again in the spring.
On a related note... What is your favorite water heater for your birds? We have one of the large metal fountain type waterers, 14 chickens. I don't really want to be constantly hauling water out there, especially when expecting another kidlet come March/April.
This is the cord I was considering, since I could plug both items into it, and it seems to be a decent rating for cold weather use. http://www.lowes.com/pd_68517-66906-UTP611830_0__?productId=3191747&Ntt=3+outlet+extension+cord
Alternatively, this cord, maybe with a splitter of some sort or something to plug two things into it? http://www.lowes.com/pd_67064-66906-UTP511730_0__?productId=3191725&Ntt=outdoor+extension+cord
Plenty of snow, cold weather, etc to consider. If I did use a cord, should I run it along the top of the fence to keep it out of the snow and away from curious critters who might chew it? Fence is a 6' high chain link, if that makes a difference one way or another.
I do want to get a permanent electric source hooked up eventually, but the way the yard is set up it isn't practical right now. Our septic system will likely have to be dug up in the spring, which is the same area where we'd have to be burying wire... I don't want to go through all the work of having someone hook it up, just to have to dig it all up and start over again in the spring.
On a related note... What is your favorite water heater for your birds? We have one of the large metal fountain type waterers, 14 chickens. I don't really want to be constantly hauling water out there, especially when expecting another kidlet come March/April.
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