Freeze-proofing waterers. Looking for suggestions...

[albert w]

I'm new to cold climates. Just moved to Iowa from California. My loft (when I build it) will have at least 3 breeder cages and two larger cages for young birds etc. Each cage will have it's own waterer.

The loft itself will be small, maybe 4x8, seven feet tall, plus wire aviaries off the side. I'm familiar with the "lightbulb in a box" but this won't work because the breeder cages lack the height to stack the waterer and box.

Another problem is that I will have to run a heavy extension cord about 150 feet. I'm wondering if a small electric heater would warm the loft enough. And would it be safe, considering a stray feather could land on the heating element.

I've also heard of people using aquarium heaters. Would a single extension handle 4 or 5 of these?

Any suggestions are helpful.

-Albert

 

[ECBW]

If you get a decent outdoor extension cable (AWG #14 or thicker), it can support 3 amps (or 360W) safely for that distance.

Thicker cable will allow more, but with a tight, draft controlled coop, 360W should be enough for waterer warmer and sufficient ambient heat (though not necessary).

Edited to lower the load capacity, due to results from different sites and taking the most conservative one.

In my case, 75W for the waterer warmer, 40W for convenience light (not for but can be egg laying light), 75W black light for heat (only in extreme cold).

This is in a un-insulated coop, and the birds are doing well.

 

[albert w]

Thanks, ECBW,
I feel better about the situation!