Freezing Temps - How Do You Keep Water From Freezing?

[smoknz28]

Completed a big project for me.... Trenched out nearly 200 feet, installed a 1" water line with two frost free yard hydrants, installed a 100 amp cable with a sub panel and 8 outlets. Plenty enough power to work with.

For the past five freezing winter seasons...I have been filling up five gallon buckets from inside the house and walking them outside to water my animals....this comes to an end!

So, I'm looking for feedback from those of you out there who have to deal with freezing temperatures and keeping your animals watered.

I know there are heated pans I can purchase to place under water trays and this is the way I'm leaning, but I'm hoping to get some good feedback and recommendations from those who have been there and done that with these freezing temperatures and water.

Thanks all.

Mark

 

[Life is Good!]

For our hens, I've purchased a heated waterer like this one:

http://www.flemingoutdoors.com/3-gallon-plastic-heated-poultry-waterer.html

Although I think I purchased ours at Farm & Fleet....can't remember. It's been a blessing to have! As we're a small flock, it's easy enough to fill a 5gal bucket in the sink, carry out for the hens in the morning, and this waterer keeps the liquid flowing, even in the coldest temps. Trickiest part is figuring out how to refill it without splashing all over myself when it's -5 outside!

Thankfully, our hose reaches the coop, and will operate until nearly mid Nov, when I have to shut it off. I can usually start it back up mid March...so it's a pretty brief season overall. But yes, those months where I'm hauling water outdoors are harder. With this waterer, I know the hens have fresh liquid water.

The unit doesn't seem to use a lot of electricity. I've not measured it specifically, but I know it's a lot safer than the cookie-tin warmer we used prior to this one. The cookie-tin idea works great in a pinch...but the bottom gets hot enough to smolder the pine shavings! Eep...that's a fire hazard waiting to happen!

 

[smoknz28]

Thank you for the response. I've added that waterer you use to my list of options.

With my new installation of frost free hydrants, I'm going to be tickled to finally have running water year round.

I too had to haul 5-gallon buckets out to my animals nearly once a day during the winter....ack!