Freezing water and 30 chickens

[Richard Pryor]

I know this has been covered many times before, but my computer is sloooooooow so I can't search. I'm lucky that I'm able to post. I will get it fixed in the next few days but we have a storm coming and water will freeze. I like those dog bowls but with 30 chickens I might have to get 5? They drink a lot of water!

What do you guys recommend for 30 chickens? They don't do nipples.

 

[song of joy]

I highly recommend a 2 or 3-gallon, galvanized, double-wall fount in combination with a heated base. I've used the Little Giant 2-gallon fount with the Little Giant 125-watt water heater base for the past 6 winters. The 3-gallon fount with a heated base should be sufficient for 30 chickens.

 

[21hens-incharge]

One thing to never do is use ACV in the metal water dishes.
It has a chemical reaction that is not good.

I use a 5 gallon open dish and bucket heater rated fur use in plastic.

 

[Richard Pryor]

@21hens-incharge link or picture please?

Are you saying @song of joy 's suggestion is not good because of the chemical reaction?

 

[21hens-incharge]

Not saying her suggestion is bad at all. Just mentioning the ACV since many people will perhaps read this thread and not reply it is an important thing to know.
The galvanized ones are good, just have to remember not to add the vinegar.

I don't have any pics of my winter waterer. It is still put away in the shop.....in the brooder and of course filled with other chicken things.

I can post links to what I am using.
This is what my de-icer looks like but I think my brand is different...

https://www.ruralking.com/cancrete-...MI5PCE_Juh1wIVQWx-Ch31Dgk3EAQYECABEgJP5_D_BwE

This is what I use for water in winter.

https://www.statelinetack.com/item/fortiflex-mini-pan/BSF56 RED/?srccode=GPSLT&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIj4jzxJyh1wIVzmF-Ch3_YAJdEAQYAiABEgL_cvD_BwE&kwid=productads-adid^160636394091-device^t-plaid^109332084588-sku^135578-adType^PLA

In summer I keep this filled in the run but also have 4 that hold a gallon each. No running out of water on my watch.

 

[Folly's place]

I have two heated bases, for two three gallon metal waterers, for my 40 to 45 chickens. It's worked fine for many years. The waterers are in separate coop sections, so no bird can hog the one site. Mary

 

[Wickedchicken6]

I use two of these types of waters. They've worked much better than I expected. I bought them on sale and I wish I'd bought a couple more.

http://thumbs2.ebaystatic.com/d/l225/m/mcRze2gNAN3Dol0GMsQtyNw.jpg

I used one in a coop of approx 120 chickens and I used one for about 60 roosters. They stood up well in the buildings we used them in. They would start to freeze at the back when it got close to -40C outside. They were positioned beside outer walls. Other than that I'll be using heated pet dishes in separate areas.

 

[Mr Pink]

What do you guys recommend for 30 chickens? They don't do nipples.

???? Ok now I have to ask ... why don't your chickens do nipples ?

 

[Folly's place]

Why not nipples? I've got the waterers already. I don't see nipple waterers as a big advantage. Four or five water spots (nipples) seem like too few, rather than the larger available space at the big round waterers. Freezing seems more of a problem with nipples. Mary

 

[Mr Pink]

Why not nipples? I've got the waterers already. I don't see nipple waterers as a big advantage. Four or five water spots (nipples) seem like too few, rather than the larger available space at the big round waterers. Freezing seems more of a problem with nipples. Mary

Ok I get what your saying however heated buckets with nipples are pretty easy solution ( assuming you have electric )