freezing water

[dottik]

I have read a few articles on this and I had built a tin water heater.i am having problems with bulb blowing out and water is froze again.its about 4 degree here in pa.any help is appreciated.really don't have the extra money to buy a chicken water heater starting at 40 bucks.

 

[Smuvers Farm]

I have read a few articles on this and I had built a tin water heater.i am having problems with bulb blowing out and water is froze again.its about 4 degree here in pa.any help is appreciated.really don't have the extra money to buy a chicken water heater starting at 40 bucks.

We're trying out an aquarium heater. Not sure if it'll work as we are setting it up today.

 

[JackE]

How big (Diameter) is the tin? What size bulb are you using? Is the tin in the coop, or outside? If the tin is too small, or the bulb too big, you could get short life from the bulb. I have a cookie tin heater, I've been using for 8yrs. I use a 40W bulb in it. Diameter of the tin, is about 12"s across. I have used a 60W bulb, if temps stay around 0-F, for more than a few days. I can get months out of the bulb.

 

[RonP]

My modified cookie tin heater is in my signature.

I use a 50w halogen flood rated for 4 years use, but could easily increase the wattage if necessary.

This will be the second season using the same bulb, I have 3 spares on the shelf waiting for the first to burn out.

The coldest recorded temperature I have had, -2, no issues with 3-4 gallons staying liquid.

 

[JackE]

My modified cookie tin heater is in my signature.

I use a 50w halogen flood rated for 4 years use, but could easily increase the wattage if necessary.

This will be the second season using the same bulb, I have 3 spares on the shelf waiting for the first to burn out.

The coldest recorded temperature I have had, -2, no issues with 3-4 gallons staying liquid.

I just might try one of those bulbs. I'm using regular household bulbs in mine.

 

[GC-Raptor]

I was using a 43 watt halogen bulb in my 4 quart dutch oven. . Bulb must not touch the metal. Bulb has 1/4 of an inch clearance in mine.
Because of the constant sub freezing temps during the day and below zero Fahrenheit at night, I changed to a 53 watt halogen bulb, to keep my 2 gallon galvanized waterer ice free. GC

 

[JackE]

I'm was using a 43 watt halogen bulb in my 4 quart dutch oven.View attachment 1227749. Bulb must not touch the metal. Bulb has 3/8 of an inch clearance in mine.
Because of the constant sub freezing temps during the day and below zero Fahrenheit at night, I changed to a 53 watt halogen bulb, to keep my 2 gallon galvanized waterer ice free. GC

Good point about the bulb not touching the tin. That's a sure killer.

 

[daxigait]

While you solve it if you have one of those microwavable pet bed pads/heaters you can take the cover off it and set it underneath a waterer. It will keep it over ten hours at -5 I know from experience.

Good luck

 

[robinwhiskers]

I've been filling the water with warmish water twice a day and taking it in at night. No more freezing!

 

[CapricornFarm]

I just might try one of those bulbs. I'm using regular household bulbs in mine.

Just don't use shatter resistant bulbs, the teflon coating kills birds!