Freezing water

[Karinspinn]

Hey all,
I am having issues with keeping my chickens water from freezing.. I can't put the water inside of the coop as it is too small for it to be in there with the girls and their boxes.. so o don't have any electricity running by their pen and I've been having to go out 3 to 4 times a day to give them fresh water. Is there any kind of heated watering container that doesn' require electricity? It is such a pain to have to do this everyday so many times a day.. Any advice?

 

[PirateGirl]

There are some good ideas in here...

https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/category/feeders-waterers.26/

If you have active compost on property or other animals (goats/cows/horses) this is a great option.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/alternate-method-to-prevent-water-freezing.73180/

Also a larger container that is insulated helps the thawed water last longer. You could add nipples to an igloo cooler or something and fill it with warm water in the morning, or I've seen people wrap their waterers with bubble wrap and even set them in an old tire to help retain any initial heat that is in there. I've found that a large bowl or bucket doesn't freeze up as quickly as my bell waterer (something about the thin tray on the bottom, it freezes fast and jams up the works even if the gallon container part is not frozen). Hot rocks from a fireplace or wood stove could help.

 

[blackdog043]

Can you run an outdoor extension cord to the run? Some people use the black rubber bowls, they say it keeps the water from freezing as fast.