- Jun 15, 2008
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Technically we learned in freshman year biology that hot water freezes as fast as cold water. The more temperature difference between the air and water the faster it loses heat so that hot water really doesn't last much longer. Black containers though do absorb the heat from the sun and other variables that will keep it from freezing longer.
I have a 2gallon heated bucket. The heated bucket froze 2 weeks out of this year. Not solidly although I have one at my stable that was sitting on the concrete in the shade that froze completely while plugged in and cracked. A slight film over the top is enough to keep the chickens from drinking though. They don't break the ice like the horses. I bury my bucket down in the shavings and straw instead of raising it up in order to insulate. I have to dump it out more often from stuff getting knocked in but otherwise I'd be dealing with frozen water much more often.
I have a 2gallon heated bucket. The heated bucket froze 2 weeks out of this year. Not solidly although I have one at my stable that was sitting on the concrete in the shade that froze completely while plugged in and cracked. A slight film over the top is enough to keep the chickens from drinking though. They don't break the ice like the horses. I bury my bucket down in the shavings and straw instead of raising it up in order to insulate. I have to dump it out more often from stuff getting knocked in but otherwise I'd be dealing with frozen water much more often.
