frozen water

[Member 441608]

How can I prevent water from freezing in a plastic bucket? I have nine chickens using one hanging ( I think five gallon bucket with four "nipples" hanging down for them.) Will I need to carry water out there everyday or can I put something into the water to keep it from freezing. Thanks in advance.

 

[CluckerCottage]

We use a 40 watt light bulb inside of a single hole cinder block during the winter.
It's a cheap and easy way to keep water from freezing. That was our way of just saying NO to those heated waterers that sell for $75!

 

[Member 441608]

Hi CluckerCottage!

I thought about that but my coop and run is far out from my house. Because I live in a wood, I can't just run wires everywhere and it would cost a large amount to put a wire under ground. Thanks for the idea though!

 

[CluckerCottage]

Ok, I see.
Would it be possible to use a heavy-duty construction-type extension cord from your home out to the coop?

 

[Member 441608]

actually that wouldn't work either. It is over 300 yards away and the only place to run the cord would be on a drive way that gets used every day. Not sure it that would be good.

 

[fairie]

Hi I have 2 hen houses and 1 turkey house. They are all locked in now because we have bird flu here in Germany. And it is FREEZING.
Normally they have water in the sun and I stomp it open in the morning and they are clever. But in the house the water feeder is freezing up.

I want reusable if I have to do it everyday. So with these I would use a metal box (cookie tin?) and put the battery operated item inside and the water on top.

I am currently investigating Battery Operated Coffee Cup warmers....obviously the ladies arent gonna need to charge their cell phones..https://wiki.ezvid.com/best-cup-warmers

Some one on another Frozen Thread mentioned these... you put them in the microwave
http://www.snugglesafe.co.uk/shop/snugglesafe-pet-heatpads/

There are also hunting insoles with batteries. Seems like you would have to recharge batteries every day, but I could use one foot in each house, Bonus! https://www.amazon.de/infactory-Beh...1480427013&sr=8-5&keywords=socken+mit+heizung

I am still feeling it out and looking for the right thing. But anything is better than defrosting the water on the fireplace (which is happening Now)

 

[Sturner175]

Have you considered using a deep cycle battery with a converter? That would remedy the electric issue. You would be limited on your wattage, but it might help give you options for water heaters. Also if recharging becomes tiresome you could look into connecting a portable solar panel to the battery. I am thinking of doing this myself just to eliminate the cord across my yard.