Going to attempt to make a Cookie tin heated base....any ideas or tips?

[ddmiddle7]

I was wondering what everyone uses to keep their chicken's water from freezing in the winter? I am going to make one of these cookie tin base heaters this weekend, since I am tired of changing water all day.

http://eggcartonlabels.blogspot.com/2011/11/make-cookie-tin-waterer-heater-under-10.html


I will plug it into a Thermocube so I don't have to manually turn it off and on all winter.

Also, I was wondering how strong of a red bulb should I use in the coop for added warmth once it starts to get really really cold here? I have a 250 WATT red bulb that I used for the brooder. I was thinking of just using that if it isn't too much heat... Here is where I planned on mounting the bulb:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/gallery/image/view/id/4823408


Will that benefit them at all or should I mount it above the roost facing straight down? LIke maybe here:



Thanks in advance for the help!!!!


Dereck

 

[Judy]

Cookie tin water heaters and heated dog water bowls are very popular. You have good ventilation in that coop, which they need. I wouldn't add heat at all, myself. Yes, I'm in the south, but I grew up in your part of the country. Chickens do fine in the cold if the coop is well ventilated, so the humid air and ammonia can escape.

 

[GARYZZ1]

JUST GO BUY A DOG BOWL HEATER.17$.

 

[punk-a-doodle]

Woah, I'm going to have to remember that tin heater. That is so neat!

 

[sparrker]

What i've read on BYC about heating a coop is not to heat it. I live in cny and it gets cold here(2 degrees last night) mine are fine in the cold. Their are people up in Alaska with -30's and they don't heat the coops either. I would worry too much if the power went out for an extended amount of time, your chickens were use to the warmth and now its freezing cold in the coop and their bodies aren't used to the cold. The chickens will grow thicker down feathers starting in october/november to acclimate themselves for the upcoming weather. Kind of like our mammal friends(deer/cows/dogs, etc.) growing a thick winter coat. That is just my way of thinking for my birds.

 

[Bear Foot Farm]

Quote:

JUST GO BUY A DOG BOWL HEATER.17$.

I built one for about $10, and that was because I bought a new dropcord.

All you need is a container with a light bulb.
Most any type of metal or wooden box will work, as will any sort of fixture that can use a screw in light bulb.

Most people have enough things laying around the house to build one at basically no cost at all