Heated waterer

[Well Seasoned]

We're already in the low 20's at night. I made a home made heated waterer that cost about $1.50.

- flat paver for base
- cinder block to house a light bulb
- sheet metal, waterer on top, didn't freeze last night.
- I can increase bulb wattage as we approach -30°F

 

[Folly's place]

Do you have a top on your cement block? Having water land on the bulb, or the wiring, would be a very bad event!
Mary

 

[Well Seasoned]

Do you have a top on your cement block? Having water land on the bulb, or the wiring, would be a very bad event!
Mary

Sheet metal added- good point, your a genius!

 

[LoveMyChickenBabies]

Definitely going to have to create me one of those!

 

[Folly's place]

To be paranoid around electrical items is good policy! Also, what protects that electric cord from mice chewing it? Wrap it with something!
Mary

 

[MissChick@dee]

Do you have a top on your cement block? Having water land on the bulb, or the wiring, would be a very bad event!
Mary

Quite shocking actually!!

 

[Well Seasoned]

I figured these expensive waterers tend to last a year or two at best, unless you get lucky. Like those, this can be put on a thermostat outlet. Once the temps hit 32°F, the light kicks on.

 

[Well Seasoned]

To be paranoid around electrical items is good policy! Also, what protects that electric cord from mice chewing it? Wrap it with something!
Mary

What would you suggest? Should I wrap all 150' of cord?

 

[MissChick@dee]

All of my wires in my run/coop are inside PVC pipes.

 

[Well Seasoned]

All of my wires in my run/coop are inside PVC pipes.

Mmm, good thought- have plenty of that