Heated Waterers

[Folly's place]

Duckies are best housed separately from the chickens, because of the water issues. Chickens don't do well in wet conditions, and winter will be worse! I prefer the metal heated bases for the metal waterers for the chickens, and have never had to deal with ducks! Mary

 

[Crooked Chicken]

Yeah, I'd rather not have the ducks in the same house either. I will probably build them a little house of their own next spring. For now I have to work with what I have.

 

[bobbi-j]

I use heated dog dishes. For light, I just use a regular house bulb. They don't need the extra heat of a lamp, but do need to be well ventilated and draft free.

 

[hlhutchinson]

I'm going to try this out, I have read good things about it. I have a bucked with horizontal nipples so will see how it works

 

[wamtazlady]

You should really read this article that one of the members here wrote comparing all types of waterers. http://www.backyardchickens.com/a/diy-chicken-waterer-3-compared

For winter I use a clear plastic tote with lid, horizontal nipples, and a stock tank deicer. The water is kept outside in the run. The run is covered and the sides have clear plastic shower curtains up to keep breezes out of the run. Mine stayed thawed even when the temperature went down to -22 F. With a 10 gallon tote it only needed filled once a week and it was easy to see when it required filling since the tote is clear.

First year pullets shouldn't need a light to keep them laying. They normally lay through their first winter. Starting the second year you can add light to keep them laying. I let mine take a break so don't provide light. This winter I will have a mix of older hens and pullets so will get a good number of eggs.

 

[EggMan207]

Mine are the vertical type. I've never had a problem other than when the bucket was cracked.

The same bucket de-icer will work for either type, though. I only paid ~$25 for the de-icer (Allied Precision brand) and since it isn't attached to the bucket, making a change wouldn't be difficult if you decided to try something else or (like me) drop your bucket ;-)

Will a bucket de-icer work in a double wall fount?

 

[debid]

Will a bucket de-icer work in a double wall fount?

No, a fount requires a vacuum to work. Those need to be heated from outside -- usually people get a base for them. The bases are large and expensive, though.

When I said the de-icer works for both kinds, I meant both vertical and horizontal nipples.

 

[EggMan207]

Thank you.

Are the electric heater bases fire safe?

 

[Folly's place]

I've used the heated bases for years, no problem. I also inspect them carefully for any issues and replace if needed. Mary

 

[Jukasorenson]

I'm concerned about winter watering due to the fact that 1) we live in Michigan, near Lake Michigan where it gets very cold and windy, and 2) I have no electricity available in my coop. I do plan to create wind breaks around my coop to prevent the cold/wind from permeating the walls. I assume my girls will want to stay in the coop or covered run during the winter. (This is my first winter having chickens)
I currently use a 5 gal bucket with horizontal nipples inside the coop, and a 5 qt plastic drinker that I put in the yard when they are out each day.
Is it necessary to wrap the 5 gal bucket to insulate it somewhat, or will the nipples freeze anyway? I'm wondering if my best solution is just to fill the 5 qt each morning and check it throughout the day. Advice?