Heated Waterers

[bobbi-j]

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?

I think rather than a bucket, it would be better to use the black rubber pans and switch them out a few times a day. That way when it freezes, you can pop the ice out and pour more water in. Less fuss than the frozen nipple waterers.

 

[Crooked Chicken]

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

I've looked at about 4 different places and had no luck in finding a heated base. I did pick up a large heated dog water bowl and that will be better than nothing. I'll keep my eyes open though. I really don't like the heated water jug type though as they aren't very practical for the ducks.

 

[Folly's place]

The best solution in Michigan and generally where it's frozen a lot in winter, is electricity in the coop. Without it, the black rubber pans, dumped and refilled three times daily, work fine. If you are gone all day, that's not going to work, because at a minimum, birds need to drink in the morning and before roosting. A typical 9 to 5 work schedule will get you home after dark, to thirsty roosting birds. One winter without electricity in your coop may be inspirational, though. Mary

 

[chickmom3941]

I've looked at about 4 different places and had no luck in finding a heated base. I did pick up a large heated dog water bowl and that will be better than nothing. I'll keep my eyes open though. I really don't like the heated water jug type though as they aren't very practical for the ducks.

We've used a large heated dog bowl since the first winter we had our chickens, and I'm just thrilled with it! So much easier than waterers with nipples (which our chickens never seemed to like much), and I think it's much more natural for the chickens to drink out of, as well. We have used the same dish year-round (unplugged in the summer) with no issues for about 4 years now, and it still works GREAT! It holds around a gallon of water, and never freezes. I put it up on a large concrete block, probably 8-10" off the floor, so it doesn't get much junk in it.

As for insulation, I think it depends on where you live. Here in Minnesota, it gets really cold, so when hubs built our coop, he insulated it very well. Of course we have proper ventilation and all, but we wanted to make sure the coop didn't get too cold. If you're in a warmer area, insulation may not be necessary. Don't forget, your chickens are "wearing" down coats, and can take cool temps pretty well.

 

[biophiliac]

The heated dog bowl worked just great for me too!

 

[wamtazlady]

If you don't have electricity where you can run an extension cord to your coop, you will have to check your water at least twice a day. The birds will need water first thing in the morning. They will also need water before going to roost for the night. I would suggest you have 2 waterers. That way you can take a fresh one out and bring the frozen one in to thaw. I don't believe insulating the container would prevent it from freezing especially as temperatures get into the minus figures.

Your birds are fortunate that you can check them frequently. I've got health issues. More than collecting eggs once a day and tossing my girls some corn for a treat is not doable. Once a week I have someone who comes in to fill the feeders and the waterers. The food and water has to last them for a week. My system worked beautifully the last 2 winters.