Horizontal nipple waterer freezing

[Beaker99]

I switched to a nipple waterer in a five gallon bucket for winter. It's got a heater inside, but the Nipples are already freezing. It's only 20 today and expected to be colder the next few days. Any tips?

 

[aart]

What kind of heater and how warm is it keeping the water?
Is it outside exposed to the elements(snow/wind)?

 

[homesteading101]

I use the same setup, I have a 150w aquarium heater at the bottom running it at 70f it keeps everything from freezing. I also use a 250w de icer in a bigger water trough.

 

[Beaker99]

I use the same setup, I have a 150w aquarium heater at the bottom running it at 70f it keeps everything from freezing. I also use a 250w de icer in a bigger water trough.

I am also using an aquarium heater. Maybe I'll turn it up. -5 right now I cannot get them to work.

 

[aart]

I am also using an aquarium heater. Maybe I'll turn it up.

Have you tested the water temp?

 

[Beaker99]

Have you tested the water temp?

No. I guess I should try that. Duh

 

[homesteading101]

Amazon sells $15 aquarium heaters that come with a electronic water temp thing. Always have a backup one as well In case one melts or malfunctions. Never let the water run out and expose the heater.

 

[Beaker99]

It's at 56 in the bucket. I can't get the nipples to loosen. I might have to break out the hair dryer.

 

[aart]

It's at 56 in the bucket. I can't get the nipples to loosen. I might have to break out the hair dryer.

Is it outside coop and exposed to the elements?
Is it insulated?
Chances are the nipple lip held water that froze the spring, hair dryer should free it up, but it could happen again.

The first heater I bought was cheap(~$15) it failed fast.
Next one was about $30 and has worked fine for 7-8 years.
I also have bubble wrap around the jug, even tho it's inside the coop.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/aarts-heated-waterer-with-horizontal-nipples.67256/

 

[homesteading101]

https://www.amazon.com/Orlushy-Subm...251344&sprefix=aquarium+heater,aps,213&sr=8-4

This is the one I have, the heater has to be strong enough to keep the nipples unfrozen. 150w at 70f works great for me and it's -10 or -20 surrounding temps