How does everyone prevent their water from freezing in the winter?

[franklinstreetwest]

I use the thick rubber fish tank heaters....like this one:
http://www.amazon.com/Zoo-Med-Betta...8&qid=1410965757&sr=1-4&keywords=betta+heater

They are super cheap and low watts....so that means less energy cost. It got down to 18 below zero and kept a hole of water in my glass water dish. Above zero it kept the whole dish liquid.

 

[Invision]

For nipple drinkers I just use the smallest sealed fish tank heaters:

Hydor THEO (UL) Submersible Aquarium Heater


http://www.petco.com/product/116663...ble-Aquarium-Heater.aspx?CoreCat=OnSiteSearch

 

[iwiw60]

I use the thick rubber fish tank heaters....like this one:
http://www.amazon.com/Zoo-Med-Betta...8&qid=1410965757&sr=1-4&keywords=betta+heater

They are super cheap and low watts....so that means less energy cost. It got down to 18 below zero and kept a hole of water in my glass water dish. Above zero it kept the whole dish liquid.

That particular heater unit will not work with bucket waterers and nipple systems as they are only 7.5 watts. While it's true they use less energy, it wouldn't work with 2-1/2- and 5-gallon waterers. For those who have water buckets and live in snow country if you will PM me I will be more than happy to send you the link to the ones that I purchased....

 

[franklinstreetwest]

What about gutter heating cable....it is 7 watts per foot and waterproof. I use that in the greenhouse to heat my benches.

Or a higher watt fish tank heater. I kept a 3 gallon tank 20 degrees above ambient temperature with a 25 watt heater. If you were to fit the exterior of the bucket with some insulation (foam jacket or layers of bubble wrap even) you would increase your efficiency and loose less heat.

 

[tntchix]

That particular heater unit will not work with bucket waterers and nipple systems as they are only 7.5 watts. While it's true they use less energy, it wouldn't work with 2-1/2- and 5-gallon waterers. For those who have water buckets and live in snow country if you will PM me I will be more than happy to send you the link to the ones that I purchased....

will do, i am always rethinking my plans since i started my chicken adventure. I was thinking heated dog bowls that i can run out and fill during my visits to my girls. I don't think even the snow is going to stop chicken tv time.

 

[iwiw60]

What about gutter heating cable....it is 7 watts per foot and waterproof. I use that in the greenhouse to heat my benches.

I'm afraid that butter heater cable will be susceptible to your girls pecking at it....eek!

 

[franklinstreetwest]

Put the gutter cable inside the bucket......OR add a thermal layer (like a winter coat for the bucket) over the cable that's wrapped around the bucket.

 

[SouthernFarmChick]

That sounds like a great idea! We have our water pipes wrapped ~ we've had temps down to 9F (that's without wind chill!) and I'm in south GA near the FL border!

 

[SouthernFarmChick]

Fabulous idea!! Great insulator!