How to keep 5-gallon nipple fount from freezing?

[RenoHuskerDu]

Howdy, we use these founts and love 'em. https://www.rentacoop.com/all-products/waterer-5gal Their site does not mention heating methods, even though that company is back east in Maryland.

After two days of 28F, both founts are frozen around the edges. No more water. I'm having to put out a simple 2gal fount and replace the water every few hours.

I put a small heating pad under the most important fount, which is in the chicken trailer coop where they sleep at night, but it only has 20 watts of heat. I poured in some hot water on top to kickstart the process.

Do y'all think that 20w right under the fount will be sufficient? Freezing weather is forecast to continue for another couple days.

Here's what our coops look like this morning.

 

[azygous]

For that type of waterer, a small in tank heater is more effective to keep both water and nipples from freezing.

I have five-gallon Igloo insulated jugs with the Bright Tap vertical nipple water system https://www.amazon.com/dp/B016006U0C/?tag=backy-20 and I wrap 9" x 9" heating pads around the Bright Taps and it keeps the Bright Tap and nipples from freezing way down into the single digits overnight. I also wrap water heater insulating blankets around the Igloos to keep the water from freezing.

 

[RenoHuskerDu]

2 hours later I'm happy to report that adding a liter of hot water and running that little 20w heating pad under the fount has worked. The nipples have water again. I was amazed. 20w seems so small.

We are only up to 30F now. There is enough Texas solar coming thru the cloud cover to start the roofs dripping, but none of that sun energy shines inside the trailer coop.

I hope this thread can help others.

 

[Gray Farms]

One of those little bird bath de-icers may work good for a 5 gal bucket.

 

[RoosterML]

This is what I use:
I have both a 50watt as shown and a 100 watt. I recommend a 100watt one by the same manufacturer.

 

[RenoHuskerDu]

That is a great idea, thank you

 

[Gray Farms]

Never thought of aquarium heaters, that would work great.

 

[RoosterML]

That is a great idea, thank you

Amazon was the best price I think just around $20

 

[RoosterML]

Never thought of aquarium heaters, that would work great.

Keep your box and receipt it has a 3 year warranty.

 

[RenoHuskerDu]

3 years is about 20 chicken-years ...