how to keep automatic waters from freezing in winter?

[Silkie-Feet]

i have a large number and i have to use my waterer! pls help with some sudgestions. my coop has elextricty( idk if it was spelled right).

 

[Silkie-Feet]

pls post!

 

[marbekschicks]

Can you describe what kind of automatic waterer you have?

 

[Andi]

I hope you don't find this as rude. The intention isn't, but this topic has been discussed in great detail many times. We have a search feature on here that I've found super handy. Sometimes I've found out answers to questions that I didn't even know I should be thinking about. Anyway. Here's a link to a search on freezing waterers. There's a lot of super ideas. I wish you the best. Enjoy your birds!

https://www.backyardchickens.com/se...ens.com/forum/search.php?action=show_24h#1252

 

[Silkie-Feet]

the waterer i have is the one that u just turn it over on its tray to keep it working

 

[Silkie-Feet]

Quote:
its a 5 gallon, how can i use a heat lamp hmmmmmmm. any sudgestions?

 

[marbekschicks]

If it sits flat, then you can use the tin can warmer to keep from freezing.
I used them the past winter and water did not freeze at all.

Here is a link to show you a picture: https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=107951

 

[sunflowerenvy]

Quote:
how big was your water when u used this.
laura

 

[marbekschicks]

I used a few different ones. I have galvanized 2 gallon and 1 gallon plastic. I had also used it with a 5 gallon bucket homemade waterer. I used 40 watt bulbs that we left on 24/7 all winter, although we hadn't needed to we just didn't unplug them.

 

[sydney13]

i used to use the automatic types that you use but gave up because they freeze and crack. many people use heaters but those are $40-$50 and that doesn't;t include the $5-$10 waterer. instead of getting the heater i just use a rubber duraflex bucket which is guarantee to be freeze proof. you can buy them at a small size for about $6 so it will save you a lot compared to a heater. i would be worried about a chicken getting burned if you use a heat lamp. some people put vegetable oil over their bird baths to keep them from freeze so you could try that. i don't think it will fully stop freezing over but it will slow it down. many people get two waterers and keep one inside to thaw out and then put it out when the other one freezes over. ive found that hens eat snow so if it is frozen for a hour or two they will be okay if they have access to snow.