How to keep chicken water from freezing without any cost

[cher2324]

Hi there. I’ve never heard of that. I run an extension cord to the coop in the winter. I bought a heated plastic dog bowl from our local feed store (maybe $15). It’s lasted 5 years. I elevate it a little so the girls don’t step in It. I dump it out every night and refill with water and acv. It works for us. I also put fresh water in the run if it’s not freezing during the day. We have 16 hens and it works and does the job. Good luck!

 

[Jenjens]

I read here once about digging a hole (if you have a dirt floor) filling hole with horse manure and putting waterer on that....

Cheap, unless you need to buy a horse first.

You can also use chicken poop!

 

[aart]

I read here once about digging a hole (if you have a dirt floor) filling hole with horse manure and putting waterer on that....

Cheap, unless you need to buy a horse first.

You can also use chicken poop!

Yes, he does use chicken poop.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/alternate-method-to-prevent-water-freezing.73180/

 

[Sally PB]

I run an extension cord to the coop in the winter. I bought a heated plastic dog bowl from our local feed store (maybe $15).

I did the same thing, but the bowl was $20 and the heavy duty extension cord was $35. So it wasn't free, or even cheap. But I have every expectation it will last a long time, so for me it was a good investment. If I had to go with free, it would be to take warm water out to the run every few hours. The heated bowl was my Christmas present to the chickens, but even more so, to myself.

 

[aart]

If I had to go with free, it would be to take warm water out to the run every few hours.

I did that the first year, swapping waterers every few hours depending on temps.
Next year I spent the bucks for power and a DIY water heater...priceless!