how to keep your water jugs from freezing

[pedro24]

hello my name is Pedro and were i live its almost winter
and i need to keep our water jugs from freezing because
the chickens need the water because thats all they do until
they fall asleep and then a thin layer of ice forms and then
they wont eat or drink. if i don't get the ice off before winter
come the chicken and duck want be able to drink. so what can
i do.

thanks.
___________________________________________________
the coop includes silver laced 2 hen, 1 rooster
11 ducks 5 males, 6 females
white rock bantams 2 hen, 1 rooster
faverolls 2hens, 1 rooster

 

[silkiechicken]

If you can get a heated water dish that would be best, but I just like to fill up water in the morning into black rubber pans and replace the chunk of ice with hot water once a day.

 

[LynneP]

I use an electric dog bowl, you can see it in the winter link below...

 

[Wifezilla]

I use an old cooler and fill it with warm water at night. By morning, some times it is a little slushy, but it usually isn't frozen solid.
Mine looks a little like this, but it is smaller and not so tall

 

[pedro24]

thanks guys i will try those out

 

[chicks4kids]

Quote:
Wow New Egg pedro, rolling your eyes at the suggestions won't get you any more I bet.

 

[2468Chickensrgr8]

Hey ....almost neighbour .....yes a heated dog dish will make you life alot easier ...I fill up a big orange juice container in the house and bring it to the coop to fill up the dish ...morning and night and it works wonders ...good luck ...

 

[schmije]

We put a heat lamp on the waterer. We're not as far north as you, but that keeps the water unfrozen for us.

 

[Lucy4]

Quote:
Hey Lynne... just checked out your page. Very helpful, thanks! How big is the dog bowl in that pic? One quart? I have four birds... just wondering what size to get.

 

[hinkjc]

I use cookie tin water heater bases, heated dog dishes and the purchased metal heater bases for large waterers. You can see the cookie tin ones here. https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=107951