ICE in the waterer

[Pinky]

It was soo cold last night that the water in my chicken's waterers froze solid.My pond was frozen halfway across the surface.I didn't think it was going to be that cold.I refilled the waterers after I could melt the ice.My chickens were trying to drink the ice

All of my chickens are ok though.The cold doesn't seen to bother them

 

[Frizzledhen]

I had ice in my waterers too. The waterers are sitting on water heaters that are suppose to be good to -10 degrees. I will trade you any day. The chickens seem to be doing well although there are some funny friendships forming. Guess they do what has to be done to stay warm. Even the underlings are invited into the tightly packed bundle of chickens at night.
Sorry for the inconvienence you are going thorugh. It is a tough winter this year for all of us.

 

[Pinky]

I noticed that too.The hens that are lower in the pecking order are now able to get close with the others and not picked on.Now they even eat next to each other without worry,although they don't act cold in the day.I'm going to try and find a heater for the water.

 

[LynneP]

If the cold persists, you might appreciate a heated water bowl. They come with a wire guard on the electrical cord. I had a double-walled 3 gal galvanized waterer in my coop on a heater base but it was awkward and hard to refill. I like this far better and you can unplug it when you don't need the heat. Best way to clean it is to dump into a catch bucket, wipe and refill from a jug. I gave the other setup to the barn cats!

 

[Akane]

I had ice over a heated bucket under a heat lamp.

So glad that cold weather has passed. The chickens just don't understand breaking ice for water like the horses do so even a very thin layer kept them from drinking.

 

[Sasquatch]

I use 2 water fonts. One comes inside the shop to thaw and the other goes in the greenhouse that I use for the winter coop. I swap them daily.

 

[Ravenseye]

It was 15 below yesterday morning. I'm de-icing the waterer at least twice a day...once about 5 AM and again when I get home in the evening. My wife adds some warm water around mid day. Still, it's solid as a rock in the evening. Warmer days are coming....I think!