keeping water unfrozen in winter

[Lothiriel]

Quote:
Where did you get the 2-gal vacuum waterer? I know where to get a metal base heater, but I just need a good metal waterer. The last one I had did not work - it just kept on pumping out the water non-stop. Also, how much do you think it cost you? Thank you! (I'm so glad I found this thread - it's exactly what I was looking for!

)

 

[Sylvie]

I got it at a local feedmill in NE Ohio for $22.
I adjusted a small brass regulator so it would flow slower.
Could yours be missing that piece?

 

[LynneP]

Lothiriel- If you have a rubber o-ring in that feeder you may need to coat it in vaseline to make the seal work again. They need regular maintenance and I wish the instructions said so!

Sylvie- whether you go with more metal or plastic I think you'll be much happier knowing the water is not frozen. When you buy, check the minimum temp at which the waterer will be effective- that might help you to decide!

 

[Sylvie]

Quote:
Good point about the minimum temp, I hadn't considered that!

 

[Jenski]

You could also go up to the top of this page and click the "Shop the Coop" link ~ I bought a couple of the heated bowl waterers from her and they work great. They run on electric, but have a no-chew cord and they only cut on when the temp gets below 35 F. I inverted a small ceramic cup on the inside of the bowl to keep the young ones from taking a swim.

In my larger pen I keep a galvanized Little Giant waterer sitting on a Little Giant water heater ~ looks like a large inverted pie pan, and it too cuts on at 35. I was very happy with the arrangement last winter. You do have to keep these out of the weather, though ~ I have them beneath the raised coops.

 

[horsejody]

I just usw electric dog bowl. They go on clearance in the spring for $10. I always have an extra in case one stops working.

 

[AllChookUp]

Good plan, horsejody - I have one heated bowl, but I should have a backup.

 

[Lothiriel]

Quote:
I went to Shop the Coop and found that - we are planning on buying it. We have the plastic waterers and they have worked the best for us. I was thrilled to find the heated water bowl!

And thank you, everyone else who gave info on the metal waterer. I think we still have it around somewhere, so I'll check out the rubber o-ring and the brass stopper.