Keeping Water Warm

[BillM2]

I'd like to continue using my plastic watering fount since I add ACV to their water. I'm thinking that if I place the waterer on top of an electric heated dog bowl filled with water, that would heat my 3 gallon fount. Anyone try this before?

 

[Bear Foot Farm]

.It would probably be better to fill the bowl with sand instead of water.

 

[jtakacs]

As an engineer I agree... high thermal mass and it will retain much more heat than water. Plus sand doesn't evaporate. Maintenance free.

In fact, you should probably fill it with concrete.

 

[BillM2]

What impact, if any, would a solid material like both suggestions, have on the heating element?

 

[Bear Foot Farm]

.it's thermostatically controlled, so it will heat whatever is in the bowl to the set temperature.

 

[schnebbles]

I just bought a heated dog bowl, but the water is COLD! of course not freezing but so cold. Do chickens like water that cold? I got a big one but want a smaller one because I'd rather change it daily (I give vitamins and extra B because my flock has mareks) and I hate making over a gallon at a time when a quart would be more than enough.

 

[Bear Foot Farm]

It really only NEEDS to be kept above freezing Any more heat just costs more money. Chickens "might" drink a little more if it's warmer, but either way they drink enough.

 

[schnebbles]

Good point! I'm going to get the smaller bowl today then. I'll refill it more, my chickens are right in the yard so it's easy enough to run out with fresh, warmer water when I'm home.

 

[Rettarain2]

Okay.im lost. So many ideas so many choices.
What if I hung a 40 watt light above my existing 3 gallon plastic waterer? A lot of options are out there but they are expensive. . Or I am concerned about fire cause my floors are stra.
HELPPPPP