Looking ahead to learn about winter care

[DLV58]

Hi everyone, it's not even summer yet and I am thinking about winter care.
I am new to raising chickens and trying to learn as much as I can..
My question is...Do I need to keep water heated in the coop at night
during the winter or is watering just during the day ok?
thanks for any and all replies!

 

[TOP KNOT]

Hi everyone, it's not even summer yet and I am thinking about winter care.
I am new to raising chickens and trying to learn as much as I can..
My question is...Do I need to keep water heated in the coop at night
during the winter or is watering just during the day ok?
thanks for any and all replies!

I would keep it heated 24 hours a day. More than likely the chickens will be up at day break, and you will not be. They are going to want a drink in the very early morning.

 

[speedy2020]

Hi everyone, it's not even summer yet and I am thinking about winter care.
I am new to raising chickens and trying to learn as much as I can..
My question is...Do I need to keep water heated in the coop at night
during the winter or is watering just during the day ok?
thanks for any and all replies!

If you have power to your coop, it should be very easy. The 25-50watts submersible aquarium heat will work great with nipple water system.

 

[Eggcessive]

The simplest watering solution for me is to get a 1 gallon heated dog waterer from Walmart or a pet store. They are around $20-30 and keep the water cold, but come on when temps reach below 35, and shut off at 45 degrees. They last for years and you can put a platic ice cream pail or a metal dog bowl inside of them, which makes them easy to keep clean. Do not be tempted to heat your coop because chickens don't need it--they just need to have dry bedding and no direct drafts. Overhead ventilation will keep things fresh and dry. Try to prevent spilled water and wet shavings because that is what can cause frostbite.

 

[TOP KNOT]

The simplest watering solution for me is to get a 1 gallon heated dog waterer from Walmart or a pet store. They are around $20-30 and keep the water cold, but come on when temps reach below 35, and shut off at 45 degrees. They last for years and you can put a platic ice cream pail or a metal dog bowl inside of them, which makes them easy to keep clean. Do not be tempted to heat your coop because chickens don't need it--they just need to have dry bedding and no direct drafts. Overhead ventilation will keep things fresh and dry. Try to prevent spilled water and wet shavings because that is what can cause frostbite.