Looking for ideas on an automatic waterer that won't freeze in the winter for a chicken tractor

[ChickenJerk]

If electricity is not an option and you have a metal waterer this is a choice;

http://www.ebay.com/itm/160704586077?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649#ht_500wt_969

Long time ago kerosene burners with big flat metal oil reservoirs inside of a metal base with a door on it were used extensively beneath 5 gallon double wall galvanized founts.
I think I still have one. It would be somewhere in one of the barns that are full of my treasure, AKA junk, and I do mean FULL.

 

[Bear Foot Farm]

Quote: You'll need multiple solar panels and several hundred dollars worth of LARGE batteries, plus an inverter, to get even a couple of hours of HEAT.

I'd invest in drop cords

Read Cobrien's post on this thread:

Quote:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/554615/looking-for-suggestions-for-solar-powered-heat-lamps

 

[cladano]

Ya..... solar sucks lol
After crunching some numbers and talking to a few people, solar is not practical to run even a 40 watt bulb all day.

I think Iowa only gets like 3 sun hours a day during the winter.

Ok so I guess I'll park the tractor closer to the house and run an extension cord for a tin can water heater or something.

 

[ChickensAreSweet]

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/401193/heated-dog-bowl-w-plastic-fountain
see post #7

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/591601/the-heated-dog-bowl
see post #2

http://www.amazon.com/Little-Giant-...MA/ref=sr_1_12?ie=UTF8&qid=1329084495&sr=8-12