Mama Heating Pad in the Brooder (Picture Heavy) - UPDATE

[circlehouse]

Not really but it can help absorb moisture in the coop environment, depending on the bedding used.  You might explore deep litter if wanting heat generating and also more healthy habitat in the coop and run...this thread is a little shorter than the bigger thread on DL and might get you there faster:  https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/643302/results-from-first-year-with-deep-litter-method

I'll check out that thread! One the natural chicken keeping thread someone reccomended I use the shavings to get it started.

 

[aart]

Quote: One benefit for some folks is that deep bedding can make for a lower humidity level inside the coop.

True 'composting' deep litter needs a certain amount of moisture to actually compost and generate any heat.

Can depend on the type of floor in coop too, which will 'work' better.

 

[circlehouse]

One benefit for some folks is that deep bedding can make for a lower humidity level inside the coop.

True 'composting' deep litter needs a certain amount of moisture to actually compost and generate any heat.

Can depend on the type of floor in coop too, which will 'work' better.

I am doing an open air coop, so humidity won't be too much of a concern. Dirt floor...

 

[aart]

Quote: Sounds like the perfect coop for DL.
Woods coop?

 

[circlehouse]

 Sounds like the perfect coop for DL.
Woods coop?

Not a woods coop, more woods inspired.

we had to work with the space we have. But thanks for your input! I'm a little bit of a research freak, happy to hear what I have researched and planned should work out!

 

[dyorto]

Off topic, but you all are so knowledgable. As I plan my new coop, I'm trying to figure out what type of watering device to use. I'd prefer something that can be used year round in freezing Michigan winters. Also that will stay clean and not be refilling constantly.

 

[aart]

Quote: If not of the Woods proportions and openings management, an open air coop might not be great for your climate there.

Off topic, but you all are so knowledgable. As I plan my new coop, I'm trying to figure out what type of watering device to use. I'd prefer something that can be used year round in freezing Michigan winters. Also that will stay clean and not be refilling constantly.

This has worked great for me the last 2 winters, https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/aarts-heated-waterer-with-horizontal-nipples
Holds 2.5 gallons, but I keep it pretty full (to make darn sure the heater stays covered) by topping off with the approx. 1/2 gallon of water that my 15 birds use every day.

 

[ShrekDawg]

Off topic, but you all are so knowledgable. As I plan my new coop, I'm trying to figure out what type of watering device to use. I'd prefer something that can be used year round in freezing Michigan winters. Also that will stay clean and not be refilling constantly.

If not of the Woods proportions and openings management, an open air coop might not be great for your climate there. 

This has worked great for me the last 2 winters, https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/aarts-heated-waterer-with-horizontal-nipples
Holds 2.5 gallons, but I keep it pretty full (to make darn sure the heater stays covered) by topping off with the approx. 1/2 gallon of water that my 15 birds use every day.

Aart's design is great and I considered it but right now I have a 5 gallon bucket (i splurged and got food grade from Lowe's but you don't have to) with horizontal nipples. I also bought a k&h 250 watt stock tank de icer but haven't had to use it yet. I think it should work out great though. I haven't really kept track of exactly how mucb water they drink and I usually refill when it's about halfway gone because they still manage to get a little bit of sand/sediment in it (they like to fly on top) but I would guess that that's usually at least a week or two. I often just forget about it, it lasts soo long I never have to worry. I have 8 birds.

ETA: And actually, I'm sure it definitely lasts longer than a week cause I can't even remember when I refilled it last and it's still pretty full. I may start keeping track of it.

 

[perchie.girl]

Off topic, but you all are so knowledgable. As I plan my new coop, I'm trying to figure out what type of watering device to use. I'd prefer something that can be used year round in freezing Michigan winters. Also that will stay clean and not be refilling constantly.

this is what i use

stock tank float valve



+
black tub


I dont like nipple waterers because it gets so hot here I dont feel they can deep drink out of em. The deeper water stays cooler in the summertime. Especially in the shade. Also when it frezes jthe Iceblock just pops out so you can refill.

deb

 

[ShrekDawg]

this is what i use stock tank float valve + black tub I dont like nipple waterers because it gets so hot here I dont feel they can deep drink out of em. The deeper water stays cooler in the summertime. Especially in the shade. Also when it frezes jthe Iceblock just pops out so you can refill. deb

It hasn't been summer here yet and its not that hot so I can't say on whether the buckets will truly stay cool or not BUT currently even on fairly warm days, 60s and such, and in direct sun, the water on the bottom of my 5 gallon bucket is FREEZING. But I have a food grade bucket which is white instead of blue or orange so maybe it reflects some of the sun and heat away? But the lid is blue. But yeah, it is very deep, deeper than the container, and I put my horizontal nipples a few inches from the bottom and so far it is freezing. But mine do like to dip their beaks in open waterers too