Michigan Thread - all are welcome!

[SillyChicken]

I use the galvanized heaters, but find they work fine for the plastic water dispensers. I keep the heater/water outside of the coop in a plastic dog house. The hens can go inside to drink out of the weather. I think it also helps retain some of the heat.

 

[robyn8]

I use the galvanized heaters, but find they work fine for the plastic water dispensers. I keep the heater/water outside of the coop in a plastic dog house. The hens can go inside to drink out of the weather. I think it also helps retain some of the heat.

So the galvanized heater wont be too hot for the plastic bucket? I really prefer a nipple system as I don't like them pooping in their water and with the nipple buckets I have I only have to change out their water weekly.

 

[Folly's place]

In warmer weather, I use several top filling plastic waterers, but I'm not willing to test them on the heated bases.
I also don't make novel electrical gadgets for the coop. If there's ever a fire, it won't be because I got creative to save a few bucks!
Mary

 

[aart]

If there's ever a fire, it won't be because I got creative to save a few bucks!

Even purchased heated waterers can cause a fire if wiring is funky.

 

[Folly's place]

That's so true, but it's the 'guilt' factor; it won't be me! I also had a licensed electrician do the wiring and sign off on it. Am I wimpy? Yes!
Mary

 

[1muttsfan]

Same here.

 

[Folly's place]

It seems to me that many issues are caused by not reading or following the directions on products. If it says to use it a certain way, and someone decides to use it off-label, things don't always go well.
Mary

 

[robyn8]

Has anyone tried a bird bath heater? I found some online that keep the water just above freezing and use 50-80 watts. Using it in a chicken waterer seems pretty much the same idea...not too off label.

 

[RaZ]

Happy Solstice everyone.
I haven't been to the library in a week so I'm behind on my interweb stuff.

Still waiting for the state to return the money they took from me. Friday marks the 3-week window in which they said it would be returned. And my lawyer is on vacation until after Christmas.

But the good news is I finally got the $100 owed to me by a friend. Put $10 gas in the Jeep and the rest went for chicken feed. I'm back to be broke again. Hope it snows so I can do some plowing and make a few dollars.

In the meantime I've been busy cutting up that tree that fell and scavenging wood that the county drops on the side of the road.

Chickens and turkeys are doing well. Except they are free loading...only 3 eggs in over 2 weeks. I thought the June hatches might start laying but they haven't yet. Oh well, Spring will be here soon.

I hope everyone enjoys the holidays however you celebrate.

 

[Leahs Mom]

Has anyone tried a bird bath heater? I found some online that keep the water just above freezing and use 50-80 watts. Using it in a chicken waterer seems pretty much the same idea...not too off label.

I have in the past. Would use again if I were using a bucket heater. But mine was higher watt than that. I couldn't find any with lower watt. I've also used glass aquarium heater that was 50 watt.