I would suggest getting another rubber bowl, and placing it ourside the coop as well, so the chickens have more opportunity to drink. I use rubber bowls during winter, and I fill them in early morning, and empty them the next morning or break the ice and remove it. Then I fill again with a bucket of fresh water.
I do use heated dog bowls inside my coop. They stay cold, and only come on when the temperature gets below 35 degrees F to prevent freezing. These are very safe, use very little energy, and not likely to ever cause a fire because water never is heated much.
I would like to remind everyone to just answer questions without being critical, complaining of not following advice, etc. Just give an answer or don’t participate in the thread. Getaclue and others have given very good advice to this young person.
The link in post 55 is an excellent read about gout causes and prevention. Viruses, molds, genetics, nutrition, and lack of water all have an important roll in causing gout.
