Need ideas for waterer heaters

[kysilkies]

We currently have 4 separate coops but before winter hits will have one big one for all our birds with 4 separate waterers and need ideas on how to keep the water from freezing...Last year we used heat lamps in each coop and they didn't keep the water from freezing...

So, how do you do it for one or multiple units(if possible)???...Cheaper the better also...Thanx in advance...

 

[JackE]

I built a cookie tin waterer heater for less than $5. Got the idea from the link below. I used a 40W bulb, Worked for me.
Jack

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=107951

 

[Fred's Hens]

I use a heated dog bowl, the large size. They are somewhat economical to operate because they come when needed, below 40F and shut themselves when not needed, over 40F.

To make life simple, I just sit an ice cream pail of water into each dog bowl. I have multiple buckets. Take out fresh water and swap. Ideal in cold weather. No messing around.

 

[bluebird]

The cookie tin water heater works great! Have used it for two winters.

 

[Smoky73]

I also use cookie tin waterers my husband builds. We use a 40w light bulb, and we also plug those into a thermocube so they do not turn on till around freezing and will shut off when not needed.

 

[mrs macdonald]

Fred's Hens :

I use a heated dog bowl, the large size. They are somewhat economical to operate because they come when needed, below 40F and shut themselves when not needed, over 40F.

To make life simple, I just sit an ice cream pail of water into each dog bowl. I have multiple buckets. Take out fresh water and swap. Ideal in cold weather. No messing around.

I love this idea, but would it work with young chicks (7 or 8 weeks) during their first weeks in the coop? Is it too tall for them to access and is there a risk of them getting into it? What kind of platform do you stand it on? Would a cinder block or concrete patio slab be okay? Sorry, trying to figure out the simplest way for young birds

 

[wyododge]

You can see our solution on my page.

 

[frostbite]

I think you should use a different method in each of your four coops, and then report back to us next spring with which one worked best, which was easiest, which was least expensive, etc.

That would be most useful!!!

 

[Elbowmarie]

This is probably a stupid question... but, does waterer sit on top of the cookie tin?

 

[Bear Foot Farm]

This is probably a stupid question... but, does waterer sit on top of the cookie tin?

Yes it does.
Use a 40 watt bulb and it should keep it from freezing

You could do the same thing with a bucket, or even a wooden box with a thin metal top

The "cookie tin" works well because it's completely contained, and is fire proof and waterproof
You just need a small hole for the wiring to pass through​