No more freezing waterers this year

[Tala]

Quote:
Huh??
You musta seen a different one than we got.

This is the one I got, for $19 at TSC: http://www.tractorsupply.com/pet-care/pet-feeders-waterers-bowls/pet-food-bowls/api-all-45-seasons-electric-heated-pet-bowl-5-qt--2411794
Pic in use: It's on a 1/4 pallet so to keep the bedding out better.

The bottom is covered in black plastic, and it's got a water-proof/resistant heat-shrink plastic seal over the wiring, then a heavy duty power cord covered in coiled wire so that it's "chew resistant" for dogs. I only wish the sides of the bowl were more insulated, but I guess it's good enough for AR.

 

[urbanolive]

yes , that is exactly it. On the bottom were black plastic coils wrapped in wire . I will go look at them again tomorrow...maybe the one I picked up was missing the bottom ???

 

[Tala]

Quote:
That's the power cord.

It's wrapped around the base during shipping. The coils of wire are to help prevent the cord from being chewed by dogs. It's taped down, with some cardboard and you unpackage it before use.

 

[urbanolive]

Well that would make sense ! Thanks for clarifying for me. Wish I had just bought the dang thing...luckily TS is only 3 miles from here .

 

[RocketDad]

How many watts are they rated?

 

[Tala]

50 watts

Less than your average incandescent

ETA: Also thermostatically controlled, they don't come on till the temp drops below 40*F

 

[Omran]

Thank you Tala, it worked perfect

 

[chicks4kids]

On the bowl with the bottom attached....mine melted somehow on the bottom (somehow shorting the internals) and I came out to frozen water the other morning. So I went back to TSC, receipt in hand along with the bowl (which they couldn't believe did that) and I picked up the one without the bottom to it. Haven't had any problems with the new one.

The one with the bottom was rated 60 watts, the one without is 50.

 

[chookchick]

I have exactly the one Tala has, and I love it!! I have it raised up, so the lip is at about 9" high, and it stays pretty clean (in the coop)--can leave it for a week before it needs changing. The pallet would be great in the run though...

 

[patandchickens]

For those who want the convenience/price of a heated dogbowl but with higher water capacity -- you could consider sitting a regular waterer on top of a filled-to-the-brim heated dogbowl. (Make an insulating jacket for the top part of the waterer, using one or more layers of bubblewrap, to improve performance in cold temps).

The important thing IMO is to make absolutely, positively certain that an accident with the main waterer can't flood the heated dogbowl to the point of becoming a shock hazard or damaging the electrics (since all the heated dogbowls I've known have the element and connection basically exposed, on the underside of the bowl). Mine is set on two bricks, in a dishpan with holes drilled in the bottom of it to let spilled water escape, and the waterer is tied up so it can't be knocked over.

Mine has been fine down into the mid 20s so far and will probably work a fair bit lower. Just be careful if you are using a galvanized font in this way, as letting a galvanized font freeze up hard can irreparably bust it.

Pat