Prepping for winter ugh

[Northwestmichicken]

Does anyone have recommendations for keeping the water from freezing this winter. I live in northern Michigan and it gets pretty bad in the winter. And also should I close off the ends in the winter so they have another place for cover
Thanks

 

[rosemarythyme]

Looks like you have electricity out there so you'll either need a waterer with a defroster or a heated base. Looks like you have watering cups right now? Those won't work when it freezes. You either need horizontal nipples or an open waterer once you get to that point.

When you say close off the ends, what are you referring to? The open area where you have the water and food right now?

 

[SourRoses]

Umm, I think there's a rule against talking about winter prep when we are roasting

 

[Northwestmichicken]

Looks like you have electricity out there so you'll either need a waterer with a defroster or a heated base. Looks like you have watering cups right now? Those won't work when it freezes. You either need horizontal nipples or an open waterer once you get to that point.

When you say close off the ends, what are you referring to? The open area where you have the water and food right now?

Yes but if the birds can handle the cold I’ll just keep it open

 

[Northwestmichicken]

Umm, I think there's a rule against talking about winter prep when we are roasting

Awe cmon it’s beautiful outside. Go chill with your chickens

 

[rosemarythyme]

Yes but if the birds can handle the cold I’ll just keep it open

Chickens handle cold better than hot, but they do need some shelter from wind and storms. What do typical winter lows look like for you?

Looks like there's a good amount of space in that open area where they can tuck into corners if needed to get out of wind.

 

[DLA]

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BB9VYPF4?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title

I have a heater like this that are safe to go under plastic waterers. This is the waterer I use

Set it all up on cement blocks. I don't have nipple waterers though, don't know how that would work with those.

 

[Hillbilly Hen]

Umm, I think there's a rule against talking about winter prep when we are roasting

In my experience, summer time in Michigan is spent hurrying to get things done before winter comes lol

 

[Sally PB]

I use a heated dog bowl in the winter. It works very well.

 

[Al Gerhart]

The old 60 watt bulb in a cookie tin works well. Use incandescent lamps of course.