So this cookie tin heater....

[clairabean]

Is a nightlight size bulb enough? And do these work well with plastic waterers?

 

[B'villechicken]

A night light bulb is probably not big enough. I usually use a 40W bulb. This year, however has been colder and when my 40W bulb burned out, I used a 60W. Plastic waterers are safe with cookie tin heaters. Hope this helps, good luck.

David

 

[clairabean]

Thank you.

 

[swimmer]

B'villechicken :

A night light bulb is probably not big enough. I usually use a 40W bulb. This year, however has been colder and when my 40W bulb burned out, I used a 60W. Plastic waterers are safe with cookie tin heaters. Hope this helps, good luck.

David

x's 2.​

 

[Neil Grassbaugh]

Look for an "appliance bulb" like you would use in an oven. Seems like they lasted longer for me years ago when I made #10 tin can heaters.

I usually set these down inside a plastic milk carrier with a a wood block below them so that the rim of the can contacted the waterer but so that thewater itself cannot tip.

 

[PaleMelanesian]

I found that a 25W bulb was not enough. The new 60W bulb keeps it liquid down to 16F so far.

Night lights are usually 4-5W, so no, they're not enough.

 

[clairabean]

Ok. So I made one with a 40watt bulb. It is hot to the touch. Not burning, but pretty dang hot. Is that what I am aiming for?

 

[PaleMelanesian]

When I tested mine indoors, yes it was. Outside it's warm but not hot.

 

[snowflake]

I use a 40w appliance bulb also. I do have trouble with my water sliding off the cookie tin. don't know if roosters are chasing around it or what the problem is. Working on a solution for that, but kept water thawed inside coop no other heat in there.I have a plastic waterer on the cookie tin. I also have a heated plastic waterer that works well.

 

[B'villechicken]

Quote:
Yes, they will knock it off the tin. I have seel people use bungee cords to secure the waterer. I used an old small cookie sheet that has a rim around it. I screwed it to the wall through the rim while it was sitting on the cookie tin. I then placed the waterer on the cookie sheet and the hens can't skid it off the heater.

David