Think it's too cold for your chickens? Think again...

[TC_BokBok]

Location: Traverse City, Michigan (On The Water)
Average Temps Currently: 20F-30F
Coldest Temps At Night: 6F - 15F
Heated Coop: No
Insulated Coop: No
Number Of Hens: 5
Bedding: Deep Layer
Coop Style: Urban Chicken Coop Approx. 8'x10'

I use a nipple watering system for my girls and quickly started having freezing issues overnight. Each morning I'd take the partially frozen bucket out of the hen house and replace it with another filled with a fresh batch of warm water. This was a daily process since the bucket would always partially freeze over cutting off access to water for my girls.

I've now solved the problem using a very simple aquarium water heater. Here is what I have.
> 2 Gallon Ace Hardware Bucket w/Lid
http://ace.imageg.net/graphics/product_images/pACE-958978reg.jpg
> Avian Aqua Miser Nipple Watering System
http://www.avianaquamiser.com/
> Marina Submersible Mini Aquarium Heater
http://www.petsmart.com/product/index.jsp?productId=4134008&lmdn=Wattage

The key here of course is the Marina Submersible Mini Aquarium Heater. Here are some of the specs which made it a perfect fit me me and my girls.
* Fully submersible.
* LED running lamp: The red pilot light is illuminated when the heater is in operation.
* Shatterproof: Tough unbreakable polymer casing.
* Easy and secure installation.
* Designed to reach and maintain the set temperature of 78°F (26°C).
* Will automatically shut off when the water temperature is reached or if out of water.
* Safe for plastic.

Problem solved.

 

[jeannieo]

Quote:
Wow! Off to PetSmart go I! I had read a thread earlier where someone had fashioned a hood to go over the waterer. I did that with what I had laying around and I must say I was pretty impressed with myself especially since the girls insist on flying up about 10 feet to sleep in the rafters and poop flies everywhere. I took one on top of the head the other day. Luckily it wasn't a runny one, it was one of those dry ones that looks like dog poop.

But I digress....I had the waterer on the water heater, the kind that looks like a big upside down pan, and I built it up so they couldn't kick shavings in it. Well, that worked pretty good for a couple of days until I realized my banties couldn't reach it. So then I lowered it, still with the hood over it, and now the water looks like it did before I put the hood over it!

I wonder if TSC has those nipples....I'll call first before I drive the 10 miles to find out they don't have them.

 

[TheyThinkI'mTheirMom]

Quote:

They may give you the shtink-eye for the first couple of days, but they'll be fine!

Update us in the morning, would you?

Yes, they were all fine and the only one who gave me the "shtink-eye" was Lauren Bacall, a silkie-cochin splash, and she's a prima donna anyway!

I get that from my movie stars too!


Been snowing in southern MD about 6 hrs, high is 24, all the girls are well.

 

[Mervin]

Quote:
I bought the kids an aquarium last week fro Xmas and had one in my hand. I didn't get it though (kicking myself now). I'm in the same boat with the nipple waterer and switched to a forex pan. Man am I tired of dump that darn pan out. I think I might need to go to Petco or something.

 

[vmdanielsen]

Quote:
I bought the kids an aquarium last week fro Xmas and had one in my hand. I didn't get it though (kicking myself now). I'm in the same boat with the nipple waterer and switched to a forex pan. Man am I tired of dump that darn pan out. I think I might need to go to Petco or something.

Excellent!! Thank you!!!

 

[TC_BokBok]

Glad I could help a few people out. For a relatively low cost item it's a perfect fit for those of us who use nipple watering systems with enclosed buckets. I have the benefit of providing continual fresh water without the worry of icing, no added condensation in the hen house from traditional heated dog bowl type setups, a small heat source in the hen house (2 gallon bucket of 78F water), and peace of mind.

Good times!

 

[fishnet1971]

ok, I did it last night. i changed the timer on the light for on at 12, off at 3AM. I went in this morning to feed and boy did i get stink eye. not from one, but ALL of them.

yea, now i feel REALLLLLLLL good.

see if I get any eggs this week....

 

[jeannieo]

I never heard that term "stink eye" until Mrs. AK-Bird-Brain from Alaska! I love it!

 

[TheyThinkI'mTheirMom]

Quote:
those are some evil eye looks

 

[saym]

yuckyuck: They look like they could do bodily harm!
Mine get used to milder temps and then get socked with sub zeros, but they just look bewildered and HUNGRY!
Watch you back!!!