Topic of the Week - Keeping Water from Freezing

[BYC Project Manager]

Keeping water from freezing is a constant challenge in winter. This week, I’d love to hear your tips and strategies for ensuring your flock has access to unfrozen water. For example:

• What types of water heaters or solutions have worked best for you?
• Do you use DIY methods to keep water thawed, like insulating containers or heated bases?
• How often do you check and change the water during the coldest parts of winter?
• What tips do you have for areas where power is not available?

Anything else you'd like to add?

For a complete list of our Topic of the Week threads, see here:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/topic-of-the-week-thread-archive

 

[Debbie292d]

In the coop, we have a 5-gallon DIY nipple bucket. That'll last 20 silkies for nearly a month, so we put 1/2 teaspoon of RV Water Freshener in it to keep it from getting slimy.

It won't freeze as we keep the coop heated to 40F.

The grow-out pens each have an electric 2-gallon bucket nipple waterer. Other than during a polar vortex, they stayed thawed all winter.

 

[Ridgerunner]

In winter I use black rubber tubs I get at Tractor Supply for water. In Arkansas the coldest I ever saw it was -4 Fahrenheit (-20 C) though most days and nights were warmer. If the sun was shining on that black tub water would stay thawed down into the mid teens F. That covered most days. The sun does not always shine (never at night) so if the water froze I'd beat the rubber tub against the ground to break the ice out. The rubber did not break. I had a frost free hydrant so getting clean water wasn't a problem.

In summer I use white water bowls in the shade for water. White bowls are hard to find but they keep the water cooler than those black tubs.

 

[aart]

This has worked for me flawlessly(down to about -12°F) for 8 years.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/aarts-heated-waterer-with-horizontal-nipples.67256/

 

[Sally PB]

I use a heated dog water bowl.

 

[U_Stormcrow]

I don't get winter. Rare for sub freezing temps here for more than a handful of hours overnight. Once went sub freezing for almost 30 hours straight. I carried water. Nearly ran out of coffee (well line froze). Times were desperate.

Going to bow out of this conversation until/unless someone starts suggesting salty water bottles or similar - then I might amuse myself by explaining why that method doesn't work for most people, most of the time, in most sub-freezing situations.

 

[HollowOfWisps]

I use heated rubber buckets that I get from Statelinetack. I had issues with plastic heated buckets freezing and cracking. The rubber buckets have been great!

 

[Ecarroll]

In winter I use black rubber tubs I get at Tractor Supply for water. In Arkansas the coldest I ever saw it was -4 Fahrenheit (-20 C) though most days and nights were warmer. If the sun was shining on that black tub water would stay thawed down into the mid teens F. That covered most days. The sun does not always shine (never at night) so if the water froze I'd beat the rubber tub against the ground to break the ice out. The rubber did not break. I had a frost free hydrant so getting clean water wasn't a problem.

In summer I use white water bowls in the shade for water. White bowls are hard to find but they keep the water cooler than those black tubs.

I do the same thing with rubber tubs, but have to deal with freezing more than you. Often just a thin layer on top, so if thin I break it with my boot, if medium I use a shovel or really stomp on it good, and if all the way through I torn it out. Works great for me.

 

[fuzzi]

I does occasionally get cold here (20°F), but my 5 gallon cup waterer rarely freezes. Last year we had several days of very cold temperatures, but when I saw the forecast I prepared.

I got a 15" tire from my mechanic, and tried insulating it with spray foam (two cans barely covered the inside of the tire, won't do that again). Then I stuffed the tire with straw, packed it in. I added a rubber tub, then filled it with water.

On the cold mornings there was approximately 1" of ice on top, but I twisted the tub like an ice cube tray and the ice popped out. I then topped up the tub with fresh water.

 

[Sally PB]

I don't get winter.

I can send you a "can of Michigan winter" in exchange for a "can of Florida sunshine."

Those cans are great to have on hand for the long, dark, cold days in January/February. And they make great gag gifts too!