Type of Water heaters

[parrillofarms]

This is my first year raising chickens for egg production. i have 36 chickens and the weather here in illinois is not going so well. we have gotten down to 3 degrees. i use a 5 gallon plastic water heater. i used to use a metal one but it was a piece of junk because it would always leak. i need a water heater. i was wondering if i could use a water heater that says for metal water containers or if i have to use one that says "safe for plastic heaters." some say for metal heaters only. is this true or can i really use these heaters. also does anyone know if a large heated dog bowl work if i put that under my plastic water container. this might be a cheaper alternative for me. any comments?

 

[boxermom]

I'm sorry that I don't know how to post the link, but there has been a thread started about the cookie tin heater. I, too have a plastic waterer. Right now I have a heat lamp on it, but DH is building the cookie tin heater. I bought all the supplies yesterday except the "cord clamp". Seem to be going together very easily. There is a pic of it at the beginning of the thread.

 

[Smokin Silkies]

I also built the cookie tin heater...today actually after reading the post. Thhe light soclet didn't work for me so I used outdoor christmas lights and put them in the tin, put the lid on it and put my plastic waterer on top. Been out there a good 8 hours and so far no freezing. We'll see what happens overnight though. Im crossing my fingers it works!!!

 

[boxermom]

I have become very frustrated with my plastic waterer.

I pulled out my metal one again although it's smaller. The plastic one has drained 3 times since we have had the cold spell this week. I don't know what is causing it. Temperature change? I'm trying to keep a dry barn, but it's kind of difficult when the waterer has dumped 15 gallons into the litter!

DH likes the idea of the metal waterer with the tin heater better than the plastic one anyway, so maybe it will work better. I'll just have to fill it more often.

 

[mayden]

Quote:
I haven't tried it yet but I was thinking a submersible aquarium water heater would work. You can get them on Ebay pretty reasonably.