Warm Water During Freezing Temperatures

[Snowbelt]

I do not have electricity to my unheated coop, so I have to take water out one or more times on freezing days to ensure they are able to drink when they want and need to. I have multiple metal waterers that I switch out continually all winter. I prepare one in the house using lukewarm water, and take it out to the coop for them, and bring the cold one back to unthaw. My old ladies--close to six-year old Buff Orpingtons--remember this fondly and were there to greet me today so they could gather around and drink warmth on a cold, snowy day. They were out in the snow in the run when I opened the coop door, but haven't forgotten in the past seven or eight months how good warm water feels and tastes in the cold. The eight pullets stayed outside playing in their first snow, clueless, but they will learn. I chuckle every time I bring the water out, because the hens gathered round always reminds me of coworkers lining up at the coffeemaker in the morning to get their morning cup.

 

[ChickQueen77]

That is what I did with my chickens last year. I would take the waterer in at night and fill it with warm water and put it back out there for them in the morning

 

[Snowbelt]

The chickens really appreciate it, I'm sure.

 

[ChickQueen77]

The chickens really appreciate it, I'm sure.

yeah they sure do especially my bantams