Water heater

[viviann]

Hi all new here 1st year for chickens looking for the best water heater for the winter we have 4 hens.

 

[slordaz]

depends on location and temps you have to deal with, the base heaters and pet bowls work if you don't get down below -20 for extended periods, if you live up north where we get -30 to -70 a plastic bucket with a stock tank heater works best with nipples, or youcan do like I do rubber feed dishes and change em out more often , all depends on time you have and what you want to do

 

[jreardon1918]

We have a farm innovator 250 watt stock tank de-icer. Keeps a 5 gallon bucket with horizontal nipples liquid all winter. We are in south east Mass.

 

[blackdog043]

If you add your general location to your profile, we will know what your weather is like and can give better advise on questions you may have, without asking your location all the time.

Here's my waterer article. It will keep water from freezing to at least -20.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/ar...ock-tank-deicer-and-horizontal-nipples.74609/

 

[archeryrob]

So a small flock we just had a black bowl from TSC and knocked the ice out in the morning and poured hot water in it. Unless its really cold the chickens keep it open. You about break the regular waterers trying to get the ice out.

 

[Sue Gremlin]

I live in Michigan, and this water setup has worked great for me through the years.

 

[Mosey2003]

You can buy heated dog dishes or heated 2 gallon buckets. With only 4 hens, I'd go with one of those. Keep the receipt though, they do tend to give up the ghost.

 

[ChickenWaterer]

Before you buy a heater, please consider whether you are going to use your heater in an area that is shielded from rain, snow and sunlight or if it's going to be exposed to the environment. Sunlight and extreme temperatures can cause the plastic on standard electrical cords to degrade over time. Once the wire is exposed, it's a safety hazard. Likewise, rain can get into the interior of certain heaters and come into contact with electrical components and create the same safety hazards. For example, "Pie Pan" style heaters like the one Sue Gremlin posted above are only intended to be used indoors. They also need to be used with a galvanized waterer, not a plastic one. Check the manufacturers instructions carefully. The last thing you want is to create a safety hazard. Please be safe!