Waterers and what works best in the winter

[Toothpick]

i use this one. it worked well last winter and we’ve been below freezing the last few nights with no issue.

https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/p...eZP_0Rmat1T3yiauGAu3M0cMinANz7zIaAknpEALw_wcB

Thanks!!

 

[wamtazlady]

What de-icer do you recommend? Or have experience with?

I have the 5 gal bucket with nipples and the’ve already been frozen solid once this winter. This weekend will be below freezing

I use this deicer. Has kept my water thawed down to -26 F. My container this year is a 20 gallon tote with lid.

 

[Fwoof]

I made a waterer out of a bucket and attached some metal nipples to the bottom of it. Just make sure the smallest chicken in your flock can reach it, because if she can, anyone in your flock can! It works great, and I just fill it back up when the water is running low. But you may need to clean it out every once in a while when algae gets out of control. I also use metal water bowls for my less populated coops, but you need to give your hens who drink out of the bowls fresh water daily. you can use either of my methods, or do something else if you don't think nipples or bowls will work for you. Good luck!

 

[Egghead_Jr]

Something is very wrong with the voting. It adds up to 122.8%.

The black rubber bowls work very well for below freezing if in the sunshine. During the real cold using a small bird bath heater to keep the water defrosted works well.

 

[Krugerrand]

Something is very wrong with the voting. It adds up to 122.8%.

The black rubber bowls work very well for below freezing if in the sunshine. During the real cold using a small bird bath heater to keep the water defrosted works well.

"Multiple votes are allowed."

Some people use more than one method.

 

[NorthwoodsChick]

you can make your own for much cheaper.

buy a 5-7 gallon bucket along with a pack of horizontal nipples.

drill holes, insert nipples, then drill small holes near the top of the bucket to prevent a vacuum seal. done and done.

if you live where it gets cold, then in the winter, you can drop a deicer in the bucket to keep the water from freezing.

5-7 gallons of water vs 2 gallons means you have to refill the bucket much less frequently.

That is my set up as well and I love it. 5 gal will last about 2 wks but in winter with the deicer I carry out a 1/2gal refill every day. You don’t want it to run low with a deicer. I place the bucket on a block and that block sits in a shallow pan of pebbles to catch drips (and keep run wood chips from getting musty) that happen when my messy chickens drink.

OP- when drilling the holes go slow and straight to prevent microcracks that may worsen when temps freeze, not a big issue if using a submersible deicer, but if not, beware of leaks. The horizontal nipples should fit snug but not overtight, too.

In summer I place a 2 gal dog dish out where they free range (plus they still have the run waterer).

Good luck, OP

 

[Nodakj]

Something is very wrong with the voting. It adds up to 122.8%.

The black rubber bowls work very well for below freezing if in the sunshine. During the real cold using a small bird bath heater to keep the water defrosted works well.

I am sure some ppl use more than one way

 

[Egghead_Jr]

I'm sure people do all sorts of things. Regardless, it's misrepresentative.

 

[Idaho Chicken Bungalow]

I give my girls options. Heated water bowls, heated nipple waterer, and a rubber bucket with a heater placed in the bottom. I also have a non heated that does freeze but is placed in the sunny spot and melts a bit each day. The stinkers like the water bowls, the one that freezes then melts and the little bit of water that gathers in a blue plastic swimming pool. The options are placed on cement and on a railroad tie. It does get dirty but I get them cleaned every day or every other day.

 

[Toothpick]

I just order one of those thermo cubes and a 50w aquarium heater. Should be here in time for the below freezing temps this weekend/next week. We’ll see how it works.