watering in the winter

[chickencoop13]

what do you find is easiest for watering in the winter i dont have access to power so wat should i do this winter (i want to figure it out now lol)

 

[teach1rusl]

With no power plan on making a lot of trips for emptying out ice and pouring fresh water. I have found that the thick rubber bowls (sold at TSC and probably elsewhere) take longer to ice over (the water) than the metal or plastic waterers. I use warm water (although my indoor waterer is heated) for my outside water bowls. I'm just glad I don't have to think about that till December

 

[lilblessings5]

I have found that it helps to have an extra empty waterer..then I make one trip out with the fresh water and bring in the frozen to thaw. It usually takes awhile before it freezes again- sometimes it only freezes overnight...then I just fill up the one I brought in the day before the next morning and head out with it.

 

[charming]

I love our Nelson (heated) water system. Here is there website http://www.nelsonmfg.com/ . We use them on our oxen and Percherons at the farm. They are well worth the investment.

 

[chickencoop13]

where are you from charming

 

[ijon1]

Quote:
Can't beat them.

 

[arch_cpj]

2 words for you "EXTENSION CORD" Pain in the butt if you dont have juice its dark when you leave for work dark at night and you only trip so many times before its a pain....

 

[sydney13]

iv seen solar power waterers for sale at shop the coop
you could put some vegtible oil over the water to keep it unfrozen longer

 

[patandchickens]

Those supposed 'solar powered waterers' *aren't*, and you'd be much much better off just making your own with a largeish container, a thick insulating jacket (under and around it, and with a partial lid that lets chickens reach in to drink). Then dump and replace it however often necessary, depending on how fast it is freezing.

Good luck, have fun,

Pat

 

[CityChook]

Quote:
Don't know where you live or how cold you're talking about, but vegetable oil will not keep your water from freezing.

My waterer gets a skim coat of ice in as little as 10 minutes. And that's in a coop with heat provided. We have to use electricity to keep the water fluid.
I use a heated dog water dish - Love it.

If power is not a possibility for you, sounds like you'll need to make multiple trips to the coop to replace water. I've heard that rubber bowls will buy you a little more time, but not much.