What do all of you do with water in the freezing temps?

[LamarshFish]

In my parts of the world (U.S., northern midwest), winter is coming. I like my pigeons to always have access to water, and because temps get so cold here that things freeze within hours, sometimes less, refilling a drinker every morning and evening may not even work for me. So I am looking at heating element options. Just was curious what some of you guys do if you live in places with freezing temps.

I am thinking about running a power cord to my loft and running a thermostatic drinker heater, that works with metal drinkers.

My main concerns are keeping the wires away from the ground where rats can chew them, and making sure the water temp doesn't stay too warm so as to grow bacteria too quickly.

Just wondering if anybody has some comments or methods they want to share.

This is the heater I'm looking at (I guess I'll need to buy one for my chukars coup as well):
https://www.foyspigeonsupplies.com/heaters/296-thermostatic-drinker-heater

 

[Welshies]

I keep my water in a rubber container (unless I have chicks and need a chick waterer) and if it gets really cold, I'll put a heat lamp over it. Keep in mind plastic cracks.

 

[Hokum Coco]

I am thinking about running a power cord

One coop fire is too many and these precautions could be the difference.
Please employ a "Ground Fault Outlet" also use a "Safety Chain" in conjunction to any heat lamp or incandescent bulb after mounting.

A simple action such as a rodent chewing on your extension cord could be the cause of a coop fire and a ground fault circuit could be the difference in witnessing your coop in tack or a pile of smoldering ash.

This is a product I used in conjuction with a heat source to keep water thawed.

https://www.amazon.ca/s/?ie=UTF8&ke...targid=kwd-298642677559&ref=pd_sl_6j95mnxgb_b

P.S. There are now a variety of ground fault extension cords available in major retail centers that also would be a wise investment.

 

[Hokum Coco]

I am thinking about running a power cord

Please employ a "Ground Fault Outlet" also use a "Safety Chain" in conjunction to any heat lamp or incandescent bulb after mounting.
One coop fire is too many and these precautions could be the difference.

A simple action such as a rodent chewing on your extension cord could be the cause of a coop fire and a ground fault circuit could be the difference in witnessing your coop in tack or a pile of smoldering ash.

P.S. There are now a variety of ground fault extension cords available in major retail centers that also would be a wise investment.

 

[Wolfgang B.]

We bring them warm water in a bowl 3 times a day. Sometimes tea.