winter is coming and how do i keep water from freezing for 30 birds

[Cluckn Crazy]

These are sold on shopthecoop.com. I've looked at my local feed mill/pet stores and can't find any decent water heaters, so I'l have to shop online. I don't want to use dog bowls alone (I have learned I'm quite strict about clean water).

BTW, I would advise against aquarium heaters - I had two break indoors in aquariums. I don't think they're reliable!!

 

[featherz]

the ones on shopthecoop.com when you click on them look like just plain old heated dog bowls that you use your own plastic waterer with.. cute idea tho!

 

[Cluckn Crazy]

I know, but I need something...

 

[featherz]

I was thinking about something like this... anyone tried it?

http://www.amazon.com/Pet-Products-Eliminator-BirdBath-50-Watt/dp/B0006U2FJ8/

 

[Cluckn Crazy]

Your link says "not functioning."

 

[chicks4kids]

I use a heated dog bowl for my birds in the winter...I just keep it by the door or window so that I can chuck out any nasty leftover water outside and refill it with fresh water without having to unplug it. I also put it up on a platform with a ridge (to hold the bowl in so they don't slide it off) and that helps to keep it cleaner. I would think that with 30 birds and a gallon waterer, you'd be able to go out every morning to a practically empty bowl...they'll pretty much drink that from dusk to dawn. I would always fill in the morning and fill at night. You could also just keep some paper towels there too to wipe out the bowl.

 

[woodmort]

Quote:
I've heard immersible fishtank water heaters work well. I'd also consider those drop-in bucket heaters from the feed store - not sure if you need a special bucket to handle those.

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!! See my post on aquarium heaters--please.https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=389587

I live in the same relative area(SE) as OP--in fact it may be a little colder with less snow--and I've managed quite well for 25 years with up to 4 dozen birds using galvanized heaters under double walled, 5-gallon galvanized waterers. Last winter--in an attempt to save some time--I tried an 8-gallon waterer but found that iced over in the top couple of inches when the temps got below zero. These heaters must be put up on something inflammable--I use a double layer of bricks. Do not use plastic waterers or buckets on this kind of heater though--they will melt and cause a fire hazard. The only problems I've had are mice getting in under the heaters(make sure the bottoms are completely covered) and eating the wiring and, if they survive that, the heaters rust out in about 5 yrs.

 

[Wolfwoman]

Or you could just take them water twice a day. That's what we'll probably be doing once we move and have no electricity.

 

[crtrlovr]

I had an extra heated pet bed -- the low platform kind made of hard plastic covered with a removable, washable fleece cover. I took the cover off and just set the plastic and the galvanized waterers on it. It keeps the water from freezing but does not get hot enough to melt the plastic waterer. My husband had bought a heated base for the galvanized waterer, but it clearly states NOT FOR USE WITH PLASTIC WATERERS. It may be perfectly safe, but I felt a bit uncomfortable about using it if it got THAT hot -- what if somebody kicked bedding up against it? I didn't know if it would get hot enough to cause it to burn, but didn't want to take the risk. The platform works just fine, and even in the most bitterly cold temps, the water in the drinking area had some ice in it, but was not frozen solid. You might try to find a used or inexpensive one on an online auction site, a pet supply place, or craigslist.

 

[featherz]

Quote:
That would be my FIRST choice except for having to work all day.

I fixed the amazon link but if it still doesn't work, it's a link to a birdbath (not aquarium) heater. Cord looks pretty short tho, not ideal for a deep bucket.. I don't know about OP, but I have one coop with 16 guineas and six chickens, another with eight chickens and one that will be holding about 10 chickens when they are big enough. The guinea/chicken coop are free range and cooped up at night, but the others stay in the run (s) unless I am home.

I may test out the plastic waterer in a heated dog bowl and see what happens.