Winter is coming!!!

[Mvan42]

Are you using it? I got cups but found they get filthy way before I want to dump the water. They are hard to clean, too.

Yes it is outside in the run right now, I have no problem with the cups getting dirty, I have it hanging a few inches off the ground. When they were in the tractor supply coop it sat on the ground and yes they go dirty often.

 

[wamtazlady]

I use the same system blackdog043 uses. We just use different containers with our horizontal nipples and stock tank deicer. I use an 11 gallon semi clear tote with lid I got from Walmart. It is easy to see when the water is getting low. This system has worked well for me for 4 winters. Hasn't frozen once even when it gets down to -22 F. One of the best parts is that it only needs filled once a week or so for 12 birds.

 

[Mvan42]

Thanks everyone I think I will try the fish tank heater first since I already have it. If it doesn’t work I will try something else.

 

[aart]

Thanks everyone I think I will try the fish tank heater first since I already have it. If it doesn’t work I will try something else.

Just make sure you protect it(see the 'cage' I built),
and keep it covered(means topping off water daily,IMO).
I use a 30-40° thermo cube to turn it on and off.

 

[Mvan42]

Just make sure you protect it(see the 'cage' I built),
and keep it covered(means topping off water daily,IMO).
I use a 30-40° thermo cube to turn it on and off.

I saw that and plan on doing it. I also plan on moving it inside for winter. The one I have has a temp setting on it so I figured the lowest setting would be fine. Thanks

 

[aart]

I saw that and plan on doing it. I also plan on moving it inside for winter. The one I have has a temp setting on it so I figured the lowest setting would be fine. Thanks

Right(what's the temp range on the heater?)...
... but you don't want the heater running when air temps are not close to freezing.
A Thermocube controls the power to the heater based on ambient temps,
they come in various ranges, mine turns on at 35F and off at 45F.
Plug thermocube into power outlet, then plug heater in the thermocube.

 

[Mvan42]

Right(what's the temp range on the heater?)...
... but you don't want the heater running when air temps are not close to freezing.
A Thermocube controls the power to the heater based on ambient temps,
they come in various ranges, mine turns on at 35F and off at 45F.
Plug thermocube into power outlet, then plug heater in the thermocube.

I can’t remember we bought it years ago. The only time it would be plugged in is if the temps are going to be extremely low. With it being inside the coop (I hope) it won’t freeze during normal winter days. But thanks I will get one just Incase.

 

[aart]

But thanks I will get one just Incase.

I would not recommend using an aquarium heater without a thermocube.