winter is coming!!!

[TooCheep]

Is that a bucket that you put a heater into? I am in northern illinois. There are 14 chickens in the flock. Thanks for feedback!

No, the heater is built into the bottom of the bucket. It is thermostatically controlled to turn on and off and keep the water a little above freezing (saves money). I drilled a couple of holes in the sides for two horizontal nipples. With 14 chickens, if you use this solution, I'd recommend a larger 5 gallon bucket version and at least 4 nipples.

You can build an equivalent DIY version with a drop-in heater. Make sure it is thermostatically controlled and safe to use in a plastic bucket. Here is an example.

 

[CluckerFamily]

What type of waterer do you use? Thank you for replying!

My waterer is a 7 gallon Little Giant from Fleet Farm.

 

[jreardon1918]

We use this stock tank heater. It turns on when temp is near freezing. In a 5 gallon bucket. Horizontal nipples, cover not completely sealed. This allows water to flow through the nipples. We fill it by bringing out a 1 gallon pitcher every couple days. This works for occasional temps below 0F.

 

[Big Doggie]

Winter is coming and I would like to hear what you use to keep the water from freezing. Last year, I bought a heated waterer that was filled from the bottom and then you had to flip it over!!! I hated it. I drilled a hole through the top and used a cork to keep it from letting water overflow - which happened a bit anyway. I used it inside the coop only. I filled water dishes in the run in the morning and checked to see if it was frozen later. If so - I either refilled or just broke a little ice off the top of the dish..
All in all - water was a pain in the butt for most of the winter. I keep water in the coop and in the run. Looking to hear what you use.
thanks in advance!

I bought this from a local feed store. The clerk had used it for years with good luck. This will be my first winter with it

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[TooCheep]

Hmmm... I'd add 1 or 2 more nipples depending on how many chickens you have.

 

[CluckerFamily]

I think that may work. Looks like there are 3 nipples on the bucket.

 

[wamtazlady]

What brand deicer/heater do you have? I only took a quick look on what google bought up. This sounds easier and cleaned than what I had going on last year!

take care

I use this heater. The previous one finally died after 4 years so am having to replace it this year. It is 250 watts and for containers 30 gallons or less. Has a thermostat so it comes on at 35 and off at 40.

 

[Alaskan]

I like water pans... and I stick a deicer in the pan when it gets cold.

Farm Innovators Aluminum Utility DeIcer