Winter Waterer Recommendations?

[Orit]

Hello,
My winter waterer, that sits on a heated base, is totally rusted. Clearly I need to get a new one as I have now read that any "derusting" products will harm the chickens (the base still works fine). Does anyone have any recommendations for a waterer that I could place on top of the heated base that is (a) easy(ier) to use/fill, (b) not too expensive, and (c) won't deteriorate/break quickly? Also, I should note that I am not handy and would not be able to construct something myself so I would like to purchase. Finally, links to any websites that might sell such a waterer would be much appreciated. Thank you!!!

 

[Pyxis]

If you want to keep using the heated base you could go with a top fill five gallon waterer. I have one I use in the warmer months and I like it, here it is.

Or if you don't mind switching to a completely different method, I use heated buckets in the winter. I have to because my waterfowl need to be able to dunk their heads, but also I find using them easier and so far they've been very durable. Here are the ones I use.

 

[Orit]

Thanks, Pyxis! Can you put that plastic drinker on a heated base (which is metal)? It looks very similar to the regular drinker I have. I would think that the plastic would melt, no? Thanks so much for the links! As I only have chickens, I need something closed to minimize dirt, poop, etc.. from getting in.

 

[Pyxis]

It shouldn't melt unless the base is running really hot - I can put mine directly under heat lamps with no melting (did this once accidentally).

 

[juanmbravo]

Hello,
My winter waterer, that sits on a heated base, is totally rusted.  Clearly I need to get a new one as I have now read that any "derusting" products will harm the chickens (the base still works fine).  Does anyone have any recommendations for a waterer that I could place on top of the heated base that is (a) easy(ier) to use/fill, (b) not too expensive, and (c) won't deteriorate/break quickly?  Also, I should note that I am not handy and would not be able to construct something myself so I would like to purchase.  Finally, links to any websites that might sell such a waterer would be much appreciated.  Thank you!!!

I use drinkers and use bird bath heaters. I have 2 drinkers each with 50W heater and one with 80W heater all in plastic drinkers. They all work great to keep the water from freezing. Coldest night so far was 7F and none of them froze. Best of all when they run dry they will not melt or burn the plastic. And when the weather gets warmer the heaters have a thermostat that turns them off. I'm very happy with this setup that allows me to use plastic drinkers/buckets.

 

[Orit]

Thank you, Juanmbravo! What drinkers do you use, and what bird bath heaters (I don't think I know what these are)? Do you have pictures or links to a site, perhaps? Thanks so much!

 

[Orit]

I can post a photo of my heated base, if that helps.

 

[GC-Raptor]

This is my setup a 2 gallon fount

on a homemade heated base made from a 4 quart dutch oven

GC

 

[mobius]

Here is what I use, cold country here:

https://www.amazon.com/Ultimate-Stock-250-Watt-Removable-Floater/dp/B002QXN1H8

no floater and fits in the bottom of this:



-12F the other day. No problems.

 

[Orit]

Hmmm.... interesting. So you submerge the heater into the water? Where does the hose that plugs into electricity come out in your drinker? Also, what are you using as a drinker? I've never seen a set up like this. Is it an actual drinker, or is this something you constructed yourself? Thanks so much for sharing! I'm open to any option, as long as it won't require too much self-construction (I have never had much success with any of those types of projects), and not too expensive.