Winter here is typically has weeks of teens and twenties with dips down to negative teens. Fahrenheit. I don't have electricity in the coop (hardwired or extension cord.)
Best options I've seen so far:
My favorite concept, composting manure:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/alternate-method-to-prevent-water-freezing.73180/
Another version of composting manure:
https://www.hawk-hill.com/diy-bucket-heater/
Insulation:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/diy-insulated-water-pail.1071957/
I found a double-walled, completely sealed ice bucket (for wine, I think), at a resale shop a few days ago. I've been using it for my five hens and like the size. I'm thinking of using that as the inner bucket, a bigger pail or muck bucket as the outer bucket, and filling between them with composting manure.
My most available choices of manure are chicken, horse, or cow. Lol, or whitetail deer, I suppose. I might be able to get rabbit. Does anyone know which would be best for this?
Best options I've seen so far:
My favorite concept, composting manure:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/alternate-method-to-prevent-water-freezing.73180/
Another version of composting manure:
https://www.hawk-hill.com/diy-bucket-heater/
Insulation:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/diy-insulated-water-pail.1071957/
I found a double-walled, completely sealed ice bucket (for wine, I think), at a resale shop a few days ago. I've been using it for my five hens and like the size. I'm thinking of using that as the inner bucket, a bigger pail or muck bucket as the outer bucket, and filling between them with composting manure.
My most available choices of manure are chicken, horse, or cow. Lol, or whitetail deer, I suppose. I might be able to get rabbit. Does anyone know which would be best for this?