Winter waterer without electricity no freezing

[saysfaa]

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?

 

[saysfaa]

Hm, maybe I need to use a single walled bucket for the inner bucket. I don't want to insulate from my insulation.

 

[saysfaa]

"I live in northern Sweden and we have some very harsh winters here.
i have 17 chicken which are thirsty even if it's -30°C cold.... My design works really well, is inexpensive and easy-build.
It prevents the water from freezing until -10°C without any heating source but all temperatures below that you'll have to start the heater." https://www.instructables.com/isolated-watering-place-for-chicken/

This is spray foam insulation between a fountain waterer and a bucket placed upside down over the fountain. Pretty good explanations and pictures.

 

[Alaskan]

I simply bring out water 2 to 3 times a day...

Only when I get tired of that do I start to use my de-icer.

 

[saysfaa]

Taking water out a few times a day is my plan A. I want a plan B for when I visit family far way, at Christmastime most likely. My neighbor will check on my chickens but I want it as easy as possible for her.

 

[Crazy Maizie]

I simply bring out water 2 to 3 times a day...

Only when I get tired of that do I start to use my de-icer.

Good idea, but what if you work full time in addition to having a flock?
I use electricity to keep water from freezing, but I'm always looking for options.

 

[Alaskan]

Good idea, but what if you work full time in addition to having a flock?
I use electricity to keep water from freezing, but I'm always looking for options.

If you work full time you bring out water in the morning, best is if you have a fresh from the house water pan.

Put it in a spot where it will stay thawed the longest. So a fully wind proof spot in the run up against or better yet in a U shape of clear plastic or windows. This way it is fully wind free and has some solar gain.

Then bring water out when you get home from work.

Make sure there is snow in the run for them to "drink" in case the water brought out in the morning freezes quickly.

 

[Alaskan]

My design works really well, is inexpensive and easy-build.
It prevents the water from freezing until -10°C without any heating source but all temperatures below that you'll have to start the heater."

Note that -10C isn't all that cold. It is 14F.

 

[Crazy Maizie]

If you work full time you bring out water in the morning, best is if you have a fresh from the house water pan.

Put it in a spot where it will stay thawed the longest. So a fully wind proof spot in the run up against or better yet in a U shape of clear plastic or windows. This way it is fully wind free and has some solar gain.

Then bring water out when you get home from work.

Make sure there is snow in the run for them to "drink" in case the water brought out in the morning freezes quickly.

There is almost always snow. But, I never thought of it as a back up.

 

[MildlyOffensiveChicken]

If you have a couple hours of sun during the winter one could use a small solar set up.

Something like this - specwise.

https://www.renogy.com/200-watt-12-volt-solar-starter-kit/

Add a cheap deep cycle marine battery for $75-100. A small inverter for $25-75. Put a timer outlet on the inverter.

It would provide enough power to periodically run whatever water heater method you want to use depending on your sun hours in the winter.