winter watering question

[nh10ring]

I currently water my flock of 13 chickens with a metal waterer. In the winter (I live in New Hampshire, so it gets mighty cold), I set it atop a heating element designed for waterer. It works great at keeping the water thawed out, since the coop is not heated. However, I dislike the metal waterers because I don't take care for them the way I should, and they rust rather quickly. The platic waterers look appealing, but how do I keep the water thawed in winter if I switch to plastic? I believe the the heater element is designed for metal waterers only. Any suggestions??? Or am I doomed to stick with metal?

 

[Katy]

There is a plastic waterer that has a heating element built in the bottom, but I've never used one so I don't know how well they work. I water mine in 3 gallon black feedpans in the winter.

 

[Tuffoldhen]

I use heated dog water bowls in the henhouse for winter. I have mine plugged into heavy duty extension cords from the ceiling down to the bowls. My 6th winter using them.

 

[Laurie's Silkies]

The Randall Burkey Co sells a heated 3 gallon plastic fountain for $39.99. I think I am going to order one for my 14 Silkies this fall. I also have a 5 gallon galvanized metal waterer, but it is just to big and clunky to be hauling in the house every morning to refill during the winter. I would have to buy a heated base to use it in the winter anyway. I like that little heated 3 gallon.

 

[Akane]

I switch to only using a heated 2 gallon bucket in the winter instead of my plastic waterers. You can also point a heat lamp at them but that has it's own dangers and drawbacks. When it got really really cold last year I had to point a lamp at my heated bucket because even that froze along with all the stock tanks out in the horse pasture despite multiple heaters. I hope we don't get that cold this year but it's not looking good.

 

[Superior Chicks]

I use a 1 1/2 gallon big red square plastic heated dog bowl. My chickens are used to drinking out of open containers, which they actually prefer. Set it up on blocks in a corner and it is teriffic space saver, because of the square design. Super easy to clean and less mess.

www.SnowCountryPets.com


HTH

Ma

 

[fhdogs]

I have one of these: http://www.mypetchicken.com/Chicken_Supplies-Heated_Waterer_Plastic_3_Gallon-P505.aspx

This will be the first winter, but I like it so far. Since there is no cord, it's nice to use year round.

 

[Laurie's Silkies]

I looked at that one at Backyard Chickens. Seems to be the same one that Randall Burkey sells. But it says it keeps the water from freezing only down to 0 degrees !! It's always below zero here in Minnesota !! what gives with that? I think instead I'll get the heater for my 5 gallon galvanized waterer. I think it might be more powerful.

 

[nh10ring]

Thanks for all the responses is such a short time. Laurie, I saw that same Randall Burkey unit and had the same concern about the zero degree limit. I also read comments about it on Amazon.com, and wasn't impressed. At this point, I may just stay with the galvanized waterer and the base heater I already have. It has been tested in my coop in -20F temps and has worked well. I just hate to keep buying new waterers every 2-3 years because they rust.

 

[Laurie's Silkies]

-20 degree tested? I definatly staying with my galvanized waterer and I'll get one of those metal heaters like you have. Thanks for the info !!