Winter watering solution?

[patandchickens]

the black rubber bowls/pans/buckets are probably most of 'em Fortex brand. Yes, they are absolutely indestructable and wonderful

They are the only bucket-type thing you can hit as hard as you want with a hammer, to break out ice, without risk of breaking the bucket.

Anyone using heat tape, PLEASE be awfully careful with it, use only a heat tape manufactured in the past several years, and follow the mfr's installation instructions to the letter, and don't use it if you have ANY alternative -- a LARGE number of barn (garage, house, etc) fires are caused by heat tapes. Even, sometimes, when installed properly

They are just a great big 'kick me' sign.


Pat

 

[JessaLynn]

Quote:
I wonder if there's some sort of solar set up that would work - like the small solar panel & battery set up that will power an electric fence. Anyone know?

That's what I was wondering to.I have solar lights out there but was looking for something like that to rig up.No luck yet though. Need an inexpensive way to do it to.

 

[Poppycock]

I don't know if you have something like a Cal Ranch or an IFA-type store where you live - that's where I got my black rubber bowls.

 

[windtryst]

Go to your local horse supply store, they will have them ,or will order them for you, I found some cute small ones at my local feed store 12" round. Also, look for a bird drinker, it is solar, found at most birding stores or out of the Plow & Hearth catalog $24.95.

 

[JessaLynn]

Quote:
I looked at the solar sipper and I would need like 10 or more of those for my 30 chickens.Good idea though!

 

[Lee]

Tractor Supply has 2 or 3 sizes of the rubber bowl/tubs. I use the 2 quart size.

 

[windtryst]

Quote:
I looked at the solar sipper and I would need like 10 or more of those for my 30 chickens.Good idea though!

You are right, I have two coops of 6 Bantams each, and it may work for them, but if you have 30, no way! It is not going to be fun this winter cleaning and filling waterers....burrr

 

[momo08]

Any ideas on how to keep a metal, 3 gallon waterer from freezing? It's the kind that has a full cover that creates a vacuum so that only a small amount of water moves into the tray. (I JUST spend 35.00 on it at the feed store, without really thinking about winter.

 

[CUDA]

If you have the metal waterer, you will have to keep it in a heated environment, or buy a heated base for it. One thing everyone needs to remember too is that changing your chicken's water on a daily basis is one of the most beneficial things you can do for your birds. That is why the rubber bowls work so good, as you should be out there every day watering them anyway, and even if it freezes, it isn't a big deal because the chickens will drink what they need for the day before it does anyway.

 

[ORChick]

I posted this before somewhere (months ago), and have to say that I haven't tried it. But it sounds as though it would work, and requires no electricity. I read about this on a German poultry board. Bury a metal bucket halfway (or whatever needed to put the waterer at the right height), partly fill it with sand, or clay cat litter. Position a long burning candle, such as a grave candle, in the sand. Put a metal tray over the top of the bucket, and place a metal waterer on top (actually, even a plastic waterer would probably not get too hot). The bucket would need a few holes drilled in around the top to allow oxygen in. The lit candle should keep things warm enough that the water won't freeze. Of course, Germany, though cold, is not Minnesota or Canada, so don't expect miracles. Personally, and living in relatively mild Western Oregon, I shall be trying the black rubber basin for this, my first winter with chickens.