Claire Thompson
Keeping chicken waterers from freezing during winter is a common problem for chicken keepers. There are various ways to heat a tube-style chicken waterer, including using a simple stick-on reptile heater, a submersible heater, or a bucket with a deicer. Some people use a cookie tin with a lightbulb socket and a bulb as a heat source, or a yard sale/thrift store crock pot. Others use heat tape, which can be attached to the outside of the bucket waterer, or a Kats engine oil heater inside a copper tube.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Chicken waterer type | Bucket, Cup, Cookie Tin, Tube, Fountain |
| Heating methods | Lightbulb, Crock pot, Heat tape, Heated pipe tape, Submersible heater, Stick-on reptile heater, Engine oil heater, Solar heater |
| Cost | $10-$35 |
| Time to build | 10-15 minutes |
| Materials | Cookie tin, Lamp assembly kit, Concrete block, Tile, Electric heat cable, Bucket, Chicken nipples, Foil, Duct tape, Hose, Hose clamps, Power cord, Saw, Drill, Jigsaw, PVC pipe, Paint bucket, Plywood box, Fairy lights |
| Pros | Cheap, Easy to build, Reusable materials, Effective in sub-zero temperatures |
| Cons | Moisture damage, Potential bulb burnout, Short power cord, Freezing cups, Freezing nipples, Inadequate solar power |
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What You'll Learn
Using a cookie tin and lightbulb
Heating chicken waterers during winter is essential to prevent the water from freezing. One inexpensive way to do this is by using a cookie tin and a lightbulb.
First, source a cookie tin with a circumference larger than your chicken waterer and a lightbulb socket. You will also need a 40-watt incandescent bulb as the heat source. Incandescent bulbs are crucial because CFL and LED bulbs do not generate enough heat to keep the water from freezing. Drill a hole in the tin for the lamp cord to pass through.
Next, attach the lightbulb socket to the tin. You can do this by removing the lightbulb from an old lamp and pulling the socket out of its cap. Then, use a screwdriver to loosen the terminal screws and remove the wires. Insert the lamp cord through the bottom of the lamp and the hole in the tin.
Now, attach the lightbulb to the socket and place the cookie tin under your chicken waterer. The heat from the lightbulb will warm the water above and prevent it from freezing.
It is important to note that moisture can creep into the cookie tin over time, and incandescent bulbs do not hold up well to moisture. Therefore, regular bulb replacement may be necessary. Additionally, some users have reported that the 40-watt bulb made their cookie tin "screaming hot". In such cases, a lower-watt bulb can be used instead.
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Using a crock pot
However, some people have used a crock pot on "warm" mode to prevent chicken water from freezing. One user reported that the outside of the crock pot was not hot to the touch, and the water inside was warm but still comfortable enough to put their hand in.
If you are looking for a way to heat your chicken's waterer, there are other options to consider. You can buy heated poultry waterers or heated dog water bowls, which are designed to run 24/7 and will be much safer. You can also try a heated base that sits beneath your waterer and only turns on when the temperature is 32 degrees Fahrenheit or below.
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Using a heat cable
Heating a tube-style chicken waterer with a heat cable is a simple and cost-effective solution to prevent water from freezing in cold temperatures. This method can be achieved by purchasing an electric heat cable, typically found in the plumbing or pipe section of hardware stores. The length of the heat cable can vary depending on your needs, with options ranging from 12 to 28 feet. It is important to note that this installation goes against the manufacturer's recommended guidelines, as the heat cable should not be coiled or touching itself.
To begin, create a sturdy base for your waterer using a concrete block. This provides stability and insulation, trapping heat within its hollow chambers. Place a tile on top of the concrete block to further trap the heat. Run the heat cable through the entry notch and secure it with tape, ensuring that the thermostat hangs outside the block for accurate temperature readings. Coil the cable and secure it with tape to hold its shape, then place it inside the chambers of the concrete block. Plug in the cable and place your chicken waterer on top.
Additionally, you can wrap the heat cable around the waterer itself. This can be done by wrapping the cable in a spiral pattern around the tank to maximize surface area coverage. Secure the cable with packing tape to ensure that chickens cannot pick at it. Attach a temperature sensor to the setup, which will automatically turn on and off to maintain temperatures above freezing.
It is important to consider the power source and wattage of the heat cable. Some users have suggested using a higher wattage lightbulb to increase the heat output. Additionally, ensure that the setup follows state electrical codes and that the plug connection is kept out of the chicken's reach for safety.
By following these steps and adapting them to your specific needs, you can effectively use a heat cable to heat a tube-style chicken waterer and provide your chickens with warm water during cold weather.
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Using a reptile heater
One option is to use a stick-on reptile heater, which can be affixed to the waterer. This will keep the water from freezing but may not heat it to a high temperature. Another option is to use a heating mat designed for dog houses/outdoors. These mats are waterproof and thermostatically controlled to maintain a temperature of around 102 degrees Fahrenheit, which is similar to a chicken's body temperature.
If you already have reptile heating strips for lizards, these can also be used as a cost-effective option. Simply place the heating strip underneath the waterer to prevent the water from freezing. It is important to ensure that the heating strip is protected from moisture and used with the correct outlet.
When using any type of reptile heater, it is important to follow safety precautions. Ensure that the heater is not placed where chickens can come into direct contact with it, as this could cause burns. Additionally, always follow the manufacturer's instructions and guidelines for usage and placement.
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Using a copper tube and engine oil heater
Keeping chickens can be challenging in the winter, especially when water sources freeze over. One solution to this problem is to use a copper tube and engine oil heater to heat your chicken waterer. Here is a detailed guide on how to do this:
Firstly, purchase a Kats engine oil heater, model #15200. This product is available at Northern Tool and Equipment for $11.99. This engine oil heater will serve as the heat source for your chicken waterer.
Next, obtain a copper tube that is of suitable size and length to fit inside your chicken waterer. The copper tube will act as a heat conductor and help transfer the heat from the engine oil heater to the water. Ensure that the copper tube is clean and free of any debris or residue.
Now, place the Kats engine oil heater inside the copper tube. You may need to adjust the heater's position to ensure it is secure and makes optimal contact with the copper tube for efficient heat transfer.
Once the heater is in place, plug it into a timer. Experiment with the on and off times to find the optimal setting that maintains the water at the desired temperature without overheating. This may involve trial and error, so monitor the water temperature and adjust the timer accordingly.
Finally, insert the copper tube with the engine oil heater into your bucket-style chicken waterer. Drill a hole in the waterer if necessary to accommodate the tube. It is also recommended to wrap the waterer with thermal insulation, similar to the type used for home water heaters. This will help retain heat and improve energy efficiency.
By following these steps, you can effectively use a copper tube and engine oil heater to create a heated chicken waterer. This setup will help prevent the water from freezing during cold winter months, ensuring your chickens have access to water. Remember to regularly check the water temperature and adjust the timer as needed to maintain optimal conditions for your flock.
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Frequently asked questions
A tube-style chicken waterer is a type of waterer where the water container is at the top and twists off the base. It is then turned upside down to fill with water.
There are several ways to heat a tube-style chicken waterer. One way is to use a stick-on reptile heater or a simple paint bucket with side nipples. You can also use a 40-watt lightbulb inside a cookie tin, or a 12' electric heat cable.
Tube-style chicken waterers are easy to find at your local pet or produce store, or online. They are also easy to fill with water and prevent overflow due to water pressure.
Some alternatives to tube-style chicken waterers include cup waterers and bucket-style waterers. It is important to note that cup waterers can be harder to keep from freezing in the winter and require more cleaning. Bucket-style waterers can also freeze, and some people opt for heated bucket waterers or use a deicer.
