Chicken's water is freezing - HELP

[widmn]

My coop is too far from the house to run electricity. The chickens water is freezing so we have to carry water to them each morning and evening.

Surely someone makes a solar water heater for chickens.
Thanks

 

[vallyfarm]

I rember at one time having one of those hand warmer packet things, but this one activated by "clicking" what felt like a small metal wafer inside the pack. It would be HOT for 5-6 hours and still good and warm after 8. It was reusable. Just put in in boiling water to "reset" the chemicals inside. Really heavy plastic pouch. If you could find a few of those tou should be set. My guess would be like an Army/Navy store or a good sportsmans catalog. Mike

 

[jinman]

My coop is too far from the house to run electricity.

How far is that coop from electricity?
I think you are far more likely to spend much more money on a solar cell battery charger and heater than a long extension cord and small heater.

 

[Egon]

Morning and evening exercise may be of benefit and one will really appreciate the eggs!

 

[randy41]

i haul water to my chickens when its freezing out. the good part is that they don't drink much when its cold. if its going to be cold i'll bring their waterer in at night so i don't have to unfreeze it to fill it in the morning.

 

[Bedlam]

I agree with jinman. Even a coil of 14 gauge wire would be inexpensive. Even tho copper is up in price.

 

[widmn]

Yeah, but solar would be so much cooler and a conversation piece.

 

[WTA]

I'd recommend running at least 10 gauge wire if it's any kind of distance to it. I tried with 12 gauge to my chicken coop and it's only 150 feet from the box I tied into. It didn't work. The breaker kept popping. I only had a 100 watt light bulb and the smallest tank heater I could buy. Now I have 6 gauge run back there and I can run just about anything.
That distance really can cause problems with small gauge wire.

 

[Kendall69]

Two things come to mind - a propane heater which will keep the whole area above freezing, or..

All Your Ranch Supply Needs! Stockyard Ranch Supply - Waterers

acreage living December 1999

 

[gordon21]

Alcohol will lower the freezing point. Plus, your chickens will be more laid back.............