freeze "proof" chicken water

[nj_m715]

I've been using water nipples gravity fed through aquarium hose from a hanging 5g bucket
it normally doesn't freeze but for few hours that it does, I just give the birds a bowl of water

last month global warming brought us 4 days of freezing temps
I had to dump ice and replace warm water way too often

I stole this idea and modified it a little to better fit my needs
I used 2 gallon lunch box size coolers with water nipples on the bottom
the coolers sit on top of my wire cages
I added a small rubbermaid dish as a sump for the heater in case the birds drain the cooler the heater stays submerged

the water nipples are still exposed to cold, but there's heated water right behind them to help keep them thawed
and there's no aquarium hose to grow algae in the summer




https://www.walmart.com/ip/Igloo-9-qt-Laguna-Ice-Chest-Cooler-Red/681417013

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B074M8XGV7

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09Z2WNV7X

all pretty cheap stuff
I used a fine thread 3/8 nut to secure the water nipples
3/8 24 can be forced onto 1/8NPT threads

[Ravenwood1950]

Glad I saw this, I have been using a concrete block with a incandescent light bulb in a reflector holder and an upside down large metal pan, from Tractor Supply. Then I sit the water container on the pan. The heat from the light bulb heats the pan which keeps the water container from freezing. The problem…finding incandescent light bulbs! 😢
This sounds like an easier solution, thanks.
Ravenwood

[Abigayle]

I like the idea of the lid to keep the water clean.  I think you would want to fill it very carefully to keep bacteria or mold from forming.  These things grow unseen, in a closed container.  Personally, I would add a fourth cup of apple cider vinegar to that sized cooler.  It is good for the chickens (ducks, whatever) and helps keep down any bacteria.  It is easier to clean than a pvc pipe, with a design to water.  We gave up on ours as it was cumbersome and difficult to clean out.  I agree it needs to be set up on something to keep the cups clean, over wise you end up with the same situation you have with a rubber bowl, or even the other waters.  The ones I use now have a dome, but the water coming out th bottom into the ring, still gets dirty fast and has to be taken apart.  Thanks for sharing NJ.

[nj_m715]

that 8$ heater has a thermostat so it only runs when needed

lowest setting is 60f
I'd be happy with 45f but it doesn't go that low