Winter Challenge - How to keep your water dishes from freezing

It should go without saying, especially if you're reading this blog, that keeping your pets healthy during the harsh Winters is of top priority, however it can also be a tiring ordeal.  

There's the worries of keeping them warm enough, let alone the need to tread through heavy snow to feed and water them daily.  And that's just when things are going well....what if you're like me and despite your best efforts of directing a heat lamp directly over the water it keeps freezing daily? 

3.5 Gallon Poultry Drinker

  I admit a lot of this issue might be the fact that my chicken waterier sits on a cinder block which sits on the bare earth floor of my coop, so it's usually freezing, but I thought the heat lamp would be more effective.  It works just fine when the weather is above 20 or so degrees, however, I clearly need a better source when the temperatures get in the single digits!

So I went out to research from those who know more than I apparently and here are some tips I learned.

First, there is basically the Power vs No Power Alternatives

NO POWER: 

Olive oil  helps some, it will still freeze but the layer is thinner. I also use black tubs as well. I was once told vinegar but I use that anyway with all my chickens to prevent sour crop.

Hot cups of coffee for the girls - OK this is a joke obviously and was inspired by The Chicken Chick.com's (The Chicken Chick.com creative FB postings :) 

TheChickenChick.com Coffee Line :)

POWER:

My Heat Lamp is NOT keeping up to the bargain in this frigid West Michigan weather - issues even if water doesn't freeze...the cost to run, , about $30 a month in fact, and having my roosters crowing at all times of the day and night is a little annoying. Think it's a good option for you? Be sure to place it in a well secured place directly above the waterier and keep it clear from all debri to keep the water from freezing during moderately cold weather.  

http://www.avianaquamiser.com/posts/Best_heated_chicken_waterer/

The BEST option I've found is to throw an aquarium heater into the bucket (it's a small, shatter proof one) that lays on the very bottom.  It is connected to a timer that cycles on and off in 30 minute intervals.  I was lucky and found mine on sale at Meijer for just $15! (Normally $22-$30) http://www.backyardchickens.com/t/605036/how-do-you-keep-water-from-freezing

 

Heat Lamp Poultry Drinker Bucket Project

As you can understand there are MANY options to try to keep your waterier freeze from ice jams...Try some options and see which work best for you and your flock!

Thanks as always for visiting!
Sarah