Inexpensive chicken water heater

[journey11]

I'm sure this will work to keep the water melted... But do you guys think this would be an electrocution hazard? I'm not sure how a surge protector would help. I use a GFCI plug extension like this one for my electric fence and it is housed in my barn. But outside just tucked up under the chicken coop, would that even help? I like the idea, but I'm not going to do it unless I can guarantee it is safe for wet weather.

 

[Nyboy]

BYC as a Home made safe water heater using light bulb, but in metal cookie tin. it is a very large thread you might want to read it.

 

[Smart Red]

That heater should be safe for inside the coop. Not sure how much "wet weather" you are talking about inside the coop. Outside wiring would be another issue entirely. Personally, I think I would prefer a small piece of brick or concrete rather than the plywood base -- just because.

 

[bobm]

The electric wire that journey11 is using along the ground has NO ground wire. Too , any exposed wire in the coop or run will get the chickens' attention and they will peck it and eventually fray the insulation which could cause electrocution or fire. It should be in conduit. I would also use wire specifically manufactured for outdoor / underground use . Use black ( hot) + white ( neutral) + green ( ground ) wires in a conduit. The GFCI surge protector is for INDOOR use ONLY . Even mounted under the roof it is exposed to humidity in the air / fog, and will short out. Also it's plug in holes are one of the favorite hiding spaces for earwigs... again causing shorts. Use a weatherproof unit. Use a non conductive bricks or cement slab instead of the board ... moisture in the board in contact with the bulb plug in unit may cause a shock or worse.

 

[journey11]

I would need the heater outside in the run, like his. I'm concerned with the cords running outside too, even if the surge protector or GFCI plug-in were in a protected location.

My GFCI plug-in that I'm using for my electric fence is actually inside of my barn which is dry and has properly grounded electrical wiring and fixtures installed. I didn't like how his surge protector was just tacked up under the overhang of his coop either.

I will go look for that thread on BYC...

 

[Nyboy]

I had a electrician put in a outdoor GFCI outlet for my fish pond, it has a weather proof plastic cover. I always have a licensed electrician do any wiring, so in case of fire my insurance will cover it. Some things not worth cutting corners.

 

[Beekissed]

Just easier to use a heated dog dish and it will pay for itself over the years~and they last for years and years~in peace of mind. Their cords have coiled wire around them to protect them and they keep the water liquid even when temps dip into the teens below zero.

No worries about an open water container causing frost bite...it's never done it for my chickens. I just put the container at chest height where they have to reach up and over the rim to drink, so no dragging of wattles into the water.

 

[Nyboy]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Farm-Innova...rer-1-Quart-/231650600979?hash=item35ef73a813 Free shipping great idea!!

 

[Smart Red]

Have it. I use a heated chicken waterer until it really gets cold. Then the dog bowl just seems to be the easiest to use, fill, etc.

 

[Chickie'sMomaInNH]

i don't use water dishes like the one he uses. i just use a large dog dish and crack the ice in the morning or add some warm water to the frozen. my chickens will enjoy snow if we have enough to scoop and put in their dish. i do have a heated water dish i got last winter. i liked it since it didn't get too hot. i was using a bird bath de-icer plate the past couple years that were about $5 a piece, but i found some issues with using those. the day i got zapped from it was not a fun feeling. it kept shorting out my kitchen GFCI and i couldn't figure out why till i realized the chickens were pecking at the aluminum covering and causing the wire to get exposed to the water.

what nyboy posted is what i have but in blue. i only plug it in on days when it is too cold and the water freezes solid.