My coop's waterer was freezing solid every morning until I tried a $5 aquarium heater

I used to break ice out of three metal founts before sunrise, but now I just drop one heater in the big 5-gallon bucket and it's good for the whole flock. Anyone else have a low-tech winter hack that actually works?

4 comments

4 Comments

ivan5391mo ago

Honestly, that aquarium heater trick is a game changer, isn't it? I did the same thing last year after my heated base plate died. Just a cheap little heater in the corner of the bucket and it never iced over. My other big win was using old pool noodles cut to fit around the edges of the nesting boxes. The hens kept kicking out the straw, but the noodles keep it all contained and add a bit of insulation.

matthew8641mo ago

That pool noodle trick is GENIUS for the nesting boxes. Could even slice them lengthwise to make a little lip. The aquarium heater is solid, but wrapping the bucket in an old towel or some bubble wrap really boosts it. Makes that little heater work less hard.

leo_park211mo ago

Game changer" feels like a lot for a bucket heater, honestly.

the_eric1mo ago

Totally agree about the towel or bubble wrap, that's the key. I went a step further and used one of those reflective car sun shades cut to fit around the bucket, like a little space blanket. Reflects the heat right back in. Makes a huge difference on really cold nights, the heater barely kicks on.