Although chickens are small in size, they need up to half a liter of fresh water daily to prevent dehydration. One of the biggest challenges of keeping winter chickens is making sure your flock's water stays frozen even when temperatures drop. This is especially difficult for chicken keepers in the north, who experience extreme weather and temperature drops during the winter months.
Whether you live in an area with mild winters or experience extreme winter weather in your region, knowing some different methods to prevent your flock's water from freezing can save you time and keep your flock healthy and hydrated! While not all methods will work in cold weather, most should keep the water thawed even when temperatures hover around freezing. These six methods for keeping your flock's water thawed give you plenty of options - no matter the winter weather!
Compare 6 chicken water heating options
Not all cages or flocks have exactly the same needs. Depending on your climate, compare and choose a method that will keep your chickens' water from freezing.coop propertiesand more.
1. Poultry boilers
The most reliable way to prevent your flock's water from freezing is to use a poultry water heater. This method requires electricity and means you will need to install or run power lines if your home does not currently have one. Although electricity in the chicken coop is very convenient, it is sometimes inconvenient.
Heated water bases
Heated water bases for poultry are an option. Many companies make heated water bases that can be placed outside the chicken coop and a bubble water system can be placed on the base. The heated base turns on when the temperature drops below a certain degree and the base keeps the water warm enough to prevent freezing. Most heated water bases require electricity. Remember that it is best to use plastic water systems on top of the heated base because galvanized or metal water systems will rust.
A DIY heated water base
A common alternative to purchasing a poultry water heater is to make your own DIY heated water base using a 25-40 watt light bulb and a tin can or hollow cement block.
These systems require you to mount a light in a secure container onto which you can place a water system in the chicken coop or fence. The lamp can be turned on to generate just enough heat to keep the water from freezing.
When making your own heated water base for the chicken coop you MUST ensure that all electrical connections are made correctly and safely.
A heated water bowl for pets
Finally, consider using heated pet bowls. Heated pet bowls work great to keep your flock's water frozen, but they do make the water dirtier. Because more water surface area is exposed, dirt and debris can be thrown into the water more easily. Elevating the heated feeder a few blocks so that it is level with your shortest bird's back will keep the water a little cleaner.
Careful consideration of electric water heater systems
When using a water heating system that requires electricity, always ensure that all electrical connections are made safely and correctly. Do not use extension cords near the chicken coop. Try to keep all electrical connections out of reach of your flock. Make sure there are no strings that your chickens can accidentally trip over, fly into or pull out.
Because heated water systems are very reliable in freezing temperatures, they can be a good investment if you live in an area where winters are harsh and cold.
2. Black water containers
Although electric heating systems are the most reliable way to keep your flock's water from freezing, there are some off-the-grid methods that can help prevent water from freezing. In areas where winter temperatures are milder, these off-the-grid -grid methods . options can work just as well without the hassle of bringing electricity to your chicken coop.
One off-the-grid option uses the sun's heat to keep your flock's water from freezing. Black objects absorb heat from the sun and retain this heat for a while, despite cold temperatures. By placing your flock's water in a black object or on top of a black object, the heat absorbed by the black surface can prevent the water from freezing. Here are several ideas that may work for your flock's water system:
- Old tires- place water containers in or on an old tire
- Rubber farm pots- Use small rubber livestock bowls or containers for your herd's water source
- Sort plastic- wrap black plastic around a wooden block or other flat object and use it as a water system
Sunlight required
Whatever system you use, you need to make sure that the water system is exposed to some sunlight so that the black surface can heat up enough to keep the water from freezing.
You should clean the water system daily to prevent algae from building up and posing a health hazard to your flock. Also make sure that the water system cannot fall over your herd!
3. Saltwater bottle
The saltwater bottle trick can be an effective way to keep your flock's water from freezing in low temperatures. You do NOT add salt to your herd's drinking water! If you drink salt water, your chickens will die.
Instead, seal salt water in a secure bottle and place the bottle in your flock's water source. The floating bottle filled with salt water keeps the water from freezing because salt naturally lowers the freezing point of water.
How to Make a DIY Saltwater Bottle System for Your Chickens
To make the salt water solution, bring approx. Boil 3 cups of water.
When it boils, remove the water from the heat source and add 1/3 cup of salt. Stir until the salt is dissolved.
Allow the mixture to cool slightly as you pour the mixture into a plastic bottle.
Pour the saline solution into a bottle that fits your herd's water source. Make sure the lid is closed properly and there are no leaks.
You can then place the bottle in your flock's water to prevent freezing.
Don't forget to double check
In freezing weather, you still want to check your herd's water regularly.If the saltwater bottle begins to freeze, it could burst and contaminate your flock's water.
The saltier the brine, the less likely it is to freeze very quickly. Water that is saturated (as much salt dissolved in the water as it can hold) will freeze at -6°F.
4. Hot water and water containers
By providing your flock with warm water in an already heated water system, you can prevent your flock's water from freezing if cold temperatures are not prolonged or are too high. The warmer the water, the longer it takes to freeze.
Find a balance
There's a caveat to this trick, though: chickens won't drink water that's too hot. You don't want your flock to dehydrate in cold weather, so it's important to make sure the water is still tasty! In general, using room temperature or slightly lukewarm water is still acceptable for your flock.
Heat the water system
Placing the water in a water system that is also heated will retain the heat and extend the time it takes for the water to freeze.
You can heat your flock's water system by cleaning it with hot water. This method works well when the temperature is cold in the morning but warms up in the afternoon.
Take out the hot water in the morning and it should remain thawed until the outside temperature is warm enough. If cold temperatures persist all day, you will need to refill and reheat the water system periodically throughout the day, or see if you use another method to keep the water from freezing.
5. Minidrivhu's
You can also build a mini greenhouse!A greenhouse to capture some of the sun's energy and heatJust as black surfaces absorb heat, greenhouses work to retain heat.
How do you build a mini greenhouse for your chickens' water?
A mini greenhouse can be built from a variety of materials, including old windows or clear, strong plastic
Two old windows can be put together to form a tent-like greenhouse, under which the water system can be placed. You can also build a wooden frame and attach clear plastic to it, creating a shelter in the greenhouse for your flock's water system.
Add sun
The mini greenhouse should be in a sunny spot to capture the sun's heat. The heat trapped by global warming and the reduction in the amount of wind chill reaching the water can keep your flock's water thawed even below freezing.
Remember that you should clean your flock's water system daily as the extra heat and sunshine will encourage algae growth.
6. Keep it moving
Another way to prevent your flock's water from freezing in low temperatures is to keep the water moving.Moving water does not freeze as quickly as standing water.
There are several ways you can encourage exercise in your flock's water source:
- Golf balls-any object floating and bobbing in the water can stimulate the movement of the water
- Fountain- Create a mini fountain as a water source for your flock
- Aerate-an aerator will cause bubbles in the water source
- Filter-use an aquarium filter without the filter itself, just to circulate the water
The faster the water moves, the longer it takes for the water to freeze. Some of these systems may require electricity, but other options can be easily set up without the need for a power source. Always keep the safety and health of your flock in mind and do not use a water movement system that could potentially contaminate your flock's water.
Hydrated chickens = healthy chickens!
Whether the winter weather is harsh or mild, these six ways to keep your flock's water from freezing will give you plenty of options to try! From off-the-grid methods to using an electric water heating system, there are ideas for keeping water frozen no matter how your home is built. Keep your flock hydrated and healthy this winter with fresh water and a nutritious diet!
For more tips on ensuring your flock is ready for winter, visit our website5 steps to prepare your home for winterInthese tipskeep your chickens safein the winter!
