I was unsure about buying a product like this, electricity, straw, and water as a combination just don’t seem to me as a good mix.
But freezing temperatures, and early snow this year made me re-think my uncertainties.
Much to surprise, this little poultry fountain is a GEM! It does what it says, and I don’t have to go break water two times a day.
It keeps enough current going thru the base of it to just keep the water for freezing.
I purchased mine from Orscheln Farm & Home for $36.99 which seemed a bit pricey at the time, but now, I wouldn’t take a million dollars for it.
So if you live in a climate that has colder winter weather you just might want to invest in one of these.
I use heated dog water bowls for my hens. Easier to clean, very durable and cheaper.
Buying the heated dog bowls was my intention, but when I got to the store of course they were sold out. I debbated it back and forth and finally decided to fork out the cash. I’m glad I did though, cause we are burried under snow and ice!
Oh snap! And I went and spent $36 on a big 5 gallon waterer and it has NO heat. I hope the heat lamp facing down on the top will keep the water from freezing. I had a dog bowl heated last year but, it just wasn’t enough water for my 13 hens. I’d have to water them 2 or more times a day.
Oh well, maybe I can get one later on.
Thanks for sharing though.
Shell
We have a stock tank heater with a cage in our large 18 inch rubber tub. My husband fashioned a lid for the tub and cut a hole aboout 3″ by 3″ in the top near the lip of the tub. This works well and only needs cleaned twice a week. The electric waterer would be a great item to replace this homemade system.
I have one of these. It was working great. The chickens unfortunately pulled the cord out again last night, so it was frozen pretty solid. In trying to pry it open, I broke the red handle off the top. If this waterer doesn’t sit perfectly level, it will drain out completely, flooding your coop. Currently, I’m trying to figure out if i can fashion a new handle (or buy a replacement).
I use a rubber bungy cord, and hang mine from the ceiling, I wrap it around and it sets level. I love mine!
Oneof these would be great for our NY winters where the chickens cant leave thier coops in the snow.
Very nice for our midwest Winters
I’m working my way, slowly but surely, toward convincing my husband that we NEED backyard chickens… and the more paraphernalia I just happen to collect, the closer we get! Yay! This type of water dispenser would be perfect in our central-Oregon mountain climate as well. And, maybe it would be the final straw on the camel’s back that would get hubby to finish building my coop! Hoping, hoping, hoping….