Freezing Temps - How Do You Keep Water From Freezing?

[smoknz28]

Completed a big project for me.... Trenched out nearly 200 feet, installed a 1" water line with two frost free yard hydrants, installed a 100 amp cable with a sub panel and 8 outlets. Plenty enough power to work with.

For the past five freezing winter seasons...I have been filling up five gallon buckets from inside the house and walking them outside to water my animals....this comes to an end!

So, I'm looking for feedback from those of you out there who have to deal with freezing temperatures and keeping your animals watered.

I know there are heated pans I can purchase to place under water trays and this is the way I'm leaning, but I'm hoping to get some good feedback and recommendations from those who have been there and done that with these freezing temperatures and water.

Thanks all.

Mark

 

[Hens and Roos]

We have a heated water bucket that we use- so far it has worked well.

Hopefully others can give you some ideas!

 

[goatgurl]

i have used the floating heaters from time to time in the large tanks i use.

 

[Poka_Doodle]

I am a chicken raiser so this is way different but, we have to change waterers daily and bring hot water out.
For our horses we have something installed to help with it but it takes plenty of work to use. bring hot water from the house out is all I can say for regular herd animals

 

[Latestarter]

There are a number of heating options from floating to submersible heaters. I use a submersible in a 5 gallon bucket that is automatic and comes on when water temp falls below 40* then turns itself off. This is for chickens and the buckets are covered and have horizontal nipples. There are also heaters for just about anything up to horse/cow sized water containers. I had a few nipples freeze overnight this past winter when temps were ~-15*f... but in the morning, I thawed them right out w/my fingers and they stayed unfrozen all day.

Would help us if we knew what livestock you will be trying to water during the winter...

 

[Poka_Doodle]

There are a number of heating options from floating to submersible heaters. I use a submersible in a 5 gallon bucket that is automatic and comes on when water temp falls below 40* then turns itself off. This is for chickens and the buckets are covered and have horizontal nipples. There are also heaters for just about anything up to horse/cow sized water containers. I had a few nipples freeze overnight this past winter when temps were ~-15*f... but in the morning, I thawed them right out w/my fingers and they stayed unfrozen all day.

Would help us if we knew what livestock you will be trying to water during the winter...

I didn't think it got that cold in the Colorado Winter, but then I am not suprised it gets cold, I am just not aware of how cold. Although in Winter Park around New Years there were days that we didn't go to ski until 9:30 or so from the temp, we usually go around 8 because of my brother's ski team